

They include Poodles, Beagles, Dachshunds, Miniature Schnauzers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Cairn Terriers.ĭiabetes in dogs is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical exams (to evaluate symptoms), blood tests (to measure your dog’s blood glucose levels and identify any abnormalities), and urine tests (to help identify the presence of glucose in the urine).

Certain Medical Conditions: Hypothyroidism, Pancreatitis, and Cushing’s disease can all make a dog more prone to developing diabetes.Medications: According to AVMA, “The long-term use of medications containing corticosteroids is also a risk factor for diabetes.”.While this should be taken seriously for a number of reasons, today we’re focused on diabetes… and obesity can contribute to insulin resistance. Obesity: According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 54 % of dogs in the U.S.Sex: Unspayed female dogs are reportedly twice as likely as male dogs to have diabetes.Age: According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), “diabetic dogs are usually 4-14 years of age and most are diagnosed at roughly 7-10 years of age.”.

Unfortunately, dogs do not respond well to these oral medications and usually need some insulin to control their disease.”Īny dog can develop diabetes, but here are some risk factors: According to VCA Animal Hospitals, “People with this form can often be treated with an oral drug that stimulates the remaining functional cells to produce or release insulin in an adequate amount to normalize blood sugar. So, while there is insulin production, the body essentially becomes resistant to it. Type 2 diabetes occurs when your dog’s body cannot properly use insulin.Type 1 diabetes occurs when your dog’s body is unable to produce insulin, meaning glucose can’t get into the body’s cells to be used for energy. Most diabetic dogs have Type 1 diabetes, and it usually requires lifelong treatment with insulin shots.In people, you’ve probably heard diabetes be classified as either Type I or Type II. These classifications are the same in dogs. This can cause a range of symptoms, which we’ll look at in just a minute. As a result, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to hyperglycemia (AKA high blood sugar). In dogs with diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the insulin that is produced is not effective at regulating blood glucose levels. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, and it helps regulate the amount of glucose in the bloodstream. All cells use glucose as their main source of energy, but it needs the help of insulin to get into those cells. Glucose is a type of sugar that provides the body with energy. Like with people, diabetes in dogs is all about glucose and insulin. In this article, we’ll dig into what diabetes is, common risk factors, symptoms, and care tips. Now for some good news: With proper treatment and healthy lifestyle choices, diabetic pets can enjoy long and happy lives. Did you know dogs can suffer from diabetes? In fact, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual, one out of every 300 dogs is diagnosed with this medical condition.
