Diabetes isn't a disease that affects just humans - dogs can have diabetes, as well. While there is little evidence to suggest that dogs get Type 2 Diabetes, they can develop Type 1, which means that their bodies cannot generate enough insulin to keep their blood sugar levels in check.
While Type 1 Diabetes cannot be cured, it can be regulated, and with sustained treatments, your dog can live a long, healthy life. However, you must recognize the symptoms of diabetes first in order to get your pooch the proper treatment.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Diabetes
There are a number of symptoms that your dog will display if they he or she has diabetes. These symptoms include:
- Constant hunger or thirst
- Accidents in the Home
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting
- Depression or lethargy
There may also be an increase in urination, which may cause housetrained dogs to start urinating in places where they were warned away from before. Vomiting, depression or lethargy are late-stage symptoms of diabetes, but only through medical tests will it be determined that your dog has this disease.
Treatment for Diabetes
In most cases, your dog will require regular dosages of insulin in order to combat the increase in blood sugar in their system. In more severe cases, your dog may have to stay in the hospital for a short time in order to stabilize the blood sugar levels. At this time, the vet will show you how to inject the dog with insulin on a regular basis. The delivery systems include the following;
- Syringes
- Pumps
- Pens
- Inhalers
- Jet injectors
If you have pet insurance, they may cover only one type of delivery system, so be sure to check before selecting the one to use for your dog. You may want to talk to your insurance agent to find out all the options that are available.
Diet
Your dog will have to have a strict diet that regulates his or her caloric intake and helps stabilize the blood sugar levels so they do not spike as high when the dog is consuming food. While the ideal diet has yet to be discovered, feeding your dog plenty of fiber helps because it slows down the intake levels of sugar and helps the dog feel fuller after eating.
Exercise
Exercise will not only keep your dog in shape, but will also help regulate the amount of blood sugar in the body. It is important that your dog gets exercise on a daily basis, which can include walking, jogging with your dog, or simply playing for fifteen minutes or so per day depending on what your vet says will be helpful. Remember that exercise will also assist in helping your dog lose excess weight.
You will need to work with your vet to ensure the best plan for your dog. By keeping their blood sugar levels regulated, your dog should live a normal, healthy life which means that you and your pet will spend many happy years together, even with the presence of diabetes.
