Type 1 Diabetes in Dogs
By epetsure
Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which the beta cells of the endocrine pancreas either stop producing insulin or can no longer produce it in enough quantity for the body’s needs. The condition is usually divided into two types, Type 1 and Type 2, depending on the origin. However, dogs are only prone to Type 1 Diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes, also called Juvenile Diabetes, is the result of the destruction of the beta cells of the pancreas. This essentially means that there is no chance for the dog to recover, or go into remission. Dogs diagnosed with diabetes will forever more be dependent on a strict insulin regimen to keep their blood sugars within in normal range, and of course, to keep them alive.
Here are the Top 10 Signs Your Pet Has Diabetes:
- Increased Thirst
- Increased Urination
- Increased Hunger
- Sudden Weight Loss
- Obesity
- Weakness or Fatigue
- Thinning or Dull Hair
- Cloudy Eyes
- Depression
- Vomiting
These symptoms can be caused by any number of conditions and illnesses, however, one of the most common is diabetes. Although dogs are only prone to Type 1, cats on the other hand are more likely to get Type 2 Diabetes. However, the symptoms for both types are similar.
Insulin required for dog’s diabetes
Q: Smokey, my 10-year-old small mixed-breed dog, started drinking excessively and urinating in the house. Her veterinarian diagnosed diabetes mellitus and prescribed twice-daily insulin injections.
Many humans control their diabetes without insulin, by managing their diet and exercise. Does Smokey really need insulin?
A: Yes. After your veterinarian teaches you how to inject the insulin, you’ll be amazed at Smokey’s improved energy. Moreover, she should stop drinking excessively and urinating in the house.
Three types of diabetes mellitus afflict humans: 1) type 1 diabetes, sometimes called insulin-dependent diabetes; 2) type 2, or non-insulin-dependent, diabetes; and 3) gestational diabetes, which occurs during some pregnancies.
Most humans with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. At least initially, they produce adequate amounts of insulin, but their bodies don’t respond to it properly.
Conversely, diabetic dogs have type 1 diabetes, a condition in which the pancreas stops producing insulin, so they require daily insulin injections.
Insulin is a hormone that enables cells throughout the body to absorb glucose from the blood. Glucose, a type of sugar, is essential for energy production and normal cell function.
Like people, diabetic dogs do best when they eat and exercise on a consistent schedule. Every day, Smokey should eat the same food in the same quantities at the same times – and she should receive her insulin injections at meal time. Smokey’s veterinarian will recommend the appropriate diet.
Lee Pickett, V.M.D. practices companion animal medicine in Pennsylvania. Contact her at askavet@epetsure.co.
Because most dogs are diagnosed with diabetes later in life, this is one of those conditions that can easily be covered by pet insurance for dogs if the pet parent purchases a plan in advance of the diagnosis.
Dogs are some of our truest and more loyal friends. Diabetes is considered a lifestyle change, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of a fun, long and happy life for your or your dog. Consider browsing through our pet insurance providers and see which pet insurance plan works best for you and your pet. Then you and your dog can enjoy a great life together, and you won’t have to worry about the expenses that come with having a diabetic dog.
