Diabetes in dogs of any age results from the pancreas's inability to produce the necessary amount of insulin needed by the body to produce energy. A beginning symptom of juvenile diabetes in dogs is lethargy.
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Warning Signs
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There are indicators of juvenile diabetes in dogs that dog owners must know. An increase in appetite, water intake and urination are common signs of juvenile diabetes.
Potential Risks
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Puppies who suffer from juvenile diabetes remain small and underdeveloped and are at risk for illness from infection and cataracts. After the disease has progressed, high sugar levels in the blood become toxic, causing the blood to become acidic, a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.
Treatments Available
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For treatment of juvenile diabetes in dogs, veterinarians first test to confirm the presence of diabetes and then prescribe insulin injections that are given once or twice a day. Veterinarians advise dog owners to monitor daily insulin levels.
Nutrition
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Dogs with juvenile diabetes require special nutrition to avoid insulin spikes, specifically diets high in fiber, complex carbohydrates, vitamin and minerals. Dog owners should avoid moist foods or those high in calorie and fat content.
Don't Worry
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While juvenile diabetes in dogs is scary and hazardous to the animal's health, it is by no means the end of the puppy's life. With proper care, puppies with diabetes can live long happy lives.
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