5 Reasons to Test Your Dog for Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a hormonal condition in which the pancreas cannot make enough insulin. This hormone aids in pushing sugar (“glucose”) into the body’s cells. Without insulin, the body’s cells are hungry for sugar, which prompts your body’s production of additional sugar (to provide the cells with food). That’s why your dog’s blood sugar levels are incredibly high (known as “hyperglycemia”) with diabetes mellitus.
Without insulin, sugar can’t enter the cells, so you must administer an insulin injection to your dog using just a tiny syringe every day. For dogs, it is an illness that is costly to treat and requires daily insulin and frequent veterinary visits for the remainder of the dog’s life.
So how can you tell whether your dog is suffering from diabetes? Signs of diabetes mellitus in dogs are:
- Excessive drinking
- Excessive urination
- Urinary accidents that occur in the home
- Dilute urine
- Overweight or obese
- The loss of muscle
- A raving appetite
- Urinary tract infections are common
- Weakness
- Hair that is not well-maintained or clean
- Eyesight secondary to cataracts
- Neuropathies (nerve problems)
As your dog ages, you must speak with your vet about regular blood tests to ensure your pet is healthy. The blood tests will help rule out the possibility of kidney or liver issues, anemia, infections, electrolyte disorders, and diabetes. The earlier you recognize symptoms, the faster your dog will be treated by insulin and the fewer problems you will experience.
If you observe any of the symptoms above, take your dog to a vet promptly. Then, read on for five important reasons to check your dog’s blood sugar levels:
1. Your pet will be healthier
The effects of diabetes mellitus could reduce the life span of your dog as secondary infections and complications can be present. As a result of diabetes, the body’s immune system is compromised and more prone to develop complications due to diabetes that result in long-term harm to your dog.
2. Your pet will be able to observe
Did you be aware that the majority of dogs suffering from diabetes eventually lose their sight due to cataracts? Even dogs with well-controlled diabetes with excess sugar in the body could cause secondary damage to the cornea of the eyes. It triggers more water to enter the eye, which impedes the lens’s clarity. This is why cataract formation can occur, resulting in blindness or secondary inflammation in both eyes. As for cataract surgery, While it is possible (and must) be done, it could be expensive.
3. You’ll save lots of dollars
Diabetes mellitus treatment comprises insulin therapy and insulin syringes twice a day. Diets, as well as frequent visits to the vet to get blood tests and other blood tests. Additionally, since diabetic dogs cannot live without insulin, hiring Pet sitters or house sitters to pamper your pet when you’re away, taking a break could be necessary.
4. You’ll experience fewer urinary accidents within the home
One of the most apparent symptoms of diabetes mellitus that is not controlled is drinking too much, frequent urination, and urination accidents around the home. Due to the high glucose levels, dog breeds are also at a higher risk of developing urinary tract infections that can destroy your carpet. The sooner you can treat your pet with insulin and get diabetes managed or controlled more effectively, the less likely your dog’s thirst and urine, which makes your dog more comfortable as well!
5. You’ll feel more secure in knowing your pet is in good health
As a veterinarian and dog owner, I would like to ensure my pet’s health is as good as it can be. Perhaps you’re already talking with your veterinarian regarding vaccines every year in a dog over seven years old Age Next, you should speak to your vet about the possibility of doing Every year, there is routine blood work, too. It will be able to recognize medical issues sooner, so you can be at ease knowing that your dog is going to have a longer and happier life!
A dog with diabetes is a huge commitment because it demands dedicated pet parents who can administer twice-a-day insulin doses. Being a diabetic dog’s caregiver will require frequent visits to the vet to control your blood sugar. However, they can live with diabetes for many years without proper treatment and care. If in doubt, be sure you monitor your dog’s health closely for symptoms of diabetes. Also, seek veterinary care sooner than later to test for this recurring issue! If you have any concerns or questions, You should contact your veterinarian. They are the best person to ensure that you are in good health and the well-being of your pets.