Canine Diabetes Symptoms

As in humans, diabetes can affect dogs too. A basic idea about canine diabetes symptoms, can help you in detecting the condition at the earliest. Read on...

Studies show that nowadays, diabetes has become very common in dogs and it can transform to life threatening complications, if left untreated. So, timely detection and treatment is a must for diabetes in dogs. Once diagnosed, a diabetic dog can lead a normal and healthy life, with the right treatment at the right time. Timely detection will be possible, only if you have an understanding about canine diabetes symptoms. This article can provide you with information about the causes and symptoms of canine diabetes.

Canine Diabetes

As in humans, diabetes in dogs too is divided into two types - diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus. Diabetes mellitus is subdivided into type 1 and type 2. In case of type 1 diabetes, the body produces less insulin and causes a rise in blood sugar levels. While, type 2 diabetes is caused by the inability of the body cells to use insulin. Canine diabetes insipidus is very rare in dogs and is characterized by the lack of a hormone called vasopressin. While, heredity is one of the main canine diabetes causes, even some diseases, medications, like steroids, etc. can lead to this condition in dogs. Due to diabetes, the blood sugar levels of these animals rise, resulting in various canine diabetes symptoms. The following paragraph will provide you with information about symptoms and treatment for diabetes in dogs.

Symptoms of Canine Diabetes

Diabetes is a common disease in dogs and is mostly seen in older ones, especially, the obese females. In some cases, dogs under the age of one year are also found to have this condition. While, some of the dog breeds are prone to this condition, some others develop diabetes due to various reasons. Some of the dog breeds, like, Cocker Spaniels, Keeshonds, Beagles, Poodles, Schnauzers, Cairn Terriers, Dachshunds, etc. are said to be prone to this ailment. It is also said that that large dog breeds are more likely to develop diabetes, than their smaller counterparts. However, a basic idea about canine diabetes will prove beneficial in detecting the disease in your pet at an early stage. The following are some of the common symptoms of diabetes in dogs.

One of the main canine diabetes symptoms is excessive thirst. If your dog has diabetes, he/she may drink water excessively and may search for water sources.

Frequent urination is another symptom of this canine disease. This symptom may be due to the excess water intake of the animal.

The dog may also suffer from weakness. If you notice that your dog, which was very active, suddenly becomes lazy and refrain from activities, then, take him to a vet, at the earliest.

A sudden weight gain or weight loss, accompanied by the above said conditions can also be one of the dog diabetes symptoms.

In some cases, the diabetic dog may also start consumption of food in excess amounts. The dog may also have vision problems.

Now, you have a basic understanding about canine diabetes symptoms. It has also been noted that some dogs may not show any such symptoms, until it develops complications. So, it is always better to monitor the health condition of the dogs through regular check ups. Canine diabetes is a serious disease with no cure. But, early diagnosis and timely treatment can normalize the condition of such dogs. If left untreated, canine diabetes may lead to complications, like, vision loss, anorexia, recurrent infections, etc. Canine diabetes treatment is mainly done through insulin injections and the dosage of this injection is decided by the vet, as per the health of the dog and the severity of diabetes. So, if you notice any dog diabetes symptoms in your pet, get it diagnosed as soon as possible, so that, treatment can be provided at the earliest.