.svg)
📞 Internal medicine doctors in Vantaa: 010 739 9130
Canine diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is a generalizing disease similar to type 1 diabetes in humans. A dog's pancreas stops producing insulin, causing blood sugar to rise dangerously high.
If left untreated, diabetes is life-threatening, but with the right treatment, a diabetic dog can live a normal, joyful life for years.
Main symptom: Drinking and peeing
The classic symptom of diabetes is PU/PD (polyuria/polydipsia), that is, increased urination and drinking.
- The dog drinks the cup of water empty in an instant and asks for more.
- A dog that has been indoor clean begins to pee inside or is unable to hold back for the duration of the working day.
- Urine is pale and comes out in large quantities.
Other symptoms:
- Weight loss: The dog will lose weight even if it eats well (or even greedily). The body cannot make good use of food without insulin.
- Cataracts: The dog quickly goes blind when the lenses become cloudy under the influence of sugar.
How is diabetes treated?
Canine diabetes requires commitment from the owner, as the treatment is lifelong. At the animal hospital Sacrum, we teach the owner to do everything necessary at home.
1. Insulin injections
The dog is given insulin by injection under the skin once or twice a day, when feeding. Most dogs don't even notice a tiny needle.
2. Diet
A steady blood sugar level requires a regular feeding rhythm and high-quality, fiber-rich food.
3. Exercise
Regular exercise helps keep your sugar balance in check.
Do you suspect diabetes?
Bring the dog to the examinations Veterinary Hospital in Sacrum. The diagnosis is easily confirmed by a blood test and urine sample. The earlier the treatment is started, the better the dog's body (and eyesight) will be spared from damage.
📍 Porttisuontie 13, 01200 Vantaa
Does the dog limp on the front leg or the back leg? Read the vet's information pack for the most common causes: osteoarthritis, cruciate ligament injury, sprain or foreign object.
Puppy's milk teeth not falling out? Read when retained deciduous teeth need to be removed and why they can cause bite and gum problems.
Canine atopy is a lifelong skin disease. Identify the symptoms (licking of the paws, ear infections) and learn how to control the symptoms with medication and treatment.
Is your cat breathing with its mouth open or panting? Learn why this symptom is an emergency and why your cat needs to be brought to the emergency clinic quickly.
Not all lameness requires surgery. Read the veterinarian's assessment: when rest is enough and when surgery is needed (eg cruciate ligament, fracture, OCD).
Did the dog eat a sock, a toy or a rock? Read about when a dog needs to vomit at the vet and what are the symptoms of intestinal obstruction. Animal Hospital Sacrum helps 24/7.