Total Dog Magazine

Tag: canine diabetes

  • Can Crossbreed Dogs Get Diabetes?

    Can Crossbreed Dogs Get Diabetes?

    November is National Diabetes Month for humans, but due to diabetes becoming more prevalent in domestic dogs, Austin Veterinary Diagnostic Hospital considers this month a call to action for dog owners, as well.

    Diabetes mellitus is the most common form of diabetes in dogs, and it can be a difficult and deadly disease. Prevention is possible, and early detection and management are key.

    How will you know if your dog is at risk for diabetes? Genetics certainly play a role, with some breeds being more predisposed. These breeds include Poodles, Bichons, Miniature Pinschers, Schnauzers, Samoyeds, Australian Terriers, and Siamese cats.

    As online search analytics have revealed, there are a growing number of people who are confused as to whether diabetes can affect crossbreed dogs or whether the disease is exclusive to pedigrees.

    In reality, many mixed breed dogs are also afflicted with diabetes. Obesity is another important risk factor for developing diabetes, and almost all dogs diagnosed with diabetes present to their veterinarian as overweight.

    Symptoms of diabetes in your dog include a significant increase in the following:

    · Thirst
    · Urination
    · Apdogite

    dog owners may also notice the following changes:
    · Urinary accidents in the house
    · More puddles of urine in the litterbox
    · Needing to refill the water bowl more often

    Since there are other disease processes that can present these symptoms, your veterinarian will rely on a physical examination, bloodwork, and other tests to correctly diagnose.

    Most dogs are middle-aged when they acquire diabetes. Either their body stops producing enough insulin (the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels), or the insulin produced is not effective.

    Type 1 diabetes is most commonly seen in dogs, and requires lifelong insulin supplementation, usually in the form of twice daily injections under the skin.

    Cats more often have Type 2 diabetes, where insulin may still be made by the pancreas but is ineffective. Cats are also managed with daily insulin injections.

    Another key component of diabetes management is the dog’s diet. A diet low in carbohydrates that is specially formulated for diabetic dogs helps keep their blood sugar levels in an appropriate range throughout the day. When it is not well-managed, diabetes can cause health complications as this disease will make your dog more prone to certain infections and metabolic consequences.

    Diabetes can be a frustrating disease for dog owners and requires a great deal of commitment, but if it is well-managed both owners and dogs can still have good quality of life.

    Dr. Kneupper shares helpful tips for dog care in a monthly column featured in the Oak Hill Gazette. The community is invited to take a tour of the hospital to meet the friendly staff, including Dr. Sarah. Please call (512) 288-1040 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

  • What Can Dogs With Diabetes Eat?

    What Can Dogs With Diabetes Eat?

    If your dog has recently been diagnosed with diabetes, you will no doubt be processing the news and working out your next step because although diabetes can’t be cured, it can be managed very successfully.

    A dog’s diet and how their body reacts to it is one of the most common indicators they can give us about how they’re handling the condition, which is why weight loss or a sudden increase in appetite is considered one of the most common early signs of diabetes in dogs.

    Why diet is important to dogs with diabetes

    According to a recent article about the symptoms of diabetes on Dogmagazine.net:

    “Typically, once we eat, the body breaks down the nutrients of our food, converting some of the nutrients into glucose which becomes a source of energy for our body’s cells and organs. It then gets absorbed into our intestines and into the bloodstream before filtering through our body’s system.

    “Our body also produces insulin, which is released from the pancreas. Insulin takes hold of the glucose which our body has created from the bloodstream (alongside other nutrients) and uses them as fuel.”

    When insulin and glucose stop working as they should it means two things.

    1. A larger quantity of sugar is left in the body’s bloodstream instead of being taken to create insulin and this can damage other organs.

    2. The body’s cells are deprived of vital fuel for energy, normally aided by the body’s glucose supply. Instead, to try and replicate, the body starts breaking down its fats and proteins to create and use as an alternative fuel source.

    This is why a dog’s diet is so crucial and why many dog owners turn to specially created diabetic dog food because they know it has been created for dogs with the condition.

    The importance of mealtimes for dogs with diabetes

    Dogs with diabetes who need to be administered insulin by injection once or twice a day often need to have scheduled mealtimes and portion sizes too.

    For example, a dog’s first meal (which may be ¼ or ½ of their daily intake) will be given prior to their first injection.

    This is so owners can see their dog is feeling well and eating normally before insulin is given.

    If the dog is being given an insulin injection once a day, the balance of their meal will be given 6-8 hours later. Dogs who are prescribed two injections daily will often have the process repeated around 12 hours later.

    What can dogs with diabetes eat?

    Veterinary formulated diets are often low in carbohydrates to help regulate blood sugar levels and they are usually high in fibre to help dogs to slow down the digestion process and the rate at which food is absorbed.

    They will also be low-GI (low-glycemic) recipes, so they help dogs to process sugars more easily.

    Dogs with diabetes don’t need to cut out treats altogether, but because diet is crucial to their condition, your choice of treats may alter. (Find out more about the definition of prescription dog food for conditions such as diabetes in this dog food glossary article).

    There are some diabetic dog treats on the market to choose from, but as long as you read the pet food label you can choose from some of the healthier treats on the market.

    Look for treats which include whole grains, such as oats, avoid corn, soy and treats with sugar listed in their ingredients.

    Some dog owners swear by high fibre sources, like vegetables and fruits, which will help to stabilise a dog’s blood sugar levels.

    Favourites include broccoli, green beans, cabbage and cucumbers, and to a lesser extent, fruit, such as pears and apples. They can even be frozen to give your dog a crunchier experience!