Pet Owner’s Heartfelt TikTok Reveals Daily Life with Diabetic Dog

Sometimes, many of us wish it was possible to wave a magic wand over our furry friends and free them from the debilitating burden of chronic illnesses. Unfortunately, the reality is that sickness is an inevitable part of life, and the least we can do is ensure they receive the necessary treatment and loving support to get back on track.

One Miniature Schnauzer owner knows this too well following her dog’s diagnosis with diabetes. The owner shared a video of her daily routine with her diabetic pup on TikTok, sparking heartfelt comments from other users. As explained by the owner on her TikTok account @keishaoutwest, her pup often requires two insulin injections daily, which she’s learned to administer by herself.  

“[My] 6-year-old Miniature Schnauzer was diagnosed with diabetes. It’s been quite the learning curve, to say the least, tears and bad tears… I really wanted to show and normalize the process of living with a dog with diabetes and really show you what it’s like to give her insulin 2×1 a day, morning and night. So here it goes..,” reads part of the text layered over the clip.  

Diabetic dog

Several users have taken to the comment section to share their personal experiences living with a diabetic dog. 

“Mine has been diabetic since she was 9, and she’s nearly 17. We feed the same food, same amount, same time with insulin 2x a day. Unlimited zucchini treats,” wrote one user. 

“My Scottish Terrier was diagnosed last week, and I’m so depressed. His lifestyle has changed, and it makes me sad,” read another comment.

“Three days diagnosed, he freaks out when we try to give him his insulin,” added a third user. 

Watch the video below:

@keishaoutwest Last year we learned my dog had diabetes and it’s been quite the learning curve #dogmomlife #dogmom #miniatureschnauzer #dogtok #diabetes #normalize #fyp #petsoftiktok #pet #dogsofttiktok ♬ original sound – Keisha | Denver Lifestyle

Diabetes in Dogs: Here’s Everything You Need to Know 

Canine diabetes is a progressive, chronic condition characterized by a dog’s inability to regulate their blood sugar levels. While diabetes can affect dogs of all breeds and ages, research shows that this condition is more prevalent in middle-aged and senior dogs. 

In addition, findings by the American Veterinary Medical Association reveal that some dog breeds are genetically predisposed to diabetes. These breeds include Miniature Schnauzers, Pugs, Miniature Poodles, Samoyeds, and Toy Poodles

Canine diabetes has everything to do with the production (and role) of insulin in your dog’s body.

You see, some of the food your pup ingests is broken down into simple sugars — better known as glucose — during digestion. Glucose acts as the main source of energy for the body cells. It is through glucose that your dog’s cells and organs get the energy they need to perform their functions. However, for glucose to be absorbed and utilized by these cells and organs, the hormone insulin is required.

Produced by the pancreas, insulin plays a key role in facilitating the absorption of glucose from the bloodstream into the body cells. 

So, when your dog is suffering from diabetes, it pretty much means their insulin-glucose ‘relationship’ isn’t working as effectively as it should, affecting their blood sugar levels. 

There are two forms of diabetes seen in dogs:

  • Type I Diabetes (also called Insulin Deficiency Diabetes)

This is the most common form of diabetes seen in dogs, and it occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin. Dogs diagnosed with Type I diabetes need lifelong insulin treatment to replace the missing insulin. Type I diabetes in dogs is mostly triggered by damaged pancreatic cells (due to autoimmune attacks), recurrent pancreatitis, and long-term use of steroid medications. 

  • Type II Diabetes (also called Insulin-Resistance Diabetes)

With this type of diabetes, your dog’s pancreas is producing insulin as usual, but their body is resistant to it. In other words, the body cells aren’t responding to the insulin secreted. This means that much of the glucose that should have been absorbed and utilized by the body cells remains in the bloodstream. As a result, your dog will have high levels of sugar in their blood. Type II diabetes mostly affects dogs with obesity.

If left untreated, canine diabetes can lead to more serious health issues, from hyperglycemic seizures (due to high blood sugar levels) to liver problems, recurring urinary tract infections, blindness, diabetic ketoacidosis (a life-threatening complication of diabetes), and diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage resulting from diabetes complications). 

Dog Diabetes Symptoms: 7 Common Signs of Diabetes in Dogs 

As with every other disease affecting our canine friends, it’s important for you to be familiar with the symptoms of diabetes in dogs. That way, you’ll be able to bring these symptoms to your vet’s attention sooner rather than later, giving your dog a chance to get started on early treatment.

“Diabetes is just as serious in dogs as it is in humans, so it’s important to have your little one assessed by your vet if you notice any symptoms. Though diabetes can deeply impact your pet’s life, it can be managed by your veterinary team. The earlier your pet is diagnosed and treatment is started, the better your dog’s prognosis moving forward. Early diagnosis and treatment can also help your pet avoid life-threatening diabetic complications,” explained pet health experts at Vetted Pet Health in an Instagram post

That said, here are seven common symptoms of diabetes in dogs to watch out for:

  • Excessive thirst 
  • Sudden increase in appetite
  • Frequent urination 
  • Unexplained loss of weight 
  • Increased lethargy 
  • Cloudiness in the eyes (caused by cataracts)
  • Vomiting 

As the disease progresses, there’ll be a shift in your dog’s appetite from high to low, and the other symptoms will worsen. 

“Please, always see signs and never use social media for answers. I found out almost too late that my dog drinking a lot of water, peeing all over the place, not eating, and losing weight were signs of diabetes….My dog was normal weight, 43 pounds a year ago, today is 27 pounds…so please watch the signs. She is on insulin today. She will be better soon. But will always be on insulin for the rest of her life…,” posted user @Stargazer_0101 on Reddit while cautioning other dog owners about canine diabetes

Diagnosis and Management of Diabetes in Dogs 

Usually, the diagnosis of canine diabetes involves a series of tests, the most common being blood testing and urinalysis to determine the glucose levels in your dog’s blood. Additional diagnostic tests such as fructosamine testing, radiography, and a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) may be carried out to check for any diabetes complications. 

This diagnosis process also entails a physical examination and review of your dog’s medical history.

When your dog is diagnosed with diabetes, your vet will customize a treatment plan based on the form of diabetes they have. Diabetes itself isn’t curable. Thankfully, your dog can live a longer, happier life with proper management. 

Typically, the key components of diabetes management in dogs include:

  • Insulin therapy: Your veterinarian will determine what type of insulin best suits your dog’s situation, as well as the dosage.
  • Dietary change: Dogs with diabetes mellitus need to be on balanced dog food for diabetic dogs and a specific feeding schedule. Your vet will guide you on this. 
  • Regular exercise: Since exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity, it’s important for dogs with diabetes to move their bodies as often as possible. 
  • Frequent vet visits: Your dog will need to go for check-ups frequently so the vet can keep track of their health and determine if their treatment regimen is working.
  • Close monitoring: Managing canine diabetes at home requires you to monitor your dog closely so you can catch anything unusual about their levels of glucose and seek timely vet advice.  

More importantly, adhering to your vet’s treatment plan and recommendations can go along way in keeping your dog’s diabetes under control for the long term.

“Diabetic Lab owner here going on year 5, diagnosed at 6, and he turns 11 this year. It gets easier, with a lot of patience & consistent routine, it’ll become a normal part of your day,” wrote user @ImPattyCakes in a Reddit discussion post on living with a diabetic dog.   

Diabetes in Dogs – Frequently Asked Questions

Diabetes in dogs symptoms

As stated earlier, some of the common symptoms of canine diabetes include excessive thirst, increased appetite, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, and cloudy eyes. 

Diabetic dog food to give dog

When it comes to managing canine diabetes, it’s best to seek your vet’s advice on the best food to feed your diabetic dog.  

Can dogs get diabetes?

Yes, that’s right. Dogs, just like humans, can suffer from diabetes. 

Symptoms of sugar diabetes in dogs

They include increased appetite, frequent urination, excessive thirst, and drastic weight loss.