Pet Ownership: Why It’s Important to Test Your Dog for Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is the leading reason for adult visual impairment, kidney failure, and amputation of lower limbs. According to surveys, the amount of adults detected with diabetes in the past twenty years has more than doubled. In addition, it is also considered one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

Many of us may think humans are the only ones at risk of diabetes. Sadly, even our most loved pets are in danger of the mentioned condition. As dog owners, it’s your responsibility to check on your pets regularly to stay clear of health issues as much as possible. Let us know the reasons why you should test your dog for diabetes.

Five Reasons to Examine Your Dog for Diabetes

As your dog gets older, they get even more vulnerable to diabetic issues. According to research, many canines develop it at age five or older when diagnosed. Nonetheless, it can also be seen in puppies in many cases. In a survey carried out, it was estimated that 1 out of 300 canines is a victim of diabetes.

While there are means to prevent this for your dog, this does not spare them from subjecting them to a diabetes examination. We have noted important reasons below to examine your dog for diabetes.

1. Lesser expenses

Treatment for diabetes consists of:

  • Prescription diets
  • Insulin syringes
  • Twice-a-day insulin treatment
  • Regular trips to veterinary for blood tests

Insulin is a must for diabetic dogs, and they cannot go without it. Having diabetes tests for canines before they reveal symptoms will save you a lot of cash, as untreated diabetes would be too expensive to cure provided the treatments mentioned.

While your pet looks trim and healthy, it’s a great chance to have them checked in animal centers to know their state. If you are looking for nearby pet professionals, you can check their website online to see what services they offer.

2. Saves your dog’s eyesight

Diabetic dogs eventually go blind from cataracts. This results from the excess sugar in their body, which impacts the lens in their eyes, causing more water to influx the lens and affect its clearness. This is how cataract develops, which causes loss of sight and swelling in both eyes. Cataract surgery may be feasible for this case, but it could be expensive.

While your pet can still see normally, it’s good to have them examined. Otherwise, if your pet is already showing indicators of diabetes, bringing them to animal centers that offer internal medicine services as soon as possible would help treat it immediately. Websites like www.kayanimalhosp.com provide comprehensive information about the said service.

3. Less urinary accidents in the house

One noticeable symptom of diabetes for canines is excessive drinking. With this said, your pet will urinate more than normal and cause urination accidents in your house. Due to hyperglycemia, Your dogs are at threat of urinary tract infections, wreaking havoc on your comforters and rugs. The quicker you can treat your dog to manage or regulate diabetes, the less likely they will drink and urinate, making them comfortable too.

4. Gives you peace of mind

The earlier you check your dog for diabetes, the quicker results will be if medical issues are spotted. This means you can immediately treat whatever ailments and prevent them from getting worse. When treated properly and regularly, your dogs can live a full life without any signs of diabetes.

The stated illness is not just restricted to pets like dogs or cats. Even animals like goats, pigs, and sheep are also at risk. A livestock vet offers services for such animals should they run into various health problems that need immediate treatment.

5. Prolongs your dog’s life expectancy

As diabetes is harmful to people and even life-threatening, it impacts dogs and other pets. Their body is immunosuppressed with diabetes, creating diabetic complications which cause long-term harm for your furry companions. Diabetes, when treated and controlled sooner, would allow your dog to live longer.