Insulin Reactions in Dogs

Insulin is a chemical that is manufactured in the body to help properly utilize sugar in the bloodstream. Disorders of the metabolism that lead to difficulties with insulin levels are generally referred to as diabetes, whether the condition is found in dogs or in people. An insulin reaction is what happens when a person or animal has an excessively low blood sugar level, and the side effects that come with this condition.

  1. Seizures

    • One of the most extreme reactions that a dog can suffer as a result of extremely low blood sugar is a seizure. A seizure is a misfiring of the nerve endings, which can lead to paralysis, blacking out and occasionally spit frothing at the mouth. Seizures are a rare occurrence, but they can result from an insulin reaction in both dogs and humans. In some cases, a seizure can lead to an animal's death either because of the time and place it happened (such as while crossing a road), or because the dog isn't healthy enough to survive the seizure.

    Weakness

    • When a dog experiences an insulin reaction, one of the more common accompanying symptoms is general weakness. This may be seen as trouble standing and keeping upright, but a dog may also seem lethargic in nature. For instance, a young, healthy, playful dog may just want to lay in the shade, or rather than running during a walk the dog will drag itself along. Like any other condition that can stimulate the dog's immune system, insulin reactions can sap a dog of energy.

    Thirst

    • Dogs that suffer from diabetes and accompanying insulin reactions often display an increased thirst. This is partially because excess sugar is eliminated through urine when a dog suffers from a diabetic condition. This increased thirst is also accompanied by an increased need to urinate. If your dog's drinking and bathroom patterns increase noticeably for no apparent reason (such as it isn't warmer outside, but the dog still goes through twice the water he usually does under these conditions), then you may want to have a veterinarian examine your dog for an insulin reaction or diabetic condition.