Dogs can also suffer from high blood sugar, i.e. diabetes mellitus. However, if the first signs are recognized, the animal can be treated in time and live to a ripe old age despite diabetes.
Affected dogs drink more and need to urinate more frequently. They often also have an increased appetite . Although these signs, which are often the only indications over a longer period of time, do not necessarily indicate diabetes, they should nevertheless be taken seriously. Increased water intake in particular almost always has a serious cause.
The vet can quickly determine whether it is diabetes with a simple blood test. If the disease is already more advanced, a urine test can also provide a diagnosis. It is then necessary to lower the blood sugar level with medication, as otherwise various organs, including the eyes and mucous membranes in the mouth, may be damaged and sooner or later life-threatening complications may arise due to the further derailment of the sugar metabolism.
The treatment of a dog with diabetes consists of the regular administration of insulin, which can usually be administered by the owner without any problems after a short period of familiarization. The vet will explain how it should be administered. Regular administration and feeding immediately afterwards is crucial.
Occasionally dogs can manage without treatment after a while, e.g. if they have lost excess weight or if female animals have been castrated. However, even with lifelong treatment, life expectancy is not affected by the disease if insulin is administered regularly. As the dog is subsequently fed, a problem-free routine is usually established anyway, with the animal "picking up" its treatment itself. Diabetes therefore does not have to be a death sentence.