Diabetes in dogs is a serious issue. It can lead to many health problems. Here are signs your dog may have diabetes. Look for increased thirst or hunger. Watch for weight loss or fatigue. Also, check for sweet-smelling breath or frequent urination. If you notice these signs, take your dog to the vet soon.
10 Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs?
1. Excessive Thirst (Polydipsia)
One of the first signs of diabetes in dogs is increased thirst. This means that your dog is drinking too much water. The reason is high blood sugar. The body tries to get rid of excess sugar by passing it out in the urine. The dog loses more water than normal. This makes your dog thirsty. It keeps drinking.
2. Frequent Urination (Polyuria)
Beyond thirst, dogs with diabetes also urinate more than usual, and diabetes mellitus is one of the most common culprits. The kidneys do the maximum work to bring glucose out of the blood, and if we have a roundabout higher sugar, this creates more pee. If your dog gets in the habit of having indoor accidents or having to go out for bathroom needs more often, you should be aware that diabetes could be the cause.
3. Unexplained Weight Loss
Your pet could lose weight at the same time he eats the normal meals. This happens when diabetes stops the body from using glucose for energy and he has to use fat and muscles instead.
4. Increased Hunger (Polyphagia)
Dogs suffering from diabetes are usually hungry and eat a lot. It’s because the body cannot metabolize glucose effectively, and the brain sends the signal that it requires more food. If your dog constantly seems to be hungry and asks for food even though he/she is eating regularly, this may be an early sign.
5. Cloudy Eyes and Vision Problems
Diabetes causes cataracts in dogs, leading to cloudy eyes. If your dog collides with objects, hesitates to jump, or shows signs of vision loss, it might be due to diabetes affecting its eyesight.
6. Lack of Energy and Lethargy
Dogs that are diabetic are often very weak and lack energy. This information is crucial because if your dog is very hyperactive and happy and is now slow and not willing to participate in activities, it can be that not enough glucose is being efficiently used for energy.
7. Sweet or Fruity-Smelling Breath
One thing that can occur when a dog is diabetic and has infections is a kind of serious but particular sign that is their breath smells sweet or fruity. These are chemicals called ketones which are formed when the body starts to use fat for energy because it cannot take in sugar from the blood. This is a sign of Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a very dangerous condition and demands emergency medical attention.
8. Frequent Infections
Dogs who have diabetes are usually more likely to be infected than healthy dogs and the most common infections are urinary tract infections (UTIs) and skin infections. The dog may get irritations of the skin, maybe the sores open, and with time the wounds cannot heal, revealing that diabetes is weakening the immune system.
9. Vomiting and Digestive Issues
Provided the diabetes is fully developed and is not treated as it should be, it can cause nausea, vomiting and other serious stomach disorders. If your dog doesn´t want to eat or starts to show the signals, especially if he/she does it continuously, then you should consult the doctor immediately.
10. Poor Coat Condition and Hair Loss
Diabetes may transform a dog’s coat into a dry, brittle, or patchy one. The loss of gloss in the previously shiny coat combined with an increased amount of molting may be a sign that the dog has diabetes which causes the dog to become sick.
Managing Diabetes in Dogs
After the diagnosis is complete, diabetes can be treated by:
✔ Insulin therapy – Almost every diabetic dog needs a shot of insulin daily.
✔ Dietary changes – A high-fiber, low-fat diet helps to keep levels of sugar in the blood down.
✔ Exercise routine – Exercise will help you to stay at the right weight and will keep your blood sugar level in balance.
✔ Veterinary check-ups – Regular visits can help trace the improvement and prevent complications.
Final Thoughts
Learning the very first symptoms of diabetes in a dog is of the utmost importance, as this is key to the right amount of preventative intervention. A veterinarian should be consulted immediately if any of the above symptoms manifest in a dog. As long as they manage diabetes correctly, they can keep dogs with diabetes healthy and happy.
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FAQs
Can diabetes in dogs be reversed?
No, but it can be managed with insulin, diet, and regular veterinary care.
How soon should I see a vet if I notice symptoms?
At once. Fast recognition can avert critical complications.
Can a special diet help manage diabetes in dogs?
Yes, rich in fiber, low carbohydrate diets that stabilize blood sugar.
Why is my diabetic dog still losing weight despite eating more?
In the process of its metabolism, the body makes accurate use of glucose, which causes fat and muscle loss with undesirable effects.
