Signs Your Dog with Diabetes Is Dying: What to Watch For

Want to know about the signs your dog with diabetes is dying? Having a sick pet is not for the weak, and we often tend to keep a close eye on our ill companion. However, there are certain signs that may not be as noticeable to the unknowing eye. The chance of a dog having diabetes is 1 in 500, and depending on the age and gender of the dog, this could also determine the likelihood. With this being a relevantly common condition, there are many ways that owners can help their pets through this time. One important responsibility is monitoring them and knowing what signs to look out for. We will give you all the information you need to know what to watch out for. 

What is The Life Expectancy of a Diabetic Dog?

This mainly depends on the severity of their diabetes, their adjustment to their new routine and how they respond to the treatment. Another big factor that contributes to a dog’s life expectancy for diabetes is if they have any other conditions. Having illnesses such as liver or kidney problems can cause complications in how they deal with diabetes. There is no one timeline that fits all when it comes to mapping out how long your dog has, as there are tons of factors that need to be taken into account. A very rough measurement of time given is around 17 to 30 months, but this should be taken with a grain of salt. If the diabetes is caught early on and depending on the stage, it could be possible to help treat and manage your dog’s condition for several years. However, there are cases where the pet’s condition is severe, which is when the diabetes has progressed to a stage where quality of life and health is dwindling. In these situations, it is likely that the dog will only have a couple of weeks left. 

So, how can you tell? The next section discusses the signs your dog with diabetes is dying.

Signs Your Dog with Diabetes Is Dying

Every dog is different, which means they carry their illnesses differently, too. This can make it a bit more tricky to know how they may be feeling. After your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes, it will be common to ask yourself questions, such as, how will I know when it is time? This can be a hard call to make, but it may be time to take your companion to the vet if you start noticing these signs. 

Signs that their condition is worsening:

• Seizures
• Heavy breathing, even when calm or lying down
• Nausea
• Excessive drooling
• Vomiting
• Drinking more water
• Urinating more frequently
• Worsening vision or blindness
• Sudden and quick weight loss
• Breathe may smell like nail polish or garlic
• Dehydration despite drinking water
• Lack of appetite 
• Lethargic
• Loss of energy 
• Sleeping much more than usual
• Collapsing
• Difficulty waking up or being unresponsive

If your diabetic dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, then it is time to call the vet for a check-up. Depending on the condition, the vet could add or adjust medication to help ease side effects. If your dog is otherwise stable despite these symptoms, then there may only need to be a few adjustments and a new diet to help your dog feel better. However, if these symptoms indicate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), then quick medical action needs to happen. So, it is very important not to ignore these signs or delay seeking out veterinary help as DKA is a life-threatening condition, and as owners, we always want the best outcome for our pets. 

What to Do in The Final Stage of Dog Diabetes

Having a dog with diabetes can be quite a bit of work, and it is normal and understandable to have caregivers fatigue. In bad cases, many dogs become tired of all the injections, treatments, and symptoms, as well as frequent vet visits. It can be difficult to admit when the time is near or right to have your dog take their forever sleep. However, when the time comes for you to see your dog is tired of its condition and all that comes with it, the best decision that you can make as an owner is to let it go. Diabetes, especially in the final stages and severe cases, can cause a lot of problems, and having to keep up with the costs and adjustments to your dog’s medications and new routines can be exhausting for both the pup and owner. In some situations, owners consider hospice care for their dogs. This means that instead of prolonging their life and doing whatever it takes to have them live as long as possible, you make sure that they are comfortable in their final time. This can mean stopping certain medications, blood draws, and recheck visits. 

Here are some tips to help understand your diabetic dog’s quality of life:

• Is your dog eating and still enjoying treats?
• Do they still enjoy their favorite things, such as walks or toys?
• Are they nauseous and vomiting often?
• Do they still dislike the same things, or do they not care as much as they did?
• Are they able to sleep during the night and be alert and fully awake during the daytime? 
• Is your dog able to keep themself clean and groomed? 

Conclusion

It can be a difficult situation for both owners and pets when it comes to diabetes. Diabetes can cause complications and unpleasant symptoms. Staying alert to your dog’s health and keeping an eye open for warning signs can help you catch diabetes in the early stages. However, many times, the case has progressed to a point where extra care is needed. A dog and owner can still enjoy life and quality time together despite diabetes diagnosis if they are properly looked after and cared for.