Is Your Pet at Risk for Diabetes?
Every year, our pets are taken to veterinary clinics across the country with symptoms of canine diabetes. Between 2006 and 2015, there was nearly an 80% increase in diabetes occurrences in dogs. Many animal owners are familiar with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but we are finding these same owners were unaware that this condition can also occur in their beloved pets.
The symptoms of diabetes (type 1 and 2) are similar to those seen in humans. We often see animal owners making appointments at our clinic due to key characteristics such as excess thirst, excess hunger and unexplainable weight loss in their dogs. While diabetes can only be diagnosed by a veterinarian, if you see these symptoms it is crucial to get your dog into a veterinary clinic or hospital to have this ruled out. Upon receiving a diagnosis, the vet will then guide how to properly manage your dog's diabetes to give them a happy, healthy life.
The main medication used to treat both type 1 and type 2 diabetes is insulin, and determining the dose of insulin is dependent upon your pet's blood glucose levels. Trial and error can be common in determining the right type of insulin for your dog. The main types of insulins available are long-acting, short-acting, and intermediate-acting. After, vets must determine the type and severity of diabetes then your vet can help you make the right choice in insulin to manage your dog's diabetes.
Unmanaged diabetes can lead to blindness, organ damage, and death.
Remember, some dogs may not even display alarming symptoms, which is why getting your dog to a Brooklyn veterinarian is crucial to prevent further illness or even death. Routine checkups and providing a healthy diet for your pet is crucial to prevent this disease, but if the situation arises, our clinic can help you navigate and prevent the complications of canine diabetes.