Diabetes will shape your dog’s habits and diet for life
Your dog is likely suffering from something similar to type 1 diabetes in humans, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes or diabetes mellitus. Some 95% of dogs with diabetes have this condition, which can be controlled with insulin.
Be on the lookout for the 4 early signs of diabetes in your dog:
- Polydipsia, or excessive thirst
- Polyuria, peeing more often and in larger amount.
- Polyphagia, or excessive appetite (they eat non-stop and are never satiated)
- Weight loss
Risk factors for developing sugar diabetes include:
- Genetics
- Age
- While the disease can appear in dogs of any age, it’s more common in mature dogs (over age 7).
- Sex
- Female dogs are about twice as likely to get diabetes than their male littermates.
- This correlation was demonstrated in studies conducted by Panciera in 1990 and Goossens in 1998.
- Obesity
- Concurrent conditions that contribute to insulin resistance
According to studies led by Guptill in 1999 and Hess in 2000, certain dog breeds are at higher risk of developing diabetes mellitus, including:
- Australian terriers
- Standard and miniature schnauzers
- Bichons frisés
- Spitz
- Fox terriers
- Miniature and toy poodles
- Samoyeds
- Cairn terriers
- Keeshonds
- Maltese
- Lhasa apsos
- Yorkshire terriers
While there is no cure for diabetes mellitus, we know it can be controlled with a combination of insulin, exercise, and nutrition.
Is your dog living with diabetes? It’s important to keep them on a strict food regimen. Their diet should have a consistent nutritional profile, as recommended by your veterinarian. This will help stabilize your pup’s metabolism and allow them to lead a happy, healthy life.