If you are worried about whether your doodle dog may have diabetes, you have come to the right place.
This article will explore the common signs that may suggest your furry friend has diabetes, helping you proactively address your pet’s health and well-being. Keep reading to learn more.
Doodles are popular crossbreeds known for their playful and affectionate nature and hybrid vigor. They are healthy and robust dogs with not so many health issues.
However, like other dogs, they can be susceptible to various health conditions, such as diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. While it is commonly associated with humans, sadly, it is becoming more common in dogs.
It is paramount for a dog owner to be aware of the signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of diabetes in your dog.
Recognizing these signs of diabetes is crucial for early detection and prompt treatment.
Common Symptoms Of Diabetes In Doodles.
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels leading to a range of symptoms and potential complications.
Diabetes in dogs occurs in two forms; Insulin-resistance diabetes which is common in older obese dogs, and Insulin-deficiency diabetes.
The latter, known explicitly as Canine Diabetes Mellitus, is the most common in dogs.
Risk factors predisposing your doodle to diabetes include age, sex, obesity, steroid medication, genetics, and Cushing’s disease.
As a responsible doodle owner, it is important to monitor your dog for symptoms of diabetes. If left untreated, diabetes can become a serious health issue for doodles.
The following are some common signs that your doodle may have diabetes.
Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination
This is a major warning sign which could indicate high blood sugar levels. Excess sugar in the blood causes fluid loss, triggering thirst and the need to urinate.
If your doodle is drinking and urinating more frequently, it could indicate the onset of diabetes. Increased thirst and frequent urination are two of the most common symptoms of diabetes in dogs.
Excessive thirst: If your doodle seems to be drinking much more water than usual, especially if it’s an abrupt change, this could signal diabetes.
Healthy doodles typically only drink when eating or exercising, but diabetic doodles may drink excessively, even at rest, due to high blood sugar levels.
Frequent urination along with increased thirst, diabetic doodles usually need to urinate more often.
They may need to go out during the night or have accidents in the house, even for ordinarily house-trained doodles.
This happens because the kidneys are working to flush out excess sugar in the blood through the urine.
Increased Appetite
Diabetic dogs often experience increased appetite as the body cannot utilize glucose for energy properly. The dog eats more to compensate but continues losing weight.
If your furry friend seems hungrier than usual but is still losing weight, this could indicate the presence of diabetes.
When insufficient insulin is produced or it is not working properly, the cells cannot absorb glucose for energy.
This results in the body breaking down fat and muscle for fuel instead, causing weight loss.
At the same time, the lack of glucose entering the cells triggers the appetite center in the brain, making your doodle feel persistently hungry with an increased appetite(hyperphagia/polyphagia).
Monitor your doodle’s food intake and record how much they are eating. If they seem to be eating more but continue losing weight or not gaining as expected, this points to a problem with glucose absorption and utilization.
Weight Loss
Despite normal eating, diabetic dogs tend to lose weight due to the body’s inability to properly metabolize nutrients. Weight loss is often one of the first noticeable signs of diabetes in doodles.
Lethargy and Lack of Energy
High blood sugar levels can sap a doodle’s energy and cause them to become lethargic or weak. This symptom often appears with increased thirst, urination, and appetite changes.
If your doodle seems less energetic or interested in exercise and play, it could indicate a more serious issue like diabetes. Lethargy and fatigue are common symptoms in doodles with diabetes.
Doodles are typically energetic, playful dogs. If your doodle seems less enthusiastic about walks, play, or other physical activity, it may be a sign your blood sugar is not properly regulated.
Things to watch for
- Reluctance to go on walks or play
- Sleeping more than usual
- Lying around and seeming unmotivated
- Difficulty standing up or climbing stairs
Dull Looking Coat and Excessive Shedding
When insulin is not working, it causes chronic dehydration and a lack of nutrients. This affects the overall quality and appearance of a doodle’s coat, making it appear dull, dry, or lacking its usual shine.
Diabetes can cause hair loss in dogs and thinning in localized areas or across the entire body. You may notice bald patches or areas where the coat seems sparse or uneven.
Vision Problems
High blood sugar can cause complications like cataracts or damage to the retina, which may cause damage or potential blindness.
You may notice your furry friend’s eyes appear hazy or cloudy. You may notice your doodle bumping into things or having trouble seeing in low light.
Vomiting or Diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea can be symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis, a medical emergency. This happens when blood glucose levels in a dog’s body are very high.
The most important thing is not to ignore symptoms in your doodle dog and get them checked out right away by a professional vet.
Diagnosing Diabetes In Dogs: What To Expect At The Vet
If your doodle is showing any symptoms of diabetes, the next step is to take them to the vet for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your vet will run several tests to determine if your doodle has diabetes and its severity.
The following are some tests that can be done to determine whether or not your furry friend has diabetes.
Blood Tests
The vet will first test your doodle’s blood glucose levels to check for hyperglycemia or high blood sugar. A high blood glucose reading indicates your dog may have diabetes.
The vet may also test for fructosamine, which measures your doodle’s blood sugar control over the past 1-2 weeks.
Urine Tests
The vet will test your doodle’s urine for the presence of ketones produced when there is not enough insulin in the body.
High ketone levels indicate your doodle may have diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication of diabetes.
The vet may also test for urinary tract infections, sometimes triggering or worsening diabetes symptoms.
The vet may want to do additional tests to determine the cause of your doodle’s diabetes and check for any complications.
These include thyroid testing and abdominal ultrasounds. The vet will review all test results with you and determine the best course of treatment based on the severity of your doodle’s diabetes.
Caring For Doodles With Diabetes
If your doodle has been diagnosed with diabetes, do not fret. With proper treatment and care, the condition can be managed well with the help of your vet.
Diet
A healthy diet is essential for a diabetic dog. You should feed your doodle high-quality dog food formulated for diabetics high in protein with carbohydrates and fiber recommended by your vet.
Measure out portions carefully and stick to a regular feeding schedule. Avoid giving your doodle too many treats and table scraps.
Exercise
Exercise helps moderate blood glucose levels in diabetic doodles. Aim for 30-60 minutes of daily activity, such as walks, jogs, playing fetch, or swimming.
Start slowly and build up endurance to avoid injury or overexertion. Exercise also provides mental stimulation and can help avoid behavioral issues in doodles.
Medication
The most common medications for diabetic dogs are insulin injections to help control blood sugar levels, which you must learn to do.
Your vet will determine an appropriate insulin type and dosage for your doodle based on factors like age, weight, diet, and glucose levels.
Be very careful to give the correct dosage simultaneously every day. Oral medications may also be recommended to help improve insulin sensitivity or reduce blood glucose production.
Glucose Monitoring
You will want to regularly test your dog’s blood glucose levels at home, usually before meals and at bedtime. Your vet can show you how to properly and safely test using a blood glucose meter.
Monitoring glucose levels frequently, especially when treatment has just started or been changed, is important to ensure the condition remains stable and make any necessary adjustments.
Conclusion
Doodles are friendly, intelligent, playful, and affectionate dogs that make great pets. While they are healthy dogs, they can be susceptible to various health issues, like diabetes.
It is critical to monitor your dog for any signs of diabetes. You can help your doodle live well despite the diagnosis.
The most important thing is catching the condition early – so keep a close eye on your furry friend and get them the treatment they need promptly.
With proper care and management, diabetes does not have to be a death sentence in dogs.