DIABETES IN DOGS

How to Detect Diabetes in Dogs

There is no cure for diabetes. But the earlier you detect diabetes in dogs, the more effective the treatment will be. This article will tell you how to detect diabetes in dogs.

EditSteps

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   Know if your dog is especially susceptible to diabetes. Keep in mind, however, that dogs can still get diabetes even if they don’t fall into one of these high-risk groups.
   

   
   
   
   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Canine diabetes can start with obesity. This is not always the case; with some breeds it can be genetic. More dogs with diabetes are obese. The best way to check for obesity is by checking your dog’s rib cage. Run your hand along your dog’s rib cage and feel for the ribs. You should be able to feel the ribs easily. If not, your dog may be obese.
     
     
     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   • Diabetes usually happens in dogs around the age of 7 to 9.[1]
     
     
     
   
   
   • Bigger dogs are more likely to get dog diabetes than smaller breeds.[2]
     
     
     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   • Female dogs are twice as likely to get diabetes than male dogs.[1]
     
     
     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   


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   Look for the main signs of canine diabetes: excessive drinking, excessive urination, and weight loss.[3] Many times pet owners will notice the dog starts urinating in the house or in their bed. Do not limit the dog’s water intake. This is very crucial, because the dog will need all the water it needs. This will prevent dehydration.
   

   
   
   
   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Additional signs of diabetes include lethargy and sudden blindness.[1]
     
     
     
   
   
   • The diabetic dog will have a normal or increased appetite.[4]
     
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   


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   Visit your vet immediately if you notice these symptoms. Diabetes that isn’t treated can lead to further health complications. The vet will want to perform blood tests to see how high the levels of glucose are in the bloodstream and to make sure no other organs have been affected by diabetes. They will also want to perform a urinalysis to check kidney function and monitor for urinary tract infections, which are common in diabetics.
   

   
   
   
   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   

EditTips

• There really is no cure for diabetes yet. Sometimes it lasts a lifetime. If it does, the best you can do is give the dog its medication and to not limit the water.

EditWarnings

• Although you shouldn’t treat the diabetes, itself, like an emergency, don’t wait too long before checking with your vet.

• 
  

Sources and Citations

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 http://www.petplace.com/dogs/diabetes-in-dogs/page1.aspx


2. ↑ http://www.diabetesindogs.net/


3. ↑ http://www.pgaa.com/canine/health/diabetes.html


4. ↑ http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/ClientEd/diabetes.aspx

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How to Care for a Diabetic Dog

Humans are not the only mammal that can get diabetes. Some dogs have diabetes, which means that they need special care and a new diet. This article shows how to care for your diabetic dog!

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   Go to your local vet. Get his or her opinion on a kind of pet food for your pet, and talk to them about what you can do to care for your dog.
   

   
   
   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Ask about the right diet for the dog.
     
     
     
   
   
   • Ask whether your dog will need insulin.
     
     
     
   
   
   • Ask for instructions on giving the insulin injections safely and correctly. Your vet should be able to demonstrate, and may ask you to practice while he or she instructs and watches.
     
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   


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   Buy the amount of insulin your vet suggests.
   

   
   
   
   
   • Be sure to get a sharps disposal container for the needles, and make sure you know how to dispose of full sharps containers safely.
     
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   


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   Move the insulin shots around. Your dog can get very sore if you repeatedly apply the shot it in the same place.
   

   
   
   
   


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   Keep a supply of insulin handy. Call the vet to order more for pick-up before you’re down to the last few days’ worth.
   

   
   
   
   


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   Go to the pet store. Get a dietary pet food, and get a blood sugar tester for your dog.
   

   
   
   
   
   • Find an employee to help you find what your looking for, and don’t be afraid to ask someone else if you’re not comfortable with the answers.
     
     
     
   
   
   • Make sure that these are right for your dog. Take the items back to the vet and having the vet clarify, if you need to.
     
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   


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   Make sure your pet sitter knows how to care for your dog. If you have to go out of town for any reason, and need a pet sitter, make sure that that person is well educated with dogs, is someone you trust, and be sure to teach them how to give insulin.
   

   
   
   
   


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   Buy low sugar or sugar free treats. Your dog will love them whether or not they have sugar or not.
   

   
   
   
   


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   Feed your dog an average daily amount of no more than 5 grams of sugar per meal. Write it down and keep track if you have to.
   

   
   
   
   
   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   

EditVideo

EditTips

• Give your dog plenty of attention. Your dog will definitely return the favor, and it will help compensate if the treats or diet are now restricted, or if the new regimen of regular shots isn’t popular.


• Cinnamon treats are a very good sugar boost if your dog’s sugar levels are low.


• Try giving the shot to your dog when they are eating this helps take their mind off the shot.


• Some vets offer special foods through their offices. These foods work extremely well because they are specifically designed for pets with dietary health issues. If these are unavailable, then getting pet store foods checked with your vet also works to see if the food is the kind your dog needs.

EditWarnings

• Never prick yourself with the shot. It could be very dangerous to a human.


• Insulin overdose is highly dangerous and can result in death if overdosed. Be sure to give your pet the exact amount of insulin prescribed by the vet, no more, no less.


• Always keep the insulin refrigerated. Do not leave it sitting out, as this makes it warm, and no longer effective, or freeze it as this crystallizes the insulin/ sugar molecules!


• Keep insulin and needles away from children or pets.

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How to Prevent Heat Stroke in Dogs

                                                                         

Hot summer weather can be more dangerous to dogs than many pet owners realize. When a dog’s internal temperature is raised too high (generally about 106 degrees F), a chemical reaction occurs that actually breaks down the cells in your pet’s body and can result in death. But, thankfully, there are some simple common-sense steps you can take to keep your dog healthy and prevent heat stroke.

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   Ensure that any dog kept outdoors has plenty of water and shade. If the weather is unusually hot, take time to check the outdoor temperature in your pet’s area. It may be too hot in some locations to leave your pet outdoors regardless of how much water and shade your pet has.
   

   
   
   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   
   
   


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   Restrict outdoor exercise to the early morning and late evening when temperatures are cooler.
   

   
   
   
   


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   Carry water with you when walking your dog. Watch your pet carefully for indications that he is over-heating, such as heavy panting, loss of energy, and any obvious weakness or stumbling. If your pet begins to show signs of heat suffering, stop in a shady spot and give him some water. If symptoms don’t subside, take him directly home and seek veterinary care.
   

   
   
   
   


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   Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car. Even if you park in the shade and leave the windows open slightly, the internal temperature of your car can heat up and put your dog in fatal danger within just a few minutes.
   

   
   
   
   


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   Equip your car with window shades if you are planning a long car trip with your dog. Bring cold water along to help keep your dog hydrated and cool.
   

   
   
   
   
   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   

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EditTips

• You can purchase cool pads for use in the dog’s crate or in your car. When soaked with cool water, they keep the temperature down. Bandanas can also be used in this way.


• Pharmacies carry athlete-grade ice packs that can be frozen and create little mess. Additionally, they can be applied directly to specific areas.


• Heat exhaustion is very common in bulldogs, pugs, and other breeds with short muzzles; special care must be taken with these breeds to prevent heat stroke.


• To help your dogs feel cooler, you may fill a spray bottle with water and squirt him but unless you have used this method as a punishment, as it may think it has done something wrong.

EditWarnings

• If your dog is showing signs of heat stroke, use a rectal thermometer to check his temperature. If it is approaching 105 degrees, put your dog in a cool bath (or at least sponge him down) and call your veterinarian immediately. When your pet’s temperature drops to 103 or 104 degrees, you can take him out of the cool bath so his temperature won’t drop too quickly.


• Some vets feel ice cubes are hazardous for certain dogs. Consult your vet to ensure ice okay for your pet.

t

EditSources and Citations

• Additional information on heat stroke and other dog health issues can be found at I-Love-Cavaliers.com.

How to Treat Heat Stroke in Dogs

Edited by Twoscompany, Davjohn, Whoze,

How to Treat Heat Stroke in Dogs

Dogs are not as efficient at releasing heat as we are; built to conserve rather than release heat, they tend to heat up faster than we do.[1] As such, we may not twig to the fact that a dog has become overheated until symptoms suddenly develop. Heat stroke in dogs is a very serious condition and its onset can often take you by surprise, escalating into an emergency situation in a matter of minutes. Knowing how to treat a dog experiencing heat stroke may be vital to saving your dog’s life.

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   Recognize the symptoms of heat stroke in a dog. React quickly if you notice that your dog is dehydrated or is suffering from some or all of the following heat stroke symptoms:
   
   

   
   
   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   
   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Unusual breathing – rapid and loud
     
     
     
   
   
   • High rectal temperature (see how to take this below)
     
     
     
   
   
   • Extreme thirst
     
     
     
   
   
   • Weakness and/or fatigue
     
     
     
   
   
   • Frequent vomiting
     
     
     
   
   
   • Disorientation
     
     
     
   
   
   • A bright red tongue and pale gums
     
     
     
   
   
   • Skin around muzzle or neck doesn’t snap back when pinched
     
     
     
   
   
   • Difficulty breathing
     
     
     
   
   
   • Collapse or coma
     
     
     
   
   
   • Thick saliva
     
     
     
   
   
   • Increased heart rate.
     
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   


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   If you suspect that your dog is overheated, immediately take them to a shady spot or into a cool indoors room. Removing the heat source is an important immediate response. If possible, take them into a building such as a room with air conditioning. If circulating the air through air conditioning is not possible, see if you can locate a fan.
   
   

   
   
   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   
   
   


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   Cool the dog down. Depending on what you have available to you, do your best to cool down your dog quickly. Some possible ways to approach this include:[2]
   
   

   
   
   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Pour cool water water over the dog’s head and body.
     
     
     
   
   
   • Drape wet towels over your dog. Don’t leave wet cloths in place for too long though, as the fur will get damp.
     
     
     
   
   
   • Gently hose them using a very gentle stream of water, preferably a dribble or light spray (do not use it at full strength).
     
     
     
   
   
   • Where it is possible, submerge your dog in a bathtub or tank of cool (not cold) water.
     
     
     
   
   
   • Never use ice water or ice––this will close the skin pores, shrink the skin’s surface vessels and can exacerbate the heat stroke. It can lead to shock or even cause hypothermia.[3][2]
     
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   


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   Fan the dog and spread their fur open using your fingers. It will help to fan your dog as you cool them with water, and run your fingers through the coat to lift it up and help the air to flow through. Fur acts as an insulating blanket trapping heat, so opening it up and exposing the skin underneath to air can help the dog to cool down faster.
   
   

   
   
   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   
   
   


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   Take the dogs temperature. A dog suffering from heat stroke will have a temperature of 103ºF (39.5ºC) or above. Ideally, don’t try taking the temperature until you have removed the heat source and tried to cool them down. Moreover, only take their temperature if it’s not likely to disturb or upset them. Use a rectal thermometer to take the dog’s temperature:
   
   

   
   
   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   
   
   
   • If you’re using a mercury thermometer, you will have to reduce the mercury to below 94ºF (34.4ºC) by shaking it lightly.
     
     
     
   
   
   • Lubricate it with a lubricant such as petroleum or KY jelly.
     
     
     
   
   
   • Ask a helper to hold the dog by holding the head and front part of the body.
     
     
     
   
   
   • Locate the rectum and lift the tail for access.
     
     
     
   
   
   • Carefully insert the thermometer into the rectum about one inch (2.5cm); do not let go of it.
     
     
     
   
   
   • Wait two minutes for a mercury thermometer, or until a digital one beeps. When this happens, carefully remove the thermometer and read the temperature.
     
     
     
   
   
   • A normal rectal temperature is about 100.5ºF – 102.5ºF (38.6ºC to 38.9ºC). If the dog’s temperature is above this, heat stroke is likely.
     
     
     
   
   
   • Keep tabs on the dog’s rectal temperature as they recover. If it returns to a normal level (below 103ºF/39.5ºC), you can stop the cooling techniques; however, keep the dog in a cool area and make sure they have water. Once body temperature reduces to normal, the cooling will continue naturally provided the dog is in a cool place.
     
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   


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   When your dog comes around, try to give them a small quantity of water to drink. It is also okay to try and give them pediatric electrolyte solution, repeating as often as they want to drink it.[2]
   
   

   
   
   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   
   
   


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   Contact an emergency vet clinic. As you cool the dog, call any emergency vet clinic for advice on treating the dog’s heatstroke. As soon as the rectal temperature is at an appropriate level, bring the dog to an (emergency) vet clinic. Be aware that even if the dog does not appear to be suffering from any issues, there may be internal damage. It’s best to have a check-up to be reassured of the all-clear.
   
   

   
   
   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   

EditTips

• Equally important for your dog’s sense of calm, is to keep yourself calm. If you panic, your dog can sense this and may also panic, exacerbating the situation. Instead, remain as calm as possible, work methodically to restore their normal temperature and make fast arrangements to transport them to the vet. Stay focused so that you can stay reassured that you’re doing all you possibly can to increase the chances of your dog’s survival.


• For information on preventing heatstroke, read How to prevent heat stroke in dogs.

• Be aware of what brings on heat stroke in dogs. The possible causes include:
  
  
  
  • Being left in a car, whether or not the windows are left slightly open, whether or not it’s summer. A dog can still get heat stroke on an overcast day when left in a car. Even with the windows rolled down, the inside of a parked car can reach 150ºF/66ºC in summer, which can cause heat stroke in minutes.[1] Note: This addy gives information about which states presently have laws regarding pets in cars:http://www.animallaw.info/articles/qvuspetsincars.htm
    
  
  
  • Being left outside without shade and/or water.
  
  
  • Having a short muzzle, as seen in breeds such as English Bulldogs and Pugs.
  
  
  • Suffering from a condition which impairs breathing, including obesity.
  
  
  • Being a breed bred from a colder environment or having a thick coat; such as a Alaskan Malamute.
  
  
  • Being over-exercised in warm to hot conditions.
  
  
  
  


• Dogs cannot sweat.[1] They pant to release heat instead, unable to take advantage of the evaporative cooling system that sweating is for human beings. This is why it is very important to keep a dog out of the heat and to avoid exercising a dog in the hottest part of the day during the warmer months.

EditThings You’ll Need

• Overheated dog


• Cool area


• Cool water


• Towels


• Water or electrolyte preparation for rehydration


• Vet emergency contact details