Tag: pet care

Diabetes in Dogs: Learn the Symptoms and How to Manage

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A yellow Labrador retriever lying down on a table while a veterinarian gently examines the dog with two hands.

Hearing that your dog has diabetes can be an overwhelming diagnosis for any pet parent. However, with the support of your veterinarian, diabetes is a manageable condition for many dogs, and understanding the causes, symptoms and treatment options can often help dog owners provide the best possible care for their diabetic companions.

Can Dogs Get Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus (diabetes) is a serious and common disease that affects the way a dog’s body uses sugar, also known as glucose. Diabetes can affect dogs of any breed, age or size, although it is more common in middle-aged and older dogs. Female dogs, particularly unspayed females, are often diagnosed more frequently than males, and certain breeds, such as schnauzers, miniature poodles, dachshunds and beagles, are more at risk than others.

What Is Dog Diabetes?

Most dogs have insulin-dependent diabetes and insulin treatment is required. They are very similar to humans with type 1 diabetes in that the pancreas can no longer produce insulin. This means their blood sugar (glucose), which is a source of “fuel” or energy for the body’s cells, becomes elevated in the blood rather than being taken in by cells that need it. The glucose accumulation can, over time, cause serious health problems.

Without glucose, body cells experience an energy shortage, so the body breaks down muscle and stored fat to use for energy, resulting in weight loss. At the same time, excess glucose in the blood can damage important organs such as the kidneys, eyes, blood vessels and nerves. 

Untreated diabetes in dogs can turn into a life-threatening complication called diabetic ketoacidosis. This is a medical emergency, so watch for signs like weakness, vomiting, decreased appetite, sweet or fruity breath, abnormal breathing, dehydration or collapse. If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should take them to an emergency vet immediately. 

Overweight or obese dogs are at a greater risk of diabetes because excess body fat can interfere with the body’s ability to use insulin effectively. Additionally, some health conditions, such as pancreatitis, hormonal problems and long-term use of steroid medications, can increase the likelihood of developing diabetes. Dogs with diabetes are more prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) because high blood sugar levels promote bacterial growth.

How Do Dogs Get Diabetes?

Diabetes in dogs develops when the body can no longer produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels properly. Usually, it occurs as a result of progressive loss or dysfunction of insulin-producing pancreatic cells, leading to a condition similar to type 1 diabetes in humans. Immune-mediated damage may contribute in some cases. Without enough insulin, glucose cannot move from the bloodstream into the body’s cells for energy. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood. 

Signs of Diabetes in Dogs

One of the first signs of diabetes in dogs is excessive thirst. Pet parents may notice their dog is drinking more water than normal and experiencing frequent urination. Increased hunger is another symptom due to not receiving enough energy from glucose. Even if your dog is eating more, many diabetic dogs lose weight because the body starts breaking down fat and muscle for fuel. 

Other clinical signs of diabetes include poor haircoat, cloudy eyes or cataracts, chronic infection and lethargy. If glucose dips too low, your dog may show signs of weakness, confusion, seizures and even loss of consciousness, requiring emergency veterinary care. When glucose is too high, pets often drink and urinate more than usual and potentially develop other complications such as diabetic neuropathy.

Dog Diabetes Treatment

If you suspect your dog has diabetes, make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible to avoid complications caused by high blood sugar. It is best to catch any underlying illness as early as you can. Your vet will likely perform blood work and a urine test to measure the amount of glucose. Diagnosis is based on persistent high blood glucose in both the urine and blood.

Treatment for canine diabetes generally focuses on regulating blood sugar levels through insulin therapy. Most diabetic dogs require daily insulin injections because their bodies cannot produce enough insulin naturally. To arrive at “just the right” insulin dose that keeps your dog’s diabetes controlled, periodic blood glucose monitoring is usually required. Insulin injections will typically be given twice a day around the time of their feeding.

In the past, dogs would typically spend a day at the veterinary clinic for a blood glucose curve. During that time, the veterinary staff would take blood glucose samples every two hours for up to 12 hours. The trouble with in-clinic glucose testing is that dogs often become stressed in the unfamiliar environment, which can artificially raise blood glucose levels. That’s why the American Animal Hospital Association recommends at-home glucose testing, when possible. Pets are usually less stressed at home, which means results will be more accurate. At-home testing can save you money. It can also help identify a hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) event, so your pet gets treatment faster. Continuous glucose monitors are available that attach to your dog’s back and allow you to monitor your dog’s glucose levels via your smartphone. 

Your veterinarian will discuss your dog’s diet, exercise, insulin injections and schedule for vet visits. They will adjust the amount of insulin you give your dog based on follow-up blood tests. It can be an overwhelming time as a pet owner, but rest assured, your veterinarian will carefully train you on how to administer insulin or any other medicines necessary to get your dog on a healthier track. They will also share best-care practices, ensuring you head home feeling confident, prepared and fully equipped to support your dog.

Follow the veterinarian’s instructions carefully and continue to monitor your dog between their checkups. If your dog’s symptoms worsen or something seems out of the ordinary, don’t be afraid to call your veterinarian between routine visits. They’re there to help! 

Managing Diabetes in Dogs

Even with blood glucose data, you should still watch your dog for signs that their diabetes may not be well controlled. It helps to keep a daily diary that lists information such as food and water consumption, insulin dose administered and general amount/frequency of urination. If possible, weigh your dog periodically. What kind of food your dog eats is important to managing their diabetes. Many diabetic dogs do well on a diet high in fiber and complex carbohydrates that includes high-quality protein. However, the diet should be individualized to the specific dog, and consistency is often more important than the exact diet type. Changes in weight, appetite, increased thirst, urination and even energy level should spark a call to your veterinarian.

Caring for a dog with diabetes can feel overwhelming at first, but understanding the condition is the first step toward helping your dog live a healthy and comfortable life. With proper treatment, monitoring and lifestyle adjustments, many diabetic dogs are able to continue enjoying relatively normal lives alongside their families.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Pet Pain Relief

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Taste of the Wild

Maybe your pup roughhoused at the dog park and is now favoring a leg. Or your cat drops food from her mouth as if it’s painful to chew. What’s the harm in exploring your medicine cabinet for a little pain relief? After all, over-the-counter pain medications such as aspirin are relatively harmless for people, so the same goes for pets, right?

Unfortunately, that kind of well-meaning thinking has led to potentially serious health problems for both cats and dogs. Since pets don’t metabolize these drugs like people do, medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen can be harmful or even deadly to your dog or cat.

As part of Animal Pain Awareness Month, we’re sharing some tips on pet pain relief to help keep your beloved ones safe.

Human NSAIDs and pets

Medications such as aspirin (Bufferin), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) are considered non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, but human NSAIDs, especially in high doses, can cause gastrointestinal ulcers, kidney failure, liver failure, bleeding problems and even neurological issues in pets. Cats are even more sensitive to NSAIDs than dogs. Signs of potential toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, black/tarry stools, pale or yellow gums, changes in amount or frequency of urination, collapse and seizures.

While acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a pain reliever and fever reducer, it has no anti-inflammatory properties, so it is not considered an NSAID. It may be combined with aspirin in products such as Excedrin. While acetaminophen can be toxic to dogs, it’s often fatal for cats. Ingestion can lead to liver damage and a condition called methemoglobinemia, in which red blood cells cannot carry necessary oxygen to the body. In these cases, the blood may actually appear brown rather than the healthy red color of oxygenated blood. Signs include increased respiratory rate, pale or muddy gums, vomiting, swelling of the face or extremities and collapse.

If you see these signs after inadvertently giving your pet over-the-counter human pain relievers, or after your pet accidentally chewed through the bottle of pain relievers in your purse or backpack, contact your veterinarian immediately or call the ASPCA’s Poison Control Center.

Pain relief dos and don’ts

So how can you help a pet that you suspect may be in pain?

  • DO schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Depending on the cause, the doctor may prescribe a veterinary NSAID for your pup that has been shown to be safe and effective in dogs. While there are no NSAIDs approved for long-term use in cats, your veterinarian may prescribe other medications for pain relief.
  • DON’T give your pet any over-the-counter pain medication without consulting your veterinarian first. Wouldn’t you rather ask now than end up at the emergency clinic later?
  • DON’T give your pet a veterinary NSAID that was prescribed for another pet. You may accidentally give the wrong dose, or this pet may have an underlying health condition or be on medications that aren’t compatible with the NSAID.
  • DO let your vet know what other medications your pet is taking. In particular, if they are already taking steroids such as prednisone or prednisolone, they shouldn’t start taking NSAIDs.
  • DON’T administer any additional NSAIDs if your pet is already taking a veterinary NSAID.
  • DO monitor them for potential side effects, if your dog is currently taking a veterinary NSAID. Loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy are warning signs. Your veterinarian may also recommend periodic blood tests to make sure your dog’s liver and kidney values remain normal while on the medication.

When in doubt, your veterinarian is always your best resource for safeguarding your pet’s health.

11 Spring Pet Safety Tips You Need to Know

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Taste of the Wild

Depending on where you live, the tulips and daffodils may already be pushing up from the earth. You might spot robins feathering nests or a canopy of green buds unfurling overhead, and soon you’ll sleep with the windows cranked open. Ever notice how spring has a way of making the world feel fresh-scrubbed and alive?

No doubt, your pet is as eager to spend time outside as you are. But before you venture out, there are some things you should do to make sure your pet is safe and healthy this season. Here’s a checklist to help you on your way:

  • Initiate heartworm prevention — If your pet isn’t already on year-round heartworm prevention, now’s the time to make sure your dog or cat is protected. The parasite is transmitted by mosquitos, and infection is potentially fatal. Mosquitos can sneak indoors, so even indoor-only cats are at risk. (In one study, approximately one-third of the indoor-only cats tested were positive for heartworm infection.) Treatment can be risky and expensive for dogs, and there’s no effective treatment for cats. So prevention is the best approach.
  • Banish fleas and ticks — As the temperature rises, these freeloading parasites start actively looking for picnic spots on your pets. Fleas can make pets itch and twitch, and some pets are so allergic to flea saliva that a single bite can cause severe reactions. Once they’re in your house, fleas can be extremely difficult to eliminate. And ticks can cause serious tick-borne diseases. Ask your veterinarian to recommend an effective flea and tick preventive for your pets.
  • Double-check your pet’s identification tags — As the weather warms and more time is spent outdoors, there are more opportunities for pets to make a break for freedom. Make sure your pet’s ID tags are legible and contain all your current contact information. If your pet is microchipped, call the microchip company to make sure they have your most current contact information on file.
  • Watch for thawing ice — That same lake your dog raced across when the ice was two feet thick is becoming less safe by the minute. Keep pets on a leash and off the lakes, ponds and streams where they could break through thinning ice.
  • Retire that winter coat — Many pets start shedding their winter coats about now. Time to bring out your best inner groomer and help your dog or cat unload all that extra fur. If your pet has matted hair, let the professional groomers get the tangles out. A little brushing now can save a lot of time digging hair out of the vacuum cleaner later.
  • Freshen up pet beds and bowls — There’s nothing like sleeping in sheets that have just air-dried on the line outdoors. Chances are, your pet can appreciate fresh bedding, too. Now’s the time to wash those pet beds, bowls, toys and sweaters.
  • Make sure vaccines are current — Whether your dog is hobnobbing with other pups at the dog park or your cat is sunning itself on the outdoor catio, exposure to other pets can put them at risk for infectious diseases. Play it safe and update any vaccines that may have expired.
  • Prepare for allergy season — Does your dog scratch itself raw when the pollen swirls in the air? Check with your veterinarian to make sure you have allergy medications at the ready.
  • Clean up the yard — Pick up last autumn’s sticks and acorns that your pet could chew or swallow, and clear away leaf litter where ticks like to hide. Check your gardening supplies to make sure any lawn fertilizers, mulch or pest control products that may be toxic are out of your pet’s reach.
  • Bring the calm before (and during) the storms — If your dog becomes unglued when the thunder rolls, talk to your veterinarian about medications that can help ease your dog’s fears. Setting up a “safe room” away from doors and windows where your dog can curl up with his or her favorite toys may also help.
  • Ease into exercise — Has your pet been as much of a couch potato as you have over the winter? Then start outdoor exercise slowly and gradually build up the intensity as your pet’s muscles and endurance get stronger.

An interior graphic detailing a safety checklist of spring pet safety tips.

Now that you and your pet are prepared for spring, let the outdoor frisbee tournament begin. The sun is shining, so there’s no time to waste: your best friend is waiting to play outside with you.