It is dreadful if your dog gets diagnosed with diabetes; it’ll make you anxious to know how long do dogs live after diabetes, and if it is curable. Good for you, this article aims to give you peace of mind regarding this disease!
Take a deep breath, calm your mind, and continue reading so you can understand more about diabetes and the current situation of your dog.
Identifying Early Signs Of Diabetes In Dogs
Let us clarify it immediately before proceeding — even with diabetes, your dog can still live long and happily. Depending on various factors, the proper treatment can preserve their life expectancy.
Diabetes is a disease that affects the endocrine system. It happens when the pancreas isn’t producing adequate insulin or isn’t working as effectively anymore (insulin is necessary to have energy).
Diabetes in dogs is often affected by genetics, increased hormone levels, chronic pancreatitis, obesity, or the immune system mistakenly attacking the insulin-producing cells. To know the specific cause, talking to a vet would help.
There are three types of diabetes:
- Type I is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes. It is the most common diabetes in dogs, which is also similar to human diabetes.
- Type II is also known as noninsulin-dependent diabetes. This type is related to obesity.
- Type III is hormone-induced and is a rare one. This third type is somehow related to pregnancy.
Here are several indications of diabetes that you can take note of:
- Increased urination
- Extreme thirst
- Insatiable appetite
- Weight loss despite a good appetite.
- Cataracts/Blindness
- Thinning hair coat
- Poor skin quality
- In some cases, you may notice an odd smell from their breath, similar to a nail polish remover.
- Less energy and always looking tired
- Stiff movements
Learning to spot the signs mentioned above can help treat the disease sooner. The earlier you bring them to the vet, the more manageable the disease can be.
Effects of Diabetes On Dogs
Diabetes is more common in middle-aged and older dogs, but the possibility for young pups to contract it is there. Breeds like Dachshunds, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Pomeranians, Terriers, Toy Poodles, and Samoyeds are among those that are more likely to contract diabetes.
Here are some common long-term effects of untreated diabetes in dogs that can become fatal:
- Seizures
- Liver Diseases
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Diabetic Neuropathy
- Cataracts
If diseases like urinary tract infections (UTI), Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, and pancreatitis add to the already diabetic dogs, it might lead to more severe complications.
How long do dogs live after diabetes?
Dog diabetes life expectancy depends on how pet owners manage diabetes with the help of treatments like insulin, diet therapy, gene therapy, and so on. Still, pet parents are required to work with vets for regular monitoring and treatment to ensure that their pets are recovering.
Early and proper treatment can let your dog’s life last for many years. If the dog could pass through the first three months of therapy without a lapse, they could live long and happy lives.
Without treatment, dogs can mostly last up to 8 months, and that still depends on what degree the disease is in. The average survival for pups with diabetes is two years, and some are even able to outlive that duration.
The best way for a longer and healthier life for dogs is to know how to prevent diabetes or what you can do to minimize the chances of them contracting the disease. Here are some tips you can take note of:
- Annually visit the vet for a general physical exam. Some may need to be taken quarterly or every half a year, depending on your vet’s advice.
- Provide a high-quality and suitable diet.
- Have regular exercises and let them stay active.
- Regularly monitor them.
- Be aware of the early signs of diseases that dogs can contract.
Conclusion
The answer to “do dogs live after diabetes” would depend on whether it was treated or not. Treated dogs can live longer and healthier lives compared to untreated ones.
If your pup is diagnosed with diabetes, don’t lose hope because it can still be managed with time, treatment, and a healthy lifestyle. Don’t let pessimism hinder your time with your beloved pup; choose to see the brighter side!
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