Diabetes in Dogs: Four Factors to Determine If Your Dog is at Risk

Most dog owners do not really think of the possibility that their dog will acquire diabetes. Thus, they do not take any preventive measures, only to realize too late that their dog already has one. The number of dogs diagnosed with such disease is increasing and this should already be a wakeup call for dog owners to make sure they do something before it happens to their dogs.

Canine diabetes not only causes insulin deficiency, it will also bring about many complications such as cataracts (which will eventually result to blindness), infections, ketoacidosis, and pancreatitis.

So, who are at risk? Below are some factors that will help to determine if your dog is at risk or not.

Obesity

This is the biggest factor to consider. If your dog overeats and becomes overweight, this will eventually lead to diabetes. This also holds true for dogs that are often given plenty of treats. You may be rewarding and keeping your dog happy for the time being but after a period of time, this will lead to serious problems on his health.

If you truly care for your dog, feed him nutritious foods such as those rich in carbohydrates and fiber.

Old Age and Gender

Studies show that female dogs are three times more prone to become diabetic than their male counterparts. Estrogen can affect the production of insulin and this could be the cause. Moreover, older dogs have higher likelihood of diabetes.

Drug Intake

There are certain types of drugs that can trigger the occurrence of canine diabetes. Among these would be glucocortisones, which increase estrogen-production. As mentioned earlier, this particular hormone affects the production of insulin.

Breed

Some breeds are more likely to become diabetic than others. Among these breeds are: Golden Retrievers, Schnauzers, Poodles, Miniature Pinchers, Beagles, and German Shepherds.

Now that you know who are high-risk, you probably want to find out if this condition can be cured. Well, there is no cure for canine diabetes at the moment, BUT it can be managed. There are natural remedies such as diet and exercise which you can provide for your dog. You can also make use of herbal remedies and insulin injectibles to make sure that insulin production remains normal, or at least close to normal range.

But of course, the best thing to do is to prevent your dog from becoming diabetic. As a dog owner, the welfare of your pet is your responsibility. So, while you still can, make sure you keep your dog healthy and well through exercise, diet, and good grooming.