I. What is diabetes?
Dog diabetes is a metabolic disease caused by insufficient insulin secretion or poor cellular response to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. When a dog's body cannot produce or use insulin normally, blood sugar will rise.
Diabetes can be divided into two main types:
Type 1 diabetes: Also known as insulin-dependent diabetes. This is usually caused by the destruction of islet cells in the pancreas, resulting in a severe deficiency of insulin secretion. This type of diabetes is relatively rare in dogs.
Type 2 diabetes: It is more common and is usually related to obesity, lack of exercise, genetic factors, and aging. In this case, the body cells of dogs have reduced sensitivity to insulin, that is, insulin resistance. Over time, the pancreas may not be able to produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
II. The symptoms and signs shown in dog diabetes
i. Polydipsia and polyuria
1.Polydipsia
Dogs will drink more water than usual. This is because the excessive glucose concentration in the blood leads to an increase in osmotic pressure, stimulating the osmotic pressure receptor in the hypothalamus and making the dog feel thirsty. Just like people feel thirsty after eating very salty food, in order to dilute the sugar in the blood, the dog is forced to drink a large amount of water. For example, a healthy dog may drink 500 - 800 milliliters of water per day, but after suffering from diabetes, the amount of water intake may increase to 1500 - 2000 milliliters or even more.
2.Polyuria
As the amount of water intake increases, the frequency of urination and the amount of urine of dogs will also increase significantly. When the kidneys filter the blood, excessively high blood sugar exceeds the reabsorption capacity of the renal tubules, a lot of glucose is excreted with the urine, and glucose will carry a large amount of water and be excreted together, which leads to polyuria. Under normal circumstances, a dog may urinate 3 - 5 times a day. After suffering from diabetes, the frequency of urination may increase to more than 7 - 10 times, and the amount of urine each time will also increase.
ii. Weight changes
1.Weight loss
Although a dog's appetite may be normal or even increased, its weight will gradually decrease. This is because the body cells cannot effectively use glucose to provide energy. Insulin deficiency or insulin resistance makes it impossible for glucose to enter cells for metabolism normally. The body will then start to decompose fat and protein to provide energy, resulting in weight loss. For example, a dog that originally weighed 10 kilograms may drop to around 8 kilograms within a few months after developing diabetes. Moreover, this weight loss is usually continuous, and the muscles will gradually atrophy, making the dog look thin and weak.
iii. Appetite changes
1.Polyphagia
Some dogs will experience increased appetite. Since the body cannot use glucose normally and the cells are in a state of energy deficiency, the body will send a signal for the dog to consume more food to obtain energy. Just like a hungry person will feel a significant increase in appetite, dogs will also frequently look for food, and their food intake may increase by 1 - 2 times compared to usual. However, in a few cases, dogs may experience a decrease in appetite. This may be because diabetes has triggered other complications, such as gastrointestinal problems or ketoacidosis, resulting in the dog losing its appetite.
iv. Vision problems
Diabetes may cause cataracts in dogs, leading to decreased vision. This is because excessively high blood sugar will cause the lens fibers in the eye to swell and degenerate, eventually forming cataracts. Dogs may often bump into objects when walking and be insensitive to toys or food in front of them. For example, it could catch the ball thrown by the owner very easily before. After getting sick, it may not be able to catch the ball because it cannot see the position of the ball clearly.
v. Other body system problems
Diabetes may cause a dog's skin to become dry, fragile, and prone to infection. This is because a high blood sugar environment is conducive to the growth of bacteria and fungi, and the body's metabolic disorder will also affect the normal nutrient supply to the skin. The hair may become dry, lackluster, and even show signs of hair loss.
2.Nervous system problems
High blood sugar can damage nerve fibers, leading to neurological symptoms in dogs. For example, it may experience limb weakness and unsteady walking. Abnormal sensations may also occur, such as decreased or hypersensitivity to stimuli such as pain and temperature. These neurological problems will affect a dog's motor ability and quality of life, making it feel uncomfortable during both activity and rest.
3.Cardiovascular system problems
Diabetes will augment a dog's risk of cardiovascular diseases. High blood sugar can do harm to the vascular endothelium, making the blood vessel walls thicken and harden, and prone to thrombosis. This may trigger serious diseases such as heart disease and stroke, affecting a dog's heart function and blood circulation and further reducing its physical function.
III. Diagnosis of diabetes in dogs:
i. Blood tests
1.Glucose detection: This is the most crucial step in diagnosing diabetes. Under normal circumstances, the fasting blood glucose concentration of dogs is generally between 70 - 130 mg/dL. If the fasting blood glucose concentration of a dog continuously exceeds 200 mg/dL, it is very likely to have diabetes. For detecting blood sugar, a portable blood glucose meter can be used. A small amount of blood sample can be obtained by pricking the dog's ear or paw for detection. This method is fast and simple, but it may be interfered by some factors, such as stress response (the dog is nervous in the hospital environment, leading to a temporary increase in blood sugar).
2.Fructosamine detection: Fructosamine is the product of the combination of glucose and serum protein. Its concentration can reflect the average blood sugar level in the past 1 - 2 weeks. This test can help veterinarians determine whether a dog has been in a state of high blood sugar for a long time, especially for those dogs with large fluctuations in blood sugar or stress-induced hyperglycemia. The normal fructosamine concentration of dogs is generally between 200 - 400 μmol/L. If it exceeds this range, it also indicates the possible presence of diabetes.
ii. Urine tests
1.Urine glucose detection: for diabetic dogs, the excessively high blood sugar exceeds the reabsorption capacity of the renal tubules, thus urine glucose will appear. Urine glucose test strips can be used to detect a dog's urine. Immerse the test strip in a fresh urine sample, and then compare the color change of the test strip with the standard color chart to determine the approximate concentration of urine glucose. If urine glucose is positive, this is an important indication of diabetes, but it may also be temporary urine glucose caused by other reasons, such as the influence of certain drugs.
2.Urine ketone body detection: When the body cannot effectively use glucose, it will start to break down fat to provide energy, and ketone bodies will be produced in this process. If ketone bodies are detected in a dog's urine, it indicates that diabetic ketoacidosis maybe present, which is a serious complication of diabetes. Urine ketone body detection can also use the test strip method. Under normal circumstances, urine ketone bodies should be negative.
iii. Other examinations
1.Physical examination: The veterinarian will conduct a comprehensive physical examination on the dog, including checking whether there is cataract formation in the eyes (a common complication of diabetes), the size and texture of the liver and spleen, and whether the lymph nodes are enlarged. These examinations help to detect other physical problems that may be caused by diabetes and can also rule out other diseases that may cause similar symptoms.
2.Medical history inquiry: Understanding the dog's past medical history, recent dietary changes, and whether any drugs that may affect blood sugar have been used is also very important. For example, certain glucocorticoid drugs may cause an increase in blood sugar. If the dog is using such drugs, the impact on blood sugar needs to be considered comprehensively.
IV. Treatment of diabetes in dogs
i. Drug therapy
1.Insulin therapy:
Insulin is the main drug for treating diabetes in dogs. According to the dog's condition and weight, the veterinarian will determine the appropriate type and dose of insulin. Insulin injections usually need to be given to dogs every day. The injection time and dose should be strictly followed by the veterinarian's instructions. Generally speaking, the time for insulin injection should be before having meals to ensure that blood sugar is effectively controlled after eating.
Different types of insulin have different durations of action and effects. Common ones include short-acting insulin, intermediate-acting insulin, and long-acting insulin. The veterinarian will choose the appropriate type of insulin according to the specific situation of the dog.
2.Oral hypoglycemic drugs:
In some cases, the veterinarian may prescribe some oral hypoglycemic drugs such as metformin for dogs at the same time. These drugs can help dogs increase the body's sensitivity to insulin and thus lower blood sugar. The use of oral hypoglycemic drugs needs to strictly follow the veterinarian's instructions, because different drugs have different side effects and precautions.
ii. Regular monitoring
1.Blood sugar monitoring:
Measure the dog's blood sugar regularly to adjust the treatment plan in time. A home blood glucose meter can be used to collect a small amount of blood from parts such as the dog's ear and toe for detection.
Record the changes in the dog's blood sugar value, including fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugar, etc. If the blood sugar value fluctuates greatly or continuously exceeds the normal range, the veterinarian should be informed in time.
2.Physical examination:
Take the dog to the veterinarian for a physical examination regularly, including routine examinations such as weight, body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, as well as urine tests and blood tests. These examinations can help the veterinarian understand the dog's disease changes and adjust the treatment plan in time.
Urine tests can detect the content of glucose and ketone bodies in urine and blood tests can detect indicators such as blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin, liver and kidney function.
iii. Prevention and treatment of complications
1.Prevention of infection:
Diabetic dogs have lower immunity and are prone to various diseases. Therefore, pay attention to keeping the dog's living environment clean and hygienic, and bathe, deworm, and vaccinate the dog regularly.
If the dog has skin damage, infection, etc., it should be dealt with in time to avoid aggravated infection.
2.Prevention of hypoglycemia:
Hypoglycemia is one of the common complications in the treatment process of diabetic dogs. To prevent the occurrence of hypoglycemia, insulin injection and feeding should be given to dogs strictly according to the veterinarian's instructions, and excessive exercise and long-term fasting should be avoided.
If the dog shows symptoms of hypoglycemia, give sugary food immediately and seek medical attention in time.
3.Prevention of diabetic ketoacidosis:
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication that can endanger a dog's life. If a dog shows symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, and coma, seek medical attention immediately.
To prevent the occurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis, strictly control the dog's blood sugar, conduct regular physical examinations and urine tests, and detect and deal with problems in time.
V. Prevention of diabetes in dogs

i. Diet aspect
1.Weight control:
Avoid overfeeding. Reasonably control the food intake according to factors such as the dog's age, weight, and activity level to prevent the dog from becoming obese. Obesity is one of the important risk factors for dogs to develop diabetes. Maintaining an appropriate weight can reduce the risk of disease.
You can refer to the feeding suggestions on the dog food packaging and adjust according to the actual situation of the dog. At the same time, weigh the dog regularly, observe the weight change, and adjust the food intake in time.
2.Choose suitable food:
Select high-quality dog food and pay attention to checking the ingredient list of dog food. High-quality dog food should contain an appropriate amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates, as well as abundant vitamins and minerals.
Avoid choosing foods high in sugar and fat, and reduce the dog's intake of excessive simple carbohydrates such as sugar and corn syrup. You can choose dog food rich in complex carbohydrates (such as whole wheat, oats, etc.), high-quality proteins (such as chicken, fish, etc.) and healthy fats (such as fish oil, olive oil, etc.). Control the feeding of snacks and avoid giving dogs too much human food, especially sweet and greasy food. Some human foods can be harmful to dogs, such as chocolate, onions, grapes, etc.
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Noora 8-in-1 Health Supplement
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Appearance/Taste: This product is available in chewable tablets that have a chicken liver taste to make it more appealing for dogs.
Size: 2.5 grams each tablet, 50 tablets in each bottle, a total of 125g (4.41 )

Advantages: Noora Daily Multi is a comprehensive health supplement designed to complement today's dog diets by providing 21 essential nutrients. It supports overall health maintenance and well-being in dogs of all ages, ensuring they receive a balanced intake of vital vitamins and minerals.
Appearance/Taste: The supplement comes in a vegetable flavor, which is appealing to dogs and encourages consumption.
Size: Each chew is formulated to be 3.5 grams, making it a manageable size for dogs to chew comfortably.
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ii. Exercise aspect
1.Maintain moderate exercise:
Ensure that the dog has enough exercise every day, which helps maintain the dog's physical health and normal weight. Dogs of different breeds and ages have different exercise needs. A suitable exercise plan can be made according to the specific situation of the dog. For example, small dogs can take a walk for 30 minutes to 1 hour every day. Medium-sized and large dogs can appropriately increase the exercise time and intensity, such as running and playing.
2.Regular exercise:
Establish a regular exercise schedule to let the dog develop good exercise habits. Take the dog out for exercise at a fixed time every day, which helps stabilize the dog's metabolism and blood sugar level. Pay attention to the safety of exercise and avoid excessive exercise for the dog in high temperature, cold or harsh weather conditions. During exercise, pay attention to observing the dog's state. If there is any abnormality, stop exercise immediately and seek medical attention.
iii. Regular physical examinations
Routine checks:
1.Take the dog to the veterinarian regularly for a comprehensive physical examination, including routine checks such as weight, body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, as well as blood tests and urine tests.
2.These examinations can help the veterinarian detect the dog's health problems in time, such as early signs of diabetes, so that corresponding preventive measures can be taken.