Seizures in Dogs with Diabetes

If your pet has a seizure, it can be distressing for both you and your pet. Knowing the cause of the seizure and what you can do if your dog experiences one can help make the situation less alarming and stressful.

In this article, we’ll share how diabetes can cause seizures in dogs and what you can do to reduce those seizures.

Can Diabetes Cause Seizures in Dogs?

Diabetes can cause seizures in dogs, typically due to severe blood sugar imbalances. One of the most common causes of seizures in dogs with diabetes is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) from excessive insulin. Also, missed meals can cause seizures.

Prolonged high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) may also contribute to your dog’s seizures. You can manage diabetes with a proper diet and insulin. Regularly monitoring your dog can also help prevent seizures and complications.

How to Reduce Seizures in a Diabetic Dog?

You can use several natural remedies and methods to reduce seizures in dogs. The most common are:

Essential Fatty Acids

Introducing fatty acids into a dog’s diet can help. Fatty acids are known for their calming benefits and overall holistic support. You can buy omega-3 doses in pills, sprays, or oils.

CBD Oil

CBD oil may also help to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in dogs. Pet parents have reported improved results after giving their dogs CBD oil, and early research suggests that there could be significant benefits. You can also give CBD oil in combination with other remedies and medications under your vet’s direction.

Melatonin

For dogs experiencing night seizures, administering melatonin may help. Melatonin is the naturally occurring chemical released by the brain to induce sleep. Therefore, it may have calming properties for dogs experiencing seizures at night.

What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs?

Diabetes is a common disorder characterized by increased blood sugar (glucose) levels that affect how the body turns blood into energy.

Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, regulates the amount of blood sugar in the blood, which then becomes energy. Lack of insulin causes diabetes, thereby preventing blood sugar from getting into the body's cells. 

Undiagnosed diabetes in dogs can cause serious health problems. Here are some of the symptoms of diabetes in dogs:

• Increased appetite
• Increased urination
• Increased thirst
• Dehydration
• Lethargy
• Weight loss

Let’s briefly look at each of these symptoms:

Increased Appetite

Since diabetes prevents glucose from entering cells to create energy, it causes the body to signal hunger. The signal is processed despite the high blood sugar levels. As a result, it leads to an increase in appetite.

Increased Urination

Excess glucose in the bloodstream pulls more water through the kidneys. This process results in frequent urination. This symptom often accompanies increased thirst in diabetic dogs.

Increased Thirst

Dogs with diabetes experience high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels cause the kidneys to excrete excess glucose, leading to water loss. The result is increased thirst as the dog’s body tries to compensate for dehydration.

Dehydration

Frequent glucose excretion and urination cause significant water loss, leading to dehydration. This symptom can exacerbate lethargy. As a result, immediate attention is required to restore fluid balance.

Lethargy

Inadequate glucose absorption causes energy depletions, leaving diabetic dogs tired and less active. Lethargy indicates poor metabolic function or complications like ketoacidosis.

Weight Loss

Despite eating more, a diabetic dog may lose weight. The dog’s body breaks down fat and muscle for energy due to insufficient insulin, preventing glucose from nourishing cells effectively.

Conclusion: What’s The Connection Between Diabetic Dogs & Seizures?

In dogs with diabetes, seizures often result from blood sugar imbalances. Proper diabetes management, prompt veterinary care, and regular monitoring can help reduce seizures. Understanding how these seizures occur can help maintain your dog’s health and improve their quality of life.