Diabetes is a disease characterized by the difficulty of the liver in producing enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin is very important for the proper functioning of the body, since it is responsible for transmitting glucose to the cells to convert it into energy.
If there is an excess of sugar and the cells cannot produce the much needed energy, the affected animal can have many problems. Therefore, we are going to explain how to know if my dog has diabetes.
Factors riesgo
There are a number of risk factors for diabetes. In the case of dogs, these are:
- Obesity: the dog that is overweight has a higher risk of suffering from diabetes. For this reason, it is extremely important to give him only the amount of food he needs, to exercise him (with walks or taking him for a run), and to avoid giving him snacks.
- Age: This disease most often develops between seven and nine years of age, which is when the animal begins to age.
- RaceAlthough any dog of any breed or cross can have diabetes, there are certain breeds that are more susceptible such as the beagle, the cairn terrier, the dachshund or the miniature schnauzer.
Symptoms of diabetes
You can suspect that your dog has diabetes if:
- Drink much more water than normal.
- Urinate more often.
- Lethargy. He spends a lot of time sleeping, not wanting anything else.
- You have cataracts.
In the event that you notice these symptoms, you should go to the vet as soon as possible to examine and treat it.
Transmission
Once at the clinic or at the veterinary hospital, they will do a blood and urine test to check blood glucose levels, and they will recommend you to follow a treatment, which will consist of give an insulin injection once or twice a day.
In addition, it may be necessary to make a change in diet so that your furry can continue leading a normal life.
Diabetes is a disease that can become serious if it is not treated. Whenever you suspect that something is happening to your friend, don't hesitate to consult a professional.