As caregivers to our dogs, we need to ensure all of their needs are met. Unfortunately, some of our canine's health considerations aren't always apparent. This is why regular checkups at the vet will help us to ensure they are kept away from hidden dangers. Checking their Glyco Care blood sugar support glucose levels are a way to ensure a dog is not at risk of diseases such as diabetes. There are sometimes other symptoms which prompt a blood test while other screenings are routine. In this AnimalWised article we will take a look at what are the normal blood glucose levels in dogs and interpret what this means in terms of lifestyle and Glyco Care reviews. We will also show you how these levels are measured as well as explain some of the related conditions when the readings are too high or too low. Glucose is a simple sugar found in the blood of animals which is then referred to as blood sugar.

Normal blood glucose levels of dogs should be between 88 and 120 mg/dL. While there may be certain mitigating circumstances, values of blood sugar above or below these values often indicate the presence of certain pathologies. When a dog shows signs of a disease or illness, it is common for a veterinarian to take a blood sample for lab analysis. This is similar to human blood tests. In dogs, blood samples are usually taken from the front legs, although samples taken from the hind legs or jugular (in the neck) are also performed. Hemogram: this deals with measuring different parameters such as the hematocrit, hemoglobin, platelet or leukocyte levels. This can help determine the presence of anemia in a dog as well as help us understand which type it may be (generative, non-regenerative, etc.). It can also show us if there is an infection present. Biochemistry: this is where the glucose measurement comes in as, combined with other parameters, it helps us to qualify the functionality of their vital organs.

These may include creatinine and urea production in the kidneys or GOT and GPT tests for the liver. After analysis, if the levels are revealed to not be within the normal ranges, the dog may or may not show symptoms. This is why the vet will have to perform a physical examination and may even have to send for more tests to reach an appropriate diagnosis. Unhealthy blood GlycoCareshealthy glucose levels levels are those which are higher than 120 mg/dL or lower than 88 mg/dL. When the levels are too low, the dog is likely hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic when too high. These different clinical pictures will present in different situations such as increased thirst, urine or weakness. Dogs consume glucose via their diet (i.e. their food intake). This means their blood sugar levels will go up after eating, before deceasing again the further away from the meal they get. Glucose fulfils important functions throughout the body, particularly in providing energy during metabolic processes.

It is regulated by insulin, GlycoCareshealthy glucose levels a hormone produced in the pancreas. Without insulin (or with too low levels of insulin), the dog will develop hyperglycemia which we may know as diabetes mellitus. Hypoglycemia can be caused by an insulinoma, a tumor in the pancreas which affects insulin production. As we have said, blood sugar levels above 120 mg/dL lead to hyperglycemia. The causes of this condition are various, but the most well known is perhaps diabetes since this is also a common disease in humans. Cushing's Syndrome (also known as hyperadrenocorticism) can cause hyperglycemia as can pancreatitis, consuming medications like glucocorticoids or even kidney failure. In this section we will take a closer look at diabetes mellitus and its links to hyperglycemia. Diabetes can be either type 1 or type 2 and it can be found relatively frequently in dogs. It occurs more regularly in females over 6 years of age which is why it is important to to submit the dog to an annual check up with blood and urine tests after this time.