Diabetes in Dogs: Spotting It, Managing It
Increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss despite eating — the four classic signs and what comes next.
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The four classic signs
- Polydipsia (excess drinking)
- Polyuria (excess urination)
- Polyphagia (excess hunger)
- Weight loss despite the above
Diagnosis
Fasting blood glucose, urinalysis (glucose in urine), fructosamine for confirmation. Done in-house at SenVetCare same day.
Treatment
- Insulin — usually twice daily by injection, learned in a 30-min training session
- Consistent diet — same food, same amount, same time daily
- Exercise — same intensity daily; dramatic changes shift insulin needs
Cost reality
Insulin Rs. 2,000-4,000/month. Initial workup adds Rs. 5,000-10,000. Lifelong, but quality of life is excellent with control.
Monitoring
Glucose curves every 3 months initially, then every 6. Owners learn to spot hypoglycaemia (weakness, wobbling, seizure) and respond with honey/glucose.
Prognosis
With good owner commitment, diabetic dogs live full normal lives. The first 1-3 months of regulation are the hardest.
Frequently asked
In dogs, no - lifelong management. In cats, sometimes diet+insulin can lead to remission.
Tiny needle under the skin; most dogs barely react. We teach you the technique.
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