Diabetes is a chronic disease that can affect dogs and cats and other animals (including apes, pigs, and horses) as well as humans
. Although diabetes can’t be cured, it can be managed very successfully. Diabetes mellitus, or “sugar diabetes,” is the type of diabetes seen most often in dogs.
How common is it for dogs to be diabetic?
Canine diabetes is more common in middle-age and older dogs, but it is also seen in young dogs. While believed to be underdiagnosed, diabetes mellitus affects
an estimated one in 1 in 300 dogs
. The primary cause of canine diabetes is largely unknown, but experts suggest that genetics may play a role.
What is the average life expectancy of a diabetic dog?
The median survival for dogs with diabetes is
two years
, and there are many who live much longer than that, provided that they receive proper treatment and are regularly assessed by the vet. Thus, dogs with diabetes generally live a full, happy life that is free of symptoms when given the proper treatment.
What causes a dog to develop diabetes?
Diabetes in cats and dogs results from
their bodies not producing enough insulin or not being able to properly respond to the insulin their bodies do make
. The lack of insulin and/or the inability to effectively use insulin leads to a spike in glucose (or sugar) in the blood.
Can you reverse diabetes in dogs?
Unfortunately
diabetes is not curable in dogs
, and the vast majority of diabetic dogs require insulin injections for life once diagnosed.
Is there an alternative to insulin injections for dogs?
Because caregivers are often reluctant to begin insulin injections on their pets, vets will often offer an oral-medication alternative such as
Glucotrol, Glipizide, Metaformin, or Acarbose
.
Do all diabetic dogs go blind?
Most diabetic dogs will develop cataracts and go blind
. This web page is arranged as an FAQ to assist the owners of diabetic dogs in knowing what to expect and in decision-making regarding cataract surgery.
How do you prevent diabetes in dogs?
First,
feed your dog a healthy diet
. A well-balanced diet can help your dog avoid diabetes. Second, make sure your dog gets enough exercise and don’t let him get overweight. Overweight dogs are more likely to get diabetes, so keeping your dog at a healthy weight can help prevent this and other weight-related diseases.
What are the first signs of diabetes in a dog?
- Frequent urination (polyuria)
- Drinking more water than usual.
- Excessive appetite (polyphagia)
- Sudden unexplained weight loss.
- Vomiting.
- Recurrent infections.
- Poor coat.
- Seizures.
Does diabetes shorten a dog’s life?
The condition is treatable and need not shorten the animal’s life span
or interfere with quality of life. If left untreated, the condition can lead to cataracts, increasing weakness in the legs (neuropathy), malnutrition, ketoacidosis, dehydration, and death.
What are 3 symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes?
The three most common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes include
increased thirst, increased urination, and increased hunger
. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that happens when blood sugar (glucose) is too high (hyperglycemia).
What breed of dogs get diabetes?
Dog Breeds That Are Prone to Diabetes
Cocker Spaniels
. Golden Retrievers. Labrador Retrievers. Pomeranians.
Can diet cause diabetes in dogs?
Just like in humans, it isn’t completely certain why some dogs develop diabetes. Some dogs may be more genetically prone to developing the condition. It is known, however, that
being overweight can increase the risk of your dog developing diabetes
.
Can a diabetic dog ever get off insulin?
In most cases,
a diabetic dog can go anywhere from 1 to 3 days without insulin injection
and not go into a crisis mode. The exact time highly depends on each individual pet. Eventually, the symptoms of lack of insulin will start showing, and will get worse with time, to the point of needing to hospitalize the dog.
How can I control my dogs diabetes naturally?
Walk the Dog
Regular exercise will also help your pooch lose weight and lower blood sugar levels. It’s best to have your dog exercise for the same length of time and at the same intensity every day. An unusually long or vigorous workout could cause blood sugar levels to drop too low.
Is there a diabetic pill for dogs?
Medications
Dogs with type 1 diabetes should be treated with insulin and are rarely given oral medications
. However, in some cases, dogs may be given oral medications, especially if they have type 2 diabetes. Oral medications may include an antidiabetic medication like Glucobay (acarbose).
Is there a pill you can give your dog for diabetes?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Center for Veterinary Medicine has cleared
Boehringer Ingelheim’s ProZinc (protamine zinc recombinant human insulin)
as a safe and effective drug to reduce hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and associated clinical signs in diabetic dogs.
How long do dogs live after starting insulin?
Life Expectancy for Dogs With Diabetes
If you are able to give your dog insulin, diabetes may not affect life expectancy. “If they live past the first three months, they do really well. Excluding dogs that don’t make it through those first few months,
the median survival is two years
,” Dr. Behrend says.
How long before a dog goes blind with diabetes?
Diabetes Mellitus Induced Mature Cataract. The majority of dogs with diabetes mellitus will develop cataracts within 5-6 months from the time of diagnosis of the disease. Diabetes induced cataracts can develop remarkably quickly and can cause a complete loss of vision in
less than 48 hours
.
Is insulin expensive for dogs?
The estimated monthly cost of dog insulin for smaller breeds is $40 to $80
, while larger dog breeds may require $80 to $150 worth of insulin each month.
