As a pet owner, it can be concerning to consider the possibility of your beloved canine companion having a chronic health condition. Diabetes is a serious health issue that many dogs suffer from, and it is important to be aware of the symptoms, treatments, and lifestyle adjustments necessary for dogs with diabetes. In this blog post, we will be discussing the various aspects of diabetes in dogs, and the lifestyle changes that may be necessary in order for a dog to live with the disease. We will also be exploring some of the more common questions asked by pet owners, such as “Can a dog live with diabetes?” and “What are the risks associated with diabetes in dogs?”. We will be discussing the importance of regular vet visits and monitoring of blood sugar levels, as well as the types of treatments and lifestyle changes that can help your dog live a healthy and happy life with diabetes.
Damage Caused by Diabetes: A Double Whammy
The adverse effects on the body are the same regardless of the type of diabetes. The dog’s bloodstream accumulates an excessive amount of sugar, but the body’s cells cannot access it.
Therefore, diabetes has two negative effects on a dog’s body:
What is diabetic ketoacidosis in dogs?
In essence, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a potentially fatal complication of type 2 diabetes.
DKA happens when the body does not produce enough insulin to control blood sugar (glucose) levels.
Due to a drop in insulin levels, the dog’s liver produces ketone bodies to serve as a source of fuel as blood glucose levels rise. When the ketone bodies decompose, your dog’s body will become more acidic.
This upsets the electrolyte balance, which worsens the already dangerously acidic environment.
Average lifespan of dog with diabetes
If given the right care, many dogs who exhibit diabetes symptoms and are diagnosed with it do not actually pass away from it. In fact, you and your canine companion can still spend a lot of time together if your dog survives past the first three to four months after diagnosis and is not left untreated.
The median lifespan for diabetic dogs is two years, but many of them live significantly longer if they receive the right care and are regularly examined by a veterinarian.
Therefore, when given the right care, dogs with diabetes generally lead happy, full lives free of symptoms.
However, dogs with diabetes mellitus are at a high risk of developing complications like diabetic ketoacidosis, which can result in multi-organ failure, if they are not treated or given insulin therapy.
It’s common for dogs with diabetes to die because their diagnoses were made too late or before the condition could be controlled.
FAQ
How long can a dog live after diabetes diagnosis?
The median lifespan for diabetic dogs is two years, but many of them live significantly longer if they receive the right care and are regularly examined by a veterinarian. Therefore, when given the right care, dogs with diabetes generally lead happy, full lives free of symptoms.
Can dogs live a long life with diabetes?
Canines can live for many years after receiving a diabetes diagnosis, depending on the co-morbidities they have and how easily they can be managed. Nevertheless, some studies indicated that the average survival time following diagnosis was between 18 and 24 months.
What are the final stages of dog diabetes?
Finally, they will experience the complication known as diabetic ketoacidosis, which results in nausea, diarrhea, lethargy, and decreased appetite, according to Puchot. These signs, along with tremors, seizures, and abnormal breathing patterns, could indicate that your diabetic dog is approaching death.
Can dogs with diabetes get better?
Taking Care of Your Dog If He Has Diabetes Although diabetes is not completely curable, it can be successfully managed with the right medication, diet, and exercise. The aim of diabetes management is to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range while preventing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and the symptoms that go along with it.