If your dog displays any of the symptoms of diabetes, it is important to take it to the veterinarian for examination. If your dog is diabetic, your veterinarian can offer treatment options that will work for your dog's particular needs, including options that won't trigger a dog's allergies to pork products.
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Dog Allergies
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Dogs experience allergies just as humans do. When a dog has allergies, its immune system reacts to an allergen in its environment as though it is a threat to the dog's health. The allergen will not bother dogs that are not allergic to it. Dogs can be allergic to pollen, dust and chemicals. Your dog can also have a food allergy and experience a reaction when it eats chicken or pork products if it is allergic to them, according to the ASPCA.
Diabetes
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If your dog's pancreas does not produce enough insulin, sugar will accumulate in your dog's blood and in its urine, leading to diabetes. A diabetic dog will eat constantly because its brain is not getting enough sugar and the dog is trying to compensate. It will also more drink water and urinate more often than is normal. Diabetes develops most often in older female dogs. Dogs that are overweight are also at a greater risk for developing diabetes.
Pork Insulin
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According to Washington State University, diabetes is managed through insulin injections. These injections need to be administered twice a day to most diabetic dogs. Insulin can be created using pork pancreas as a source. While this type of insulin will work just fine in most dogs, dogs with a systemic allergy to pork or pork products cannot be given pork insulin. It will put them at risk of experiencing an allergic reaction.
Other Treatment Options
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If your dog is allergic to pork products, there are other treatment options available. Insulin can be derived from beef and human sources, which will not cause an allergic reaction. Your veterinarian can help you create an injection and feeding schedule that will help you keep your dog's blood sugar levels even and under control. She can also teach you how to monitor your dog's blood sugar levels at home.
Considerations
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While some dogs develop diabetes young as a result of genetics, most dogs develop the disease as they age and gain weight. You can protect your dog's health by maintaining its weight by not overfeeding and making sure it gets plenty of exercise. If your dog does develop diabetes, seek treatment right away. Untreated diabetes can lead to cataracts, urinary tract and skin infections, coma and death.
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