Just as with humans, when pets get older they are more likely to develop and be affected by serious diseases and disorders. One of the most common hormonal disorders for dogs is diabetes. Again, as with humans, diabetes is more likely to affect animals that are overweight; it is also more commonly seen in female dogs.
How does it work? Diabetes is a disorder related to the production of glucose in the blood and insulin. Insulin is a basic hormone that manages and maintains the level of glucose in the blood. But when an animal has too much glucose in their blood, often because of an insulin deficiency, then diabetes rears its ugly head.
For all animals, there are two common types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is the most serious and it involves a life long deficiency of insulin that can be attributed to a dearth of insulin producing cells. The disorder is deadly if it is not detected when the animal is very young.
Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is both a progressive and in most cases an acquired disorder. It generally occurs when the body forms a resistance to insulin. Because fat cells are far more likely to become resistant to insulin, overweight and obese pets are far more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.
However, it is also true that even if a dog is in good shape, he can develop disorders like diabetes when he ages. As you might expect, all animals become more susceptible to sickness and disease as they age.
Though there is no sure fire way to prevent Type 2 diabetes, when your pet reaches his golden years, it is more important than ever to pay attention to his diet and make certain that he gets proper exercise. If your pet is overweight or obese, he is much more likely to develop the disorder and you should make an appointment with a veterinarian right away.
Most vets have long experience dealing with and treating diabetes in dogs and they can outline a comprehensive diet and exercise program to help your animal avoid this dreaded disorder.
However, if you suspect that your dog already has diabetes, there are several common symptoms you should look for. To begin with, your pet will suddenly start drinking a lot more water and consequently he will have to urinate more frequently. A dog may also lose a small amount of weight, even if he has a large appetite. But by far the most common and easily observed symptom is dehydration. This occurs because increased blood sugar levels drain the cells of water and the animal must constantly replenish them.
If you notice either of these symptoms, especially dehydration, you must take your dog to the vet immediately. He can provide you with all of the information and equipment you need to help your pet manage the disorder. If you fail to recognize the symptoms and your pet is left untreated, the disease can be fatal. The most common result is a diabetic coma or death.
Author Resource:
This article was written by Kelly Marshall of http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/ Oh My Dog Supplies - the online leader of http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/dog-steps/ high quality dog steps along with other high end dog supplies.
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