Diabetes

Similar to people, dogs can develop Type I and Type 2 diabetes and face some of the same complexities of this disease that we do. The most frequently occurring form of the disease in dogs is Type I, which requires them to receive insulin therapy to survive.

This occurs when a dog’s pancreas cannot produce enough insulin on its own for its body to function. Signs that your dog could be diabetic are excessive thirst, weight loss, sweet or fruity breath, cataract formation, chronic skin or urinary tract infections, lethargy, among other symptoms.

Some breeds are also more susceptible than others to having these conditions. Treating diabetes is a very individual process, so working with a veterinarian who understands the condition well is important for maintaining the good health of your dog.

Although some cases may be more challenging, canine diabetes can be usually managed successfully without complications. From giving injections to monitoring glucose levels daily, you will play the primary role in your dog’s care, and your commitment to keeping up with his daily shots and monitoring is extremely important.

High sugar level in the bloodstream damages many organs. Without insulin to help convert the glucose in the bloodstream into fuel, high levels of glucose build up in the blood. Unfortunately, this abnormal blood chemistry acts like a sort of poison and eventually causes multi-organ damage. This often includes damage to the kidneys, eyes, heart, blood vessels, or nerves.