Is It Possible to Treat Diabetes in Dogs?
Theres no cure for diabetes. Still, your veterinarian can prescribe a treatment plan to help manage the disease. Dogs with diabetes mellitus typically require two injections of insulin every day to stabilize their blood sugar levels. A dog diabetes diet plan is also a key part of treatment, as consistent feedings help keep blood sugar levels predictable and maintain a healthy weight.
Its important to work closely with your vet to tweak your dogs treatment plans. Consistency is key, and while a missed dose of insulin might be tolerated by the body, its very important to administer injections regularly. Diet and exercise are key components of a healthy life for a diabetic dog, but they arent enough on their own. Attempts at treating dog diabetes without insulin are not recommended and are potentially life-threatening.
Common Signs of Diabetes in Dogs
If youre wondering if your dog could have diabetes, there are many symptoms to look out for. Some early signs of dog diabetes include:
These are the most typical symptoms, but there may be others. “Less commonly, we will see changes such as neurologic weakness with a change in their gait,” Puchot explains.
These symptoms can often overlap with other endocrine diseases in canines. For instance, Cushings disease and diabetes in dogs can present similarly but with some key differences. For example, while not a typical symptom of dog diabetes, panting is a common early sign of Cushings disease.
If your dog isnt quite acting herself, its important to schedule a visit with your vet to diagnose the underlying issue and begin proper treatment.
Credit: AleksandarNakic / Getty
The exact frequency of diabetes in dogs is not known, but research shows its a rising trend. Banfield Pet Hospitals annual State of Pet Health Report surveyed 2.5 million dogs in their 2016 report, which analyzed 10-year trends of common diseases, and found that cases of canine diabetes increased by nearly 80 percent since 2006. Its also estimated that one in every 300 dogs will develop diabetes in their lifetime.
While veterinarians arent completely sure what causes diabetes, its common enough to identify some common risk factors, including:
- Golden retrievers
- Pugs
- Samoyeds
- Miniature schnauzers
- German shepherds
- Dachshunds
- Poodles
- Beagles
To protect your dogs overall health, be sure to make regular appointments with your vet, avoid table scraps and sugary sweets, and ensure your pup gets the exercise she needs.
If not properly managed, diabetes can cause serious health issues. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is often caused by an overdose of insulin. Low blood sugar levels can cause brain damage and other life-threatening complications, so its important to monitor your dogs blood sugar regularly.
If your diabetic dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, get her to the vet right away as it may be an emergency.
Another common complication of dog diabetes is cataracts, which can cause blindness quickly, often before pet owners even realize their dog has diabetes. In fact, as many as 75 percent of dogs with diabetes develop cataracts, and 75 percent of those dogs will lose vision within a year if left untreated. If your dogs eyes suddenly appear cloudy or have a blue-ish gray tint over the pupil, contact your vet for diagnosis and treatment options.
Finally, a serious complication of diabetes in dogs is diabetic ketoacidosis. When the body cant access glucose due to diabetes, it begins to break down fat stores as a way to fuel the bodys cells. However, this creates “ketones,” a poisonous byproduct that can quickly result in serious health complications.
In fact, ketoacidosis is sometimes part of the final stages of dog diabetes. “Advanced stages of diabetes will lead to profound weight loss and specifically muscle mass loss. They can become very weak as well from muscular and neurologic changes. Finally, they will develop the diabetic ketoacidosis complication which will lead to vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and decreased appetite,” Puchot explains. These symptoms, along with tremors or seizures and abnormal breathing patterns, could be signs your dog with diabetes is dying.
If you see any of these signs in your dog, seek emergency veterinary treatment immediately.
How to Stop Diabetic Dogs from Shaking
Check your dog’s glucose levels frequently to identify whether your dog is shaking due to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Feed your dog a proper and well-balanced diet to maintain its blood glucose levels.
Shaking in diabetic dogs can be serious. If left untreated, it can cause severe complications and can be fatal. The first step in solving a problem is recognizing it. Identify what is causing your dog to exhibit this behavior to better care for it.
There are steps you can take to stop your diabetic dog from shaking:
Take your dog to a veterinarian if its condition worsens or if you are unable to identify the root cause of the problem.
6 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Shaking or Shivering
Typically, panting and shaking are normal dog behaviors and their causes are generally pretty clear. When dogs get hot, panting helps cool them down. Shaking can do the same and may also be exhibited when they get excited. Older and obese dogs tend to show these behaviors more often. They may pant and shake more as a result of general weakness in the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.
While dog panting and shaking is a typical response in these scenarios, the combination of the two may still mean there is something wrong and could be a sign of a serious canine health condition. Allow this article to serve as a guide to help you better understand what it means if your dog is panting or shaking. Let’s dive deeper into some of the causes of each.
Panting and shaking in excess are the most common symptoms of canine heat stroke. Heat can affect dogs differently, some get hot easier than others and thus are more prone to heat stroke. Drooling, glassy eyes, overall canine weakness and an increased heart rate in dogs are all common symptoms. If you suspect your dog is overheating, move him to a shady spot and submerge him in cool water – however, avoid cold water, which could actually constrict blood vessels and make matters worse. Additionally, you should provide your dog with cool water to drink or even an ice cube to lick. Once your pup’s temperature has returned to normal levels, take him to the vet immediately.
In some cases, panting and shaking may be the result of a canine fever or an infection in dogs. In others, maybe your dog has ingested something toxic, such as food or chemicals. If it’s a fever or infection and gets to a point where your dog is shaking and panting, he may have developed hyperthermia. Shaking and panting helps lower body temperature. In either scenario, the shaking and panting should not be ignored. Contact your vet immediately.
How can heart problems lead to panting and shaking? If your four-legged friend has a heart problem like canine heart disease, it can actually impact his breathing. For example, an enlarged heart may be pressing against the lungs. Panting is a natural response in an effort to fill the lungs with air. Dogs then shake due to a lack of oxygen flow throughout the body. Heart problems require prompt veterinary attention.
Shaking and panting can also be triggered when diabetic dogs become hypoglycemic. However, it’s not only diabetic dogs who are prone to low blood sugar. Certain breeds, such as the Italian Greyhound and Chihuahua, are also susceptible to low blood sugar simply because of their smaller and more delicate breeds. Help your dog recover quickly by placing one tablespoon of honey or maple syrup under your dog’s tongue allows the sugar to reach the blood quickly. Repeat this step every six hours or so while keeping your pup warm.
If your dog is experiencing pain or has suffered an injury, excessive panting and shaking are common responses. Sometimes an injury is obvious and visible, however, in other cases the injury and/or pain may be internal, making it more difficult for you to recognize. Another common sign of internal injury is pale gums, but signs and symptoms vary. There could be a myriad of causes for pain or discomfort, so in any instance, it’s recommended you see a vet.
If your dog has experienced a stressful event, it’s very common for him to pant and shake. Especially in new environments or around foreign stimuli which may cause fear or anxiety in dogs. While dogs respond to foreign stimuli differently, it’s important for you to be aware of what may have caused the fear or trauma and remove it from your dog’s environment. Taking away the stressor or removing your dog from a stress-inducing situation is always the most effective prevention method.
Much like humans, dog’s can experience sudden changes in behavior. This can be a scary situation when you aren’t sure of the cause. Unfortunately, while panting and shaking can be more common in senior dogs, excessive panting and shaking are usually indicative of a health problem or some form of emotional distress. The most common cause is overheating or heat stroke, but any of the above explanations may be the culprit. If your four-legged companion is experiencing any of these issues, react quickly and contact your vet as soon as possible.