Top 6 Symptoms Of Too Much Insulin In Dogs That You Must Know

Understanding the signs of insulin overdose can be difficult for pet owners since they are usually mistaken for other health problems.

Let’s look at the usual symptoms of too much insulin in dogs below and help you know what to do for your four-legged companion.

Symptoms Of Too Much Insulin In Dogs 

symptoms of too much insulin in dogs

Increased hunger, frequent urination and thirst, weight loss, lethargy, hypoglycemia, and neurological problems are signs of too much insulin in dogs.

By staying informed about the symptoms of excessive insulin, you can avoid life threatening issues and make a significant adjustment in your furry friend’s quality of life.

Increased Hunger

What are the signs of high insulin levels? The first symptom I must list is increased hunger.

When dogs have too much insulin, they may always feel hungry. They might eat more food or constantly beg for treats, even if they have just eaten.

Frequent Urination 

If you notice the frequent thirst and urination, it could be an obvious sign that their insulin normal levels are off-balance.

When dogs have an insulin overdose, the excess glucose in the blood can spill into the urine.

This excess glucose acts as an osmotic agent, drawing water into the urine and increasing urine production. 

As a result, dogs may urinate more frequently to eliminate excess glucose and restore normal blood glucose levels.

The increased urine production can lead to dehydration, which triggers the sensation of thirst in dogs.

To compensate for the increased urine output and maintain hydration, dogs may feel thirsty and drink much more water than they usually do. 

Therefore, they might do their business in the house or need to go outside more frequently to pee as the needs are too much, and they can’t hold it in for long.

Weight Loss 

Weight loss is one of the signs of diabetic dogs.

When you excessively administer insulin to your pooches, or they suffer from diabetes, their body may be unable to utilize glucose as an energy source.

It can be followed by the breakdown of stored fat and muscle tissue, causing weight loss. As a result, they may lose weight rapidly, even if they eat adequate food.

Lethargy 

When dogs have extra insulin in their bodies, they can feel very tired and lack energy. They may also be less active and more lazy than usual.

As for my pump, I find out that he wants to rest and sleep more instead.

Hypoglycemia

A canine taking too many insulin injections can force its blood sugar levels to drop too low. This condition is known as hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar can be super dangerous for your pets.

Some signs of hypoglycemia dog parents can see with their naked eyes are:

  • Dogs with hypoglycemia may feel weak and tired and not want to play or do their usual activities.
  • They might appear confused or not know what’s happening around them.
  • Their coordination may be affected, making them shaky. 
  • In severe cases, dogs may suddenly fall down or even faint.

Hypoglycemia can be a severe medical condition, and a prompt treatment plan is necessary to stabilize your dog’s blood glucose levels and prevent further complications.

Neurological Signs

When your pet has excessively high levels of glucose in their blood, they can show severe signs that affect their brain and body. These signs include:

  • Seizures: This means their body shakes a lot, and they can’t control it.
  • Coma: They become very still, don’t respond, and are unconscious.
  • Death: In extreme cases, dogs can pass away.

What To Do If There Is Too Much Insulin In Dogs? 

diabetic dog symptoms of too much insulin

Check Your Dog’s Blood Sugar Level

The first thing you should do if you think your dog has too much insulin is to check your dog’s blood sugar. You can do this with a glucometer that measures blood sugar levels.

I recommend you get the veterinarian’s advice if you want to do it, or they can do it for you.

They can interpret the glucose curves showing you what the matter with your pet is. And they can suggest a science-backed solution.

Give Your Dog A Source Of Glucose

When dogs have too much insulin, their blood sugar level can drop too low.

To this end, you can give your dog a source of glucose, like maple syrup, sugar cube, honey, corn syrup, or a piece of fruit like apples with peanut butter.

You can also rub a small amount of sugar on their gums. If your dog is unconscious, you can give them a sugar kick through its mouth using a syringe.

Call The Veterinarian

If you suspect that there is too much insulin, once you have given your dog a source of glucose, you should call your veterinarian.

They are the experts who can give you the best advice and help for your dog.

They will ask you questions about what you have observed and may give you specific instructions on what to do. Sometimes, blood tests can be carried out.

If the dog is receiving an insulin treatment, the vet may need to adjust the insulin dose to bring the blood sugar levels back to a normal range. 

They will carefully calculate the appropriate dose of insulin based on the dog’s individual needs.

Also, they will discuss various treatment options with you to find the best approach for your furry companions.

Provide Supportive Care

When dogs have an insulin spike, they may not feel well and need extra care. Providing supportive care means doing things to make your dog feel better.

This can include keeping them calm, warm, and comfortable by offering some movies dogs like to watch, ensuring they have access to water, and giving them small and frequent meals.

You can also send them love and petting to reassure them. Supporting your dog in this way can help them recover and feel better.

Lastly, you should also keep an eye on glucose monitoring and take them to the veterinarian for follow-up care.

FAQs 

iabetic dog shaking

What Are The Symptoms Of Too Little Insulin In Dogs?

When dogs have too little insulin, their blood sugar level can become too high.

Some symptoms of not enough insulin in dogs include excessive thirst, slow-healing sores, frequent urination, blurred vision, increased hunger, irritability, weight loss, genital itching or thrush, and lethargy. 

Does Insulin Make Dogs Sleepy?

No. Insulin itself does not make dogs sleepy.

However, if a dog’s blood sugar level becomes too low (so-called hypoglycemia) due to insulin treatment, it can cause weakness, confusion, and lethargy.

This can make them appear sleepy.

How Do You Know If Your Diabetic Dog Is Getting Enough Insulin?

There are a few ways to know if your diabetic dog is getting enough insulin.

One way is to check their blood sugar levels regularly. If their blood sugar levels are staying in a healthy range, then they are probably getting enough insulin.

Additionally, keep an eye on your dog’s appetite, weight, and consistent energy level.

Another way to know whether your dog is getting sufficient insulin is to watch for signs of hypoglycemia, such as shakiness, sweating, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

What Is The Life Expectancy For Dogs With Diabetes?

The life expectancy for dogs with diabetes can vary depending on several factors, including the overall health of the dog, the effectiveness of diabetes management, and the presence of any complications.

With proper care, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, insulin administration, and regular veterinary check-ups, many dogs with diabetes can live 2-3 years to come.

Conclusion  

It’s really important to know the symptoms of too much insulin in dogs.

You can help your furry friend by taking action right away! If you see any of the signs I discussed, go to the vet immediately.

They can run diagnostic tests and find out what’s going on and give the right treatment.

Author

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Hi I am Mitchell. Dog Growth is a blog about dog caring and training where I share my experiences to my community. Hope you enjoy it!

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