Posted on August 27, 2010 by: WayCoolDogs

• Tweet

Diabetes in aging dogs and humans is known as diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to as sugar diabetes. Primary signs to look for are drinking lots of water, excessive urination, and losing weight with no decrease in appetite. Many dog owners associate these symptoms with aging, not diabetes mellitus in their older dog. This is dangerous as dogs that have been diagnosed with diabetes require insulin to control their disease, while  diabetes in cats can be controlled through diet and medicine.

Types of Diabetes in Dogs

Diabetes in aging dogs may consist of three types of canine diabetes – Diabetes 1, Diabetes 2 and diabetes insipidus. The third type is a serious condition and causes symptoms of extreme thirst and excessive amounts of urination. Knowing what each one is may help save your dog’s life.

• Diabetes 1 canine diabetes is caused by an insufficient production of the pancreas of the hormone known as insulin.
• Type 2 canine diabetes is a result of an inadequate response by the dog to insulin.

• Diabetes mellitus is a condition in the dog’s body which is similar to untreated diabetes mellitus. The difference is that the animal’s urine does not contain glucose, with prevents the dog from having an elevated blood glucose level, referred to as hyperglycemia. Their body cannot conserve water that it drinks, requiring available water at all times or rapid dehydration will occur.

Signs and symptoms of diabetes in dogs

Sugar diabetes in dogs is associated with the second of two main functions of the pancreas. The first function is to provide digestive enzymes to the body and the second function is to make insulin for the body’s sugar metabolism. Breeds of dogs most affected with sugar diabetes are the German Shepherd, Poodles, Keeshonden and Golden Retrievers – yet diabetes does not rule out any dog breed, with females outnumbering males by three to one. The onset usually will occur from six to nine years of age in dogs with the severity of symptoms depending on the advancement of the disease.

• Drinking lots of water
• Large appetite
• Unexplained loss of weight
• Frequent urination
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Weakness
• Possible cataracts
• Without treatment, the diabetic dog will collapse into a coma

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the most serious complication of diabetes in dogs and humans. It occurs when high levels of blood acids (ketones) are produced in the body.

The cause of DKA is when too little insulin is produced in the body, necessary in helping glucose (sugar) enter the cells for energy.

Without the insulin, bodies break fat down as an alternative fuel for the body to use out of necessity – a process which produces the toxic ketone in the bloodstream.

Signs of DKA are very severe and can develop in 24 hours, with swelling in the brain developing which can cause coma and death if left untreated. Usually the body’s blood sugar will become extremely high before the symptoms occur.

• Blurred vision
• Extreme thirst
• Strong fruit breath smell
• Hot and dry skin
• Rapid and deep breathing
• Drowsiness
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Confusion

“Dietary Management for Diabetes in Aging Dogs”

Obesity greatly reduces tissue responsiveness to insulin and makes diabetes difficult to control. Accordingly, an overweight diabetic dog should be put on a high-fiber, high-carbohydrate diet until he reaches an ideal weight. Examples of such diets are Hill’s Prescription Diets r/d and w/d, Purina OM, and Fit and Trim Dry. Avoid soft-moist foods and treats, which are high in sugar. (Read more at WebMD for pets)

* * * * *

For more dog health info, dog stories and fun stuff, subscribe to our newsletter here!

* * * * *

(Sponsored)

Related posts:

• Causes of Liver Disease in Dogs
• Dogs and Chocolate Easter Bunnies
• Signs and Symptoms of Dogs with Arthritis
• Hypothyroidism in dogs: Symptoms and Treatments
• Dog Health Problems