Does your dog suffer from diabetes? Maybe it hasn’t been diagnosed yet, but you’re beginning to wonder if this could be an issue.
Panting, among other things, is symptomatic of diabetes in dogs. Read on to find out how to manage this issue, and other ways to help your dog and make sure they’re as healthy as can be.
Why Does My Diabetic Dog Pant So Much?
Panting, among other symptoms, is one of the side effects of diabetes in dogs. There are many ways to manage diabetes, and through that, you can manage excessive panting. If you take care of your dog and give them a balanced diet, exercise, and stay on track with their insulin injections, your dog should be able to live a long, healthy, and happy life.
Why Does My Diabetic Dog Pant At Night?
Diabetes can cause discomfort and pain for dogs. Pain and discomfort will cause restlessness for the dog because it will be uncomfortable for them to sleep. Panting is a response to discomfort for dogs, meaning that it may just be more noticeable at night when it’s quieter.
If you suspect that your dog may be diabetic and it has not been diagnosed yet, panting and restlessness during the nights may be a sign of diabetes or another medical issue.
Why Do Diabetic Dogs Pant?
Panting is symptomatic of diabetes in dogs because panting is caused by Hypertension, also known as High Blood Pressure.
As mentioned previously, your dog may be panting as a result of feeling discomfort or pain.
Is Panting A Sign Of Diabetes In Dogs?
Panting is a sign of diabetes in dogs.
However, if your dog is panting, as usual, there is nothing to worry about. Dogs pant as a response to being overheated, or when they’re anxious or excited. If your dog is excessively panting, seems to be in pain or discomfort, and is symptomatic of other medical issues then you should consider if your dog has diabetes.
Excessive panting can also be symptomatic of heart failure or other respiratory disorders such as pneumonia or a lung tumor.
Cushing’s syndrome could also be to cause excessive panting in dogs. This syndrome is caused by overactive adrenal glands and causes hair loss, extreme thirst, and hunger, and may cause the affected dog to become pot-bellied. This syndrome is treated through medication or surgery.
Other signs and symptoms of diabetes in dogs may be easier to notice and track than excessive panting.
For example, if your dog is drinking or urinating more than usual it could be symptomatic of diabetes. Your pet may also have extreme hunger or is losing weight rapidly. These symptoms by themselves may point to other medical issues or concerns, but paired together it points to diabetes.
There are many symptoms of diabetes in dogs that are harder to pick up as well. Your dog may be having infections that seem to never go away. They could be becoming increasingly weak or having seizures. Their coat quality could be worsening. Another symptom a diabetic dog may have is cataracts.
Dog Starts Panting After Insulin Shot, Does Insulin Make A Dog Pant?
What makes a dog pant is Hyperglycemia or high blood sugar. If your dog beings to pant after its insulin shot, likely, the insulin hasn’t begun working yet and your dog’s body is reacting to the food it may be digesting. In this event, discuss with your pet’s veterinarian about moving your pet’s insulin injection time to better suit its meals.
Side Effects Of Too Much Insulin In Dogs
The following symptoms can happen as a result of over injecting a dog with insulin:
- Restlessness
- Shivering
- Impaired coordination or balance
- Hunger
- Disorientation
- Convulsions
- Coma
When a dog is given too much insulin, these life-threatening symptoms can occur. Too much insulin can cause a dramatic drop in blood pressure or Hypoglycemia. In this event, take your pet to a medical professional or contact a veterinarian on the proper next step to take
If it’s impossible to take your dog to see a medical professional, administer a glucose solution or corn syrup to your dog. After preparing enough solution so there’s 1g per kg of body weight, rub small amounts of the solution into your pet’s gums or under their tongue.
Timing is important when it comes to insulin dosage for dogs. Typically, vets will advise you to give your dog their insulin injection after they eat in case they eat less than normal. This way you can adjust the dosage so you don’t give them too much.
What Should I Do When My Dog With Diabetes Is Panting A Lot?
If your diabetic dog is excessively panting from reasons other than exercise, heat, or excitement it’s usually caused by hyperglycemia. In this event, take the necessary measures to lower your dog’s blood pressure.
If you are unsure of what to do or are concerned by your dog panting, seek professional help.
If your dog is panting from vigorous exercise, a way to fix this is to cool your dog down. Allow them to rest for a minute and give them cold water. If you are outside or in a warm area, move your dog to a shaded and cool area.
Anxiety or excitement could be another cause for excessive panting. This doesn’t pose as much of a threat to your dog as heat stroke does, yet it still means that the situation they’re in is overwhelming for them. Remove them from the situation they’re in and give them a second to calm down.
How Long Does A Dog Who Has Diabetes Live?
If your dog is taking insulin for its diabetes then chances are that there won’t be any effect on its life expectancy.
If your dog isn’t receiving treatment for its diabetes and it makes it past the first three months, professionals say that these dogs fare pretty well. The average survival is two years after getting diabetes.
However, most dogs will not die from diabetes.
If you help your dog to maintain a healthy lifestyle, diabetes will not affect them very much. You have to keep your dog at a healthy weight and ensure that they have a healthy diet. If you manage their diabetes, you manage the side effects and make sure that they’re as comfortable as possible.
If you treat your dog with the same love that you always have, they won’t feel any different.
As with any aging or ailing dog, the most important thing is to understand that they may be uncomfortable or in pain at times. The same as you would understand your grandparent or an elderly neighbor. When you take this into account, it’s easier to understand why they aren’t as vigorous as they used to be when they were younger.
How Can I Help My Dog Who Has Diabetes Live Longer?
Although diabetes in dogs is usually incurable, there are many actions you can take to make sure your dog lives a happy and healthy life.
To begin with, the most important treatment for a dog with diabetes is insulin. Insulin will regulate your dog’s blood sugar level and keep them happy and healthy. Insulin is given to dogs in doses twice daily, on a schedule and dosage level specialized for your dog. Your dog’s veterinarian will find the appropriate schedule and dosage for your dog through blood work testing.
A large part of diabetes management is lifestyle changes.
Everything needs to remain pretty consistent to maintain health for a diabetic dog. Areas of their life that will need to be controlled are their diet, which is also important they don’t overeat, and exercise. Another thing that needs to remain controlled is making sure their stress levels don’t get too high.
If you choose a diet for your dog that has a high-fiber and low-fat content, you’ll be making the best decision for them. Fiber is shown to slow glucose entry into a dog’s bloodstream and well keep them feeling full. Feeling full from high fiber and low calories from less fat will keep the pounds off of your pooch.
If you don’t typically make sure your dog exercises, it’s important that you should start now. Taking them for a walk or throwing a ball for them in the afternoons or morning will keep them healthy and trim.
Remember, every dog is unique. This means that each dog will have to have alterations made to the lifestyle that suits them and their specific needs. Talk to your pet’s veterinarian about your best options and any concerns you may have.
References
https://petdiabetes.fandom.com/wiki/Post-prandial#In_dogs
https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/diabetes-dogs-what-you-need-know