When a dog develops diabetes it is caused by either an insufficient reaction to insulin or a deficit of the hormone insulin.
A dog’s digestive system breaks down food into a variety of components after it eats which includes glucose that is transported to the cells via insulin, a hormone that the pancreas secretes. When a dog cannot use insulin normally or cannot produce it, the dog’s sugar level rise. This causes hyperglycemia and if this condition is left untreated it may result in many health problems for the dog. It is also important to note that dogs can lead healthy and happy lives if the diabetes is managed.
Common Forms of Diabetes in Dogs
The two classifications of diabetes are Type 1 and Type ll. Type 1 is the lack of the production of insulin and Type ll is when insulin production is impaired together with an insufficient reaction to insulin. The most common type of diabetes that occurs in dogs is Type 1. In order for a dog with Type 1 diabetes to survive, they have to take insulin therapy. There are some commons symptoms of diabetes in dogs which include:
- Weight loss
- Appetite changes
- Excessive increase in water consumption/thirst* Increase in urination
- Blindness, development of cataracts
- Vomiting
- UTIs
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- Chronic skin infections
- Unusual fruity or sweet smelling breath
Common Causes of Diabetes in Dogs
There is no exact known cause for diabetes in dogs. However, thing such as obesity, genetics, abnormal amount of deposits of protein, autoimmune disease, some medications, and pancreatitis, may play a significant role in the development of diabetes.
It is perceived that female dogs and obese dogs run a higher risk of diabetes development in the latter parts of their lives (6 to 9 years). There are some breeds that also have higher risks which include samoveds, keeshonds, poodles, dachshunds, miniature and standard schnauzers, and Australian terriers.