Can Cavapoo dogs develop diabetes?
Yes, Cavapoos can develop diabetes more than 95% of diabetes in dogs are Type I. With that said, Type II is considered to be much rarer.
Diabetes can also occur in our furr babies, especially dogs. As opposed to the common belief that diabetes results from overeating sugar, it is actually a lack of insulin that causes this health problem.
Factors like gender, age, genetics, and diet influence the dog’s probability of being diabetic. Female dogs are twice more prone to males in acquiring this health problem. Plus, most of the time, it occurs to dogs ages 7 and older, but since it can be inherited, there are cases that even young pups get diabetes.
Tho it is more common in breeds like golden retrievers, beagles, dachshunds, Pomeranians, and terriers, mixed-breed like Cavapoo can also become diabetic. So if you feel your paw pal shows the below symptoms, consider having your pet tested on your next vet visit.
What are the 2 common types of diabetes in dogs?
- Type I (Diabetes Mellitus) occurs when your dog’s pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. If your Cavapoo is insulin-deficient, you must give them daily insulin doses thru injection to compensate for natural insulin production.
- Type II, however, is when your dog has enough insulin, but its body doesn’t use it as it should, causing high blood sugar. This type is most common in obese and older dogs.
More than 95% of diabetes in dogs are Type I. With that said, Type II is considered to be much rarer.
How do you identify if your Cavapoo has diabetes?
If your Cavapoo has Type I, having low insulin production, the blood sugar becomes too high. You might observe that your Cavapoo drinks more water than usual and has frequent urination.
Be patient if they sometimes pee inside the house. You have to understand that they are desperate to get rid of extra glucose in their body. Even tho these symptoms are not exclusive to diabetes; these are common indicators that your dog needs to be check-up by your veterinarian.
Like any other health problem, the sooner diabetes gets diagnosed, the better and faster treatment will be. So, if you find your Cavapoo experiencing these symptoms and you grow a suspicion about it, a visit to a vet clinic will save your time, money, and furr baby in the future.
- Dehydration
- Skin infections
- Sweet-smelling breathe
- Urinary tract infection
- Diabetic Cataracts
How can you treat a Cavapoo with diabetes?
Letting the veterinarian diagnose your Cavapoo will help determine the best treatment and diabetes management plan for your buddy. Treating dog diabetes is the same for all dogs. This treatment includes the following:
- Balanced diet- choosing the right dog food will help in managing your cavapoo’s diabetes. It should be rich in quality protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. These nutrients are recommended for they slow down the conversion of glucose into the bloodstream. Try these all natural Diabetic treats that are vet approved
- Regular exercise– regularly doesn’t necessarily mean daily. Your Cavapoo must maintain a consistent and steady exercise routine. Thrice a week is enough. It helps in preventing your dog’s sudden glucose drops and raises.
- Insulin injection– should be given just under the skin to make it tolerable. These injections are administered by your dog’s vet and combine the long-acting injection plus one daily injection before a meal. It controls the blood glucose and ensures that the level is in the normal range.
- Medical tag– for those who may not be aware that your Cavapoo is diabetic, getting a medical tag to add to their collar is a great idea. This helps people know their condition and avoid actions that might trigger or worsen your dog’s health problem. You can order a medical alert dog ID tag here.
What happens if you don’t treat a Cavapoo with diabetes?
Monitoring your Cavapoo’s blood glucose level is vital in ensuring your dog’s health. It would help if you also watched for symptoms of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. This implication is the result of insulin overdose. If left unattended, it can cause brain damage and other severe health failures for your paw pal. Symptoms include:
- Uncontrolled shaking or trembling
- Unstable standing legs
- Can get fatigued easily
- Frequent palpitation
- Falling in and out of conscious
- Disoriented actions
- Unexpected agitation
75% of dogs with diabetes will also manifest cataracts. It will make your dog’s vision blurry; in worse cases, it results in your Cavapoo’s blindness within a year. So if your dog is diagnosed with diabetes, checking their eyes once in a while if they’re developing a bluish-gray thin layer over the pupils will save your pet from getting blind.
If you happen not to get your Cavapoo be treated as soon as they get diabetes; or symptoms of diabetes weren’t identified accurately and not managed accordingly; This unawareness will result in serious health complications. So, if you find your dog experiencing these signs, it is really crucial to bring them to their vet as early as possible and seek treatment immediately.
What other disease can Cavapoo get?
Cavapoos are prone to genetic illnesses associated with the brain, eye, and vascular system. They include the following health problems:
- Hip Dysplasia– occurs when your dog’s hip joint doesn’t develop completely. The pelvis is a ball and socket joint; if the two parts don’t grow as they should, they will result in an unbalanced and loose joint. And since Hip Dysplasia is inherited, it is non-curable.
- Luxating Patellas– are a highly common orthopedic condition in small dog breeds. It happens when the Cavapoo’s kneecap slips out of alignment or being dislocated. It causes hindlimb lameness that creates an unstable standing position.
- Epilepsy– while vets have no concrete idea what causes epilepsy in dogs, some suggest that it is genetic. Symptoms of epileptic seizures are loss of voluntary control, muscle twitching, shaking movements, and short irregular attacks. The average lifespan of dogs with epilepsy ranges from 8-11 years, depending on their lifestyle.
- Mitral Valve Disease– one of the indicators of vascular disorder that will end in heart failure. It is more common in small dog breeds like your Cavapoo and rarely found in large dogs. Cough, fainting, abnormal respiratory rate, and irregular heart rhythm are the implications.
If you like this then read our Complete Cavapoo Guide: Must Read Facts here.
