Guest Post from Steve Manik of Dog Help Network: Diabetes in Dogs – More Common in Obese Animals

Diabetes in Dogs – More Common in Obese Animals

 Diabetes in dogs is basically a metabolic disorder in which the carbohydrate and fat metabolism are disturbed. It is said that 80 to 90 percent of dogs suffering from diabetes are females. There are many triggers for this disease. A congenital defect of the Langerhans islets (the insulin produced in the pancreas) is a major cause, but stressful situations or pregnancy can also trigger diabetes.

Diabetes in dogs restricts lowering of blood sugar level. There is a constant rise in these levels, the blood gets thicker and flow of blood slows down. These conditions are followed by symptoms such as eczema, itching, increased thirst, increase in urine output and dogs demanding more walk sessions. In the advanced stages, the animals get flabby and tired. It vomits and suffers from respiratory problems. The animals can go blind as a result of diabetes. Their liver and kidney may also get damaged due to diabetes. An immediate blood test must be carried out at the first glimpse of symptoms of this disease.

Types of Diabetes in Dogs

There are basically two common types of diabetes in dogs.

 • Type 1 Diabetes: Animals suffering from this type of diabetes have an inadequate production of insulin, which is what causes the disease. Young as well as genetically predisposed and/or obese animals are commonly affected. Juvenile diabetes usually occurs in young dogs and is easily triggered by a viral illness. The pancreas becomes inflamed due to this viral disease. The islet cells in the pancreas are destroyed. Treatment for this type of diabetes consists of a regular dose of insulin. Insulin injections are regularly used on animal after it is diagnosed with diabetes.

• Type 2 Diabetes: This type of diabetes shows lack of insulin action even when the pancreas produces enough of it. In this case the exchange between the insulin and its receptors on the cell surface is not carried out in a proper manner. This results in the failure of glucose utilization of the cells.

Risk Factors

The major risk factor for insulin resistance is obesity (20% or more are overweight). Diabetes is particularly common in overweight dogs, as well as animals with a metabolic disorder, physical inactivity and with insulin-acting hormones. When a dog has to live with cortisone for long, it develops jatrogene diabetes. The most common cause of type 2 diabetes is overweight caused as a result of malnutrition. The frequency of the disease increases with the age of the animal. The majority of affected dogs are more than 9 years old.

Treatment Options

The most common treatment for Type 2 diabetes is a consistent diet with high fiber contents, lots of exercise, less tasty treats between meals and sodium sulphate and magnesium phosphate, which helps to reduce weight.

Balanced diet is very important for the analysis of diabetes in dogs. The food composition must be the same always. Blood glucose monitoring and continuous adjustment in the amount of insulin is not a pleasant experience for the animals. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian before modifying your pet’s diet.

 Check out our site for more information on diabetes in dogs at www.dogdiabeteshelp.com

About the Author:

Steve Manik  is one of the team members of  www.doghelpnetwork.com.The Dog Help Network is a resource for dog owners looking for accurate information on a variety of dog health issues, specific diseases and conditions a dog may contract in their lifetime, as well as behavioral and training information. The Dog Help Network was put together and is managed by a dedicated team of dog lovers who share an interest in dog health.

Dog Diabetes - 4 The Love of Animals

There is no one cure for diabetes in dogs, but it can be managed well if caught at an early stage. There are a few common symptoms to look for when dealing with dog diabetes. Dog diabetes usually surfaces between the ages of 7 and 9. About one out of every ten dogs will suffer from diabetes. The most common type of dog diabetes is known as diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetes is when the pancreas cannot produce enough natural insulin to prevent glucose levels from rising in your dog’s system. If the levels of glucose get too high, they will leak into the kidneys and cause infections and eventually lead to other internal problems.

Symptoms of Dog Diabetes

There are a number of symptoms to keep an eye out for when dealing with diabetes. The most obvious symptoms include:

• Frequent urination


• Excessive water consumption


• Lethargy and lack of energy


• Cataract formation


• Weight loss or gain

The most common symptoms are frequent urination and excessive water consumption. This is because excess glucose in the body cannot process normally in the bloodstream. Your dog’s body will then try to rid the glucose through urination. This in turn causes extreme thirst, which starts the vicious process all over again.

Treatment of Dog Diabetes

Treatment for dog diabetes includes:

• Spaying Females. Female dogs are more susceptible to diabetes than males. Lots of owners choose to spay their dogs to help balance hormone levels.


• Insulin shots. When your dog has diabetes, his natural production of insulin from the pancreas is low. Insulin shots are given and need to be monitored properly to avoid a low blood sugar crisis.


• Diet. Diet is extremely important for diabetic dogs. A good diet is beneficial because it decreases your dog’s dependency on insulin, controls sugar and carbohydrate levels, and helps your dog to lose weight.?Exercise. It is important to keep your dog active during diabetes. This will help maintain weight and keep diabetes under control.?Supplements. There are many different supplements available to help along with treatment and diet. Some of these supplements include vinegar, vitamin E, cinnamon and Chromium.

Always take your dog to the veterinarian if you suspect he may have diabetes. Diabetes can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis and organ failure if left untreated. Once diabetes has been diagnosed in your dog, it’s time to begin treatment. It is important to follow a strict treatment plan to best suit your dog’s case of diabetes. Treatments are different for each dog. Talk to your veterinarian about the best options for your dog’s specific case of diabetes.

To learn more about canine diabetes, symptoms, treatment options and more, visit www.dogdiabeteshelp.com