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[S1212]Symptoms Of Canine Diabetes

by Sam, Sam

Here in this informative article on the causes and symptoms of diabetes indogs, we will take a look at the facts that will help you to learn what causesdiabetes in dogs and how to recognize its symptoms. This can help you give yourpet a longer, happier life.

Thecause of diabetes in dogs is similar to the cause of diabetes in humans in thatthe pancreas, the organ that produces insulin for the body, becomes damaged.Insulin is small protein and a hormone used in the body of your dog to regulatemetabolism. The cells in the pancreas of the dog are destroyed by a problemwith the immune system and when that happens, the vital insulin production canbe decreased or terminated altogether.

This means that the body of your dog can no longer use the food that it eats.When glucose can not be processed in the body, the energy from the food yougive your pet is not used. Insulin is the ingredient that allows the body ofyour dog to use the glucose produced by the digestion of food. When insulin isnot present, this more than likely will become a cause of diabetes in dogs.Problems with the pancreas are the main cause of diabetes in dogs and one tokeep a watchful eye on.

Somelesser causes of diabetes in dogs are; a reaction to drugs, genetic problems,and Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Dogs that are middle aged dogsare the likely target for diabetes. Middle aged is considered six to nineyears. Younger dogs can also have problems with diabetes. Do not look at anycertain age-limit as an automatic risk factor for when your dog may develop thesymptoms of diabetes. Young or old, your dog has the possibility of developingdiabetes.

The breeds that may be subject to diabetes at an earlier age are GoldenRetrievers and Keeshonds. Other possible causes of diabetes in dogs arelethargic lifestyles and obesity.

Takinga look at the symptoms of diabetes in dogs, we find that the symptoms in dogsare similar to humans. Your dog can maintain a strong appetite and even overeatand still be a dog with diabetes. A list of the symptoms are: being overlythirsty, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss or weight gain, blurredvision, increased infections, sores that heal too slowly, and vomiting.

The more common and less noticeable symptoms of diabetes in dogs, such as beingvery thirsty and frequent urination can be overlooked easily. They are not asure sign by themselves that your dog has diabetes, but it is wise to bevigilant as they can be the first sign of diabetes.

Ifthe symptoms of diabetes in dogs are allowed to progress and grow, partialblindness or blindness can result. Cataracts can form in the eyes of your dogas diabetes works its silent way into the life of your pet. The cataracts formin the eyes as sugar in the bloodstream is collected there. These cataractswill not go away without special surgery even after your dog is diagnosed andthen treated for diabetes. Some good news about diabetes-induced cataracts isthat some of those cataracts will not grow or change. This can mean that if thesymptoms of diabetes in your dog are caught early, the eyes can be spared moredamage.

Nowthat you know the causes and symptoms of diabetes in dogs, taking an activeinterest in the health of your dog will allow your pet to live longer and havea more productive life without the effects of diabetes.

Canine diabetes is a condition where there is a deficiency of the hormone insulin or maybe insensitivity to it. Inside the islet cells of the pancreas insulin is produced.

Insulin is usually responsible for controlling the body’s main fuel, glucose. Insulin does this by preventing the glucose production in the liver and it also ensures that glucose that is taken in from food that is in excess is put into body stores.

In a dog that has canine diabetes, they do not have enough insulin to turn off the glucose production by the liver or to store it efficiently.

What this means is that the glucose rises and will exceed a level in which the kidneys let the glucose into the urine. This will cause the need to urinate more frequently.
What are the signs of canine diabetes?

Excessive urination is one of the first signs you will notice, with also the intake of more water. Dog with canine diabetes also tend to lose weight because they breakdown stores of fat and protein in order to make glucose and ketones in the liver.

Other signs may include cataracts, increased appetite, decrease in activity, and recurring infections.

How do you treat canine diabetes?

Insulin is the best treatment for canine diabetes. It has to be given by injection because it is a protein and would be digested if given in a tablet.

With careful treatment of mixing the insulin you will be able to treat your dog with care. Your vet will be able to prescribe the correct type of insulin and help you know exactly how to mix and how to administer the insulin.

How do I keep my dog’s diabetes stabilized?

Your vet will help with getting the correct dosage of insulin. Every dog is different as every human is different, so please always check with your vet before changing the amount of insulin for your dog.

Make sure you keep your dogs diet constant each and every day; this will help in keeping canine diabetes under control. It is best to use commercially produced special diet formulas for dogs with canine diabetes.

As long as you keep your dog on his proper diet and give him his insulin as prescribed by your vet, your dog will be able to live a long and happy life.

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Both Sam & Matthew Seigneur are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Sam has sinced written about articles on various topics from Software, Management and Nokia Phones. Visit DiabetesInDogs.Net for more articles and information on and. Sam's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.

Matthew Seigneur has sinced written about articles on various topics from Allergies, Diabetes Treatment. http://www.dog-pictures.co.uk/ A dog lovers website with plenty of dog breed information and pictures.http://www.dog-pictures.co.uk/dog-supplements/ provides dog supplements and dog health care information.. Matthew Seigneur's top article generates over 1300 views. to your Favourites.