In my last column, I wrote about cats and diabetes. Regrettably, dogs also get diabetes, which does not go into remission with a low carb diet, as it often does with cats.
Diabetes in dogs requires insulin for the rest of the dog’s life.
Diabetes mellitus is a life-threatening disease of the endocrine (hormonal) system, which causes glucose (blood sugar) to be high either because your dog is not producing enough insulin (hormone) or has developed a resistance to insulin.
Some symptoms of diabetes in dogs include being very thirsty, losing weight, being hungry all the time, having a dry and brittle hair coat, being tired, weakness in hind legs, vomiting and diarrhea, recent onset of incontinence, loss of house training, and sometimes cloudy eyes.
Dogs can get this disease at any age, but typically most dogs are diagnosed at about 8½ years or older.
Some of the high-risk breeds are Cairn Terriers, Samoyeds, Miniature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers. Minimal risk breed includes Boxers, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers.
There are also conditions that may make a dog resistant to insulin, such as low thyroid (hypothyroidism), Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocortiscism), hormones in a nonspayed female dog, pregnancy, obesity and some medications such as corticosteroids.
Unfortunately, dogs with diabetes always require injections of insulin. In dogs, diabetes cannot be managed with only diet and oral medications.
Insulin injections typically are given by the owner twice a day (every 12 hours). ALWAYS give insulin with food.
Some hormones in nonspayed female dogs can interfere with insulin so your veterinarian may recommend spaying your dog.
Also, diets with high fiber and low carbohydrates can help keep your dog’s blood glucose levels stable between meals.
Feeding your dog distinct meals versus letting them free feed is recommended. Your veterinarian will help you choose a good diet.
There is no cure for diabetes. Finding the appropriate insulin levels may take several blood tests and monitoring.
Your veterinarian can do a glucose curve, which measures your dog’s glucose for an eight-hour period.
Also, your veterinarian can insert under your dog’s skin a monitor that reads glucose levels 24 hours a day for 14 days. It is wireless and can be linked to your cell phone to get the glucose values.
Your veterinarian can help you get this monitor. Typically, the one used is the FreeStyle Libre.
You can also measure glucose with a portable glucometer designed for veterinarians’ patients. It is used the same way as in people, but with a prick of your dog’s foot pads instead of a person’s finger.
Speak with your veterinarian regarding the best monitoring system for you and your pal.
Just like with cats, dogs should never get insulin if they eat an exceedingly small amount or vomited up their food or just do not feel well. DO NOT GIVE INSULIN.
If you are in doubt that someone else may have already given the insulin injection, just skip the dose.
Giving your dog insulin if they have already had the insulin injection or if they have not eaten or vomited up their meal can cause life-threatening low glucose levels (hypoglycemia).
Hypoglycemia can cause weakness, staggering, confusion, disorientation, lethargy, seizures, unconsciousness and death. Take your pal for this emergency to the ER or to your veterinarian.
Giving it a small amount of Karo syrup on your way to the veterinarian may help. Put it in its mouth, do not force it down the throat. If the dog is unconscious, rub it on his gums. Use honey if you do not have Karo syrup.
Dogs may use veterinary insulin, or human insulin. Your veterinarian will determine the appropriate insulin type for your pal.
Insulin does not have a predetermined dose. The amount administered to your pal is determined individually by the amount needed to control hyperglycemia (high glucose), avoid hypoglycemia (low glucose), reduce clinical signs of diabetes, and avoid the onset of diabetic complications.
You and your veterinarian will work together to determine the type and amount of insulin your pal requires.
How well your diabetic dog does is highly dependent on your commitment and ability to provide care, such as giving insulin as directed by your veterinarian; following your veterinarian’s recommendations for monitoring, including lab work; and watching for symptoms that the insulin dose may need to be changed, such as increased thirst and urination, weight loss or an increase or decrease in appetite.
Diabetes is not a curable disease but a very treatable disease. Your diabetic dog can have a long, happy life.
With recent technology, such as the FreeStyle Libre, diabetes is much more manageable.