Many drinking dogs may suffer from diabetes

Drinking dogs a lot and often this could be a sign of diabetes

Dogs that drink a lot may suffer from diabetes, according to the latest release from the Federal Association for Animal Health in Bonn. Even dogs that eat a lot and still lose weight, according to the experts could be suffering from diabetes. See also: Strong thirst; strong feeling of thirst.

30,000 diabetic dogs in Germany
The Federal Association for Animal Health assumes that around 30,000 dogs in Germany suffer from diabetes, especially smaller dogs such as Dachshund, Poodle and Beagle are affected. As with humans, dogs must be treated with insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. The correct dose is determined by the veterinarian. In order to facilitate the regulation of the blood sugar level, the experts recommend a strict feeding concept (constant type of feed, amount of feed and feeding time).

However, dog owners should take into account that the insulin approved for dogs consists of an amorphous insulin and a crystalline insulin whose maximum effect occurs on the one hand shortly after the injection and on the other hand after about 7 to 8 hours, which must always be taken into account in the feeding is. In addition, the experts recommend the dog owners to resort to forage with high raw fiber content. Attitude to ideal body weight (weight loss, weight gain, and minimization of physical and mental stress (eg, no unaccustomed physical stress) is especially important for diabetic dogs.

Avoidance of consequential damage
If the level of sugar in the blood of dogs is too high for a long period of time, this can lead to eye changes or blindness, for example. Nerve damage as well as kidney and heart disease can not be ruled out. However, a good dose of insulin given in consultation with the veterinarian may delay or partially prevent the sequelae of diabetes. (fp, 09.11.2010)

Also read:
Strong thirst; strong feeling of thirst