Diabetes in dogs

Diabetes Mellitus is a disease caused by an endocrine disorder that prevents sugar from being absorbed into the cells. The absorption of sugar from the blood into the cells is regulated by insulin in healthy animals. Depending on the type of diabetes, insulin deficiency or insulin resistance occurs in the course of the disease, so that sugar absorption into the cells becomes insufficient and sugar accumulates in the blood. A distinction is made between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Whereas in type 1 the pancreas produces too litte insulin, in diabetes 2 there is a resistance to insulin, so that the mode of action is limited or cancelled out.

Nowadays, obesity is considered to be one of the main causes for the increased occurence of the so-called „ sugar hounds“.

What is diabetes?

Possible causes of diabetes are obesity, genetic predisposition, pancreatitis and glucocorticoid administration. However, obesity is now considered to be one of the main factors in the increased incidences of the so-called „sugar hounds“.

Diabetes mellitus – Diabetes- is a common condition not only in humans, but also in dogs. In this metabolic disease, the pancreas of the animal produces too little insulin(diabetes type1) or there is an insulin resistance(diabetes type 2) An insulin deficiency or insulin resistance means that the glucose in the blood can no longer reach the cells of the body. Type 1 diabetes classically occurs in young animals with a certain genetic disposition and rather in slimmer animals. Diabetes Type 2 is the so-called „senile diabetes“ which occurs predominantly in senior and overweight dogs. In obese patients, this type may be reversible if normal weight is regained.

If there is too little insulin or if it doesn´t develop its full effect, glucose uptake into the cells is prevented, resulting in a massive rise in glucose in the blood. In addition to polydipsia(increased drinking) and polyuria (increased urination), reduced energy, polyphagia(increased appetite) and cataracts(clouding of the lens as a late consequence) are classic symptoms of diabetes.

Diagnosis and therapy of diabetes

If you suspect that your dog has diabetes, you should consult a vet as soon as possible. The vet will diagnose the condition by taking a urine and blood test. The disease is easily treatable. The therapy consists of the permanent administration of insulin- unfortunately for life, since diabetes can almost never be cured. In obese animals, weight reduction is also a main part of the diabetes therapy, which can make the diabetes reversible. Female dogs should be spayed immediately because the release of the female sex hormone progesterone can promote or even trigger the disease.

Insulin is usually administered in the form of injections. The dosage varies depending on the dog and its diet, and is adjusted individually through control tests. In addition, the animal should be fed a special diet and maintain its ideal weight. A well-controlled and regularly monitored diabetic dog can live as long as a healthy dog. The correct management of the animal patient with regular blood tests, insulin adjustment and adapted feeding is crucial. Veterinarians also recommend regular so-called long-term blood glucose checks over a period of 12 hours. As stress can also affect the blood glucose level, these should ideally be carried out at home and not in the clinic.

Insulin administration in the form of injections

Normally, the dog receives its insulin twice a day before feeding. Your vet will show you how to inject and store the medication. In the case of an overdose, or if the dog refuses to eat, the blood glucose level can become dangerously low. Hypoglycaemia manifests itself as weakness, trembling and in the worst case total collapse. If the symptoms are mild, it helps to offer the dog food. In severe cases, there is a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary treatment.

Many owners(and dogs) find it difficult at first to administer insulin by injection. However, it is only a small prick that, with time and a little habit, is no longer an obstacle. An alternative administration of insulin via tablets is unfortunately not recommended, as the the dog in many cases reacts badly or only very briefly to the sugar lowering effect.

Special diet for dogs with diabetes

Dogs with diabetes need to be given insulin for the rest of their lives. In addition, they should be fed in such a way that the blood sugar level remains stable. Basically, a diabetic dog should be fed a very high- quality diet without grain. Highly digestable muscle meat provides healthy animo acids and Omega 6 fatty acids without burdening the pancreas. The amount of natural fibre from vegetables, fruit and herbs should be increased in a diabetic menu to slow down the passage of the food through the intestines, so that the nutrients are evenly released into the bloodstream.

Ideally, the diabetes menu should be supplemented with natural supplements and herbs that support balanced blood sugar levels and prevent so-called „sugar peaks“

In food management, it is recommended to feed the dog several small meals(at least two) throughout the day, so that the blood sugar level is kept as even as possible and the pancreas is relieved. Overweight dogs must also be fed a low-fat and low-calorie diet.