A Difficult Decision: Knowing When It's Time to Say Goodbye to a Diabetic Dog
This article discusses the signs of diabetes in dogs, potential treatment options, and when it is time to put a diabetic dog down. Signs of diabetes include increased appetite, thirst and urination, and weight loss. Treatment options involve dietary changes, insulin injections, monitoring blood sugar levels, providing regular exercise, and medications. When deciding when to put a diabetic dog down, owners should consider their pet's health needs as well as their quality of life long term. Ultimately this decision should be based on what will provide your pet with the best quality of life while also keeping their comfort level in mind at all times.
When to Put a Diabetic Dog Down
Diabetes is a common endocrine disorder in dogs, and it can be caused by either an insulin deficiency or insulin resistant diabetes. Dogs with diabetes may develop increased appetite, increased thirst and urination, and weight loss. If your dog is showing signs of developing diabetes, it is important to understand when it is time to put them down.
Signs that Your Dog May Develop Diabetes
If you suspect your dog may have diabetes, there are some tell-tale signs you should look out for. These include increased appetite, increased thirst and urination, and weight loss.
Increased Appetite: Your dog may seem hungrier than usual, even after eating a full meal. They may also start begging for food more than usual or scavenging for scraps around the house.
Increased Thirst and Urination: Your dog may drink more water than normal and have accidents around the house due to their increased need to go outside more often. Your dog's weight may drop despite their increased appetite if they are not able to properly process the food they are consuming due to their diabetes.
Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s disease is another condition that can affect diabetic dogs which can further complicate the decision of when to put them down. This condition occurs when a tumor on the pituitary gland causes an overproduction of cortisol hormones in the body which can lead to symptoms such as hair loss, pot belly, excessive panting and lethargy in dogs.
Treatment Options for Dogs with Diabetes
If your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes, there are treatment options available that can help manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. These include dietary changes such as reducing sugar intake and increasing fiber content; administering insulin injections; monitoring blood sugar levels; providing regular exercise; and providing medications such as anti-diabetic drugs or Cushing’s disease medications if applicable.
When Is It Time To Put A Diabetic Dog Down?
Deciding when it is time to put your diabetic dog down can be one of the most difficult decisions a pet owner will ever have to make. Ultimately this decision should be based on your individual pet’s health needs as well as their quality of life long term. If your pet’s condition cannot be managed with treatment options or if they are suffering from chronic pain or other health issues related to their diabetes then it may be time for you to consider putting them down in order to provide them with peace from further suffering.
Related Article: What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss in Dogs?
Conclusion
Deciding when it is time to put a diabetic dog down can be an incredibly difficult decision for any pet owner but understanding the signs of diabetes in dogs as well as potential treatment options can help make this process easier on both you and your pet. Ultimately this decision should be based on what will provide your pet with the best quality of life long term while also keeping their comfort level in mind at all times."
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a 13 year old dog live with diabetes?
The life expectancy of dogs with diabetes varies but veterinarians and medical professionals give an average of two to three years after diagnosis. (Most dogs are diagnosed with diabetes when they are 5 years of age or older.)
Should I put my diabetic dog to sleep?
Without proper treatment, your dog or cat will ultimately die. Sadly, some owners even choose to euthanize their pets because of the commitment required to manage diabetes. However, many people find the effort worthwhile and rewarding, as the animal can enjoy a high-quality life as a controlled diabetic.
Are dogs in pain with diabetes?
Diabetes is more than just “high blood sugar.” Left untreated, your dog may suffer from blindness, organ failure, body ulcers, and abdominal pain. This is why early detection is so vital.
How long can dogs live with diabetes?
How long do dogs live after being diagnosed with diabetes? Depending on co-morbidities and how easily regulated they are, dogs can live for many years after diagnosis. However, some studies showed a mean survival time after diagnosis to be between 18 and 24 months. Apr 28, 2022
How does a dog act when blood sugar is high?
Increased thirst (polydipsia) Increased urination (polyuria) Depression. Weight loss. Jan 25, 2010
Can dogs recover from diabetes?
Unfortunately diabetes is not curable in dogs, and the vast majority of diabetic dogs require insulin injections for life once diagnosed. However, addressing underlying causes, as well as spaying females and treating Cushing's disease, can allow the diabetes to be more easily and successfully controlled. Jan 6, 2015