Diabetes Mellitus in Dog

"Diabetes Mellitus in dog is similar to diabetes in humans where the body does not produce enough insulin to regulate sugar. While there is no cure, the disease is treatable with prescription medications, changes in diet and may be helped by natural supplements"

When the body does not produce enough insulin, the body is deprived of energy causing it to look for other sources such as the fat stored in the body. Since absorption and the break down of these fats isn't that efficient, acid and fat levels increase in the blood causing a condition called canine ketoacidosis. This break down of fats causes the weight loss associated with the condition. Since the body is craving nutrition, appetite increases. Glucose or sugar in the blood spills into the urine triggering a thirst response and the need for more urination.

Untreated, diabetes can cause life-threatening complications. With treatment, dogs can lead normal, happy lives.

Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus in Dog

See our complete guide to signs of diabetes in dog.

Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus in Dog

He or she will also look for signs of advanced stages of the disease, a condition called canine ketoacidosis. Typical symptoms include the abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea.

Treating Diabetes Mellitus in Dog

Your vet will show you how to give your dog insulin injections and tell you when to give them. Give him his medication at the same time every day. It may or may not be necessary for you to check your dog’s blood glucose levels at home. If it is necessary, your vet will show you how to do it as well.

Feed your dog at the same time every day. He should eat the same amount of food each day, as well. It is generally recommended that you feed your dog twice a day to keep his blood sugar levels even. Feed him a commercial dog food and do not give him table scraps. If your dog is overweight it will be harder to control his blood sugar levels, so talk to your vet about how to help him lose weight if needed.

Your dog needs regular exercise, and it will be important for him to get about the same amount of exercise each day because the amount of exercise he gets affects the amount of insulin his body requires. That means if he exercises a lot one day and not at all another day, he’ll need different amounts of insulin. Unless you are monitoring his blood glucose level and adjusting his insulin dose accordingly, this could spell trouble for your dog.

For instructions that you can refer to (use only as a guide, we assume no liability for use of these instructions - only rely on the advice of your veterinarian) cick here for a guide to using a diabetes dog needle.

Dog Diabetes High Protein Diet

High-quality proteins include chicken, fish, lamb, egg, and beef as opposed to plant protein which isn't as good. Having a leaner body is associated with better glycemic control.

Commercially available foods to consider include Eukanuba® Adult Maintenance, Eukanuba® Adult Reduced Fat for weight maintenance and Eukanuba® Adult Reduced Fat food for weight loss. See our detailed guide on the optimal diet for dogs with diabetes.

Other important nutrients include:

l-Carnitine - a vitaminlike compound that promotes fatty acid metabolism for weight loss.

Dietary fiber - foods that contain sorghum, barley and moderate amounts of fermentable dietary fiber such as beet pulp, fructooligosaccharides and gum arabic.

Chromium - this diet supplement helps tissue absorption of insulin.

Natural Medicine for Dogs with Diabetes

Sources

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