There are certain diabetes signs in dogs that a dog owner should know so that the condition is diagnosed early enough. Diabetes is a condition that requires adequate management so that it does not become a threat to your dog’s life and well-being. The most common type of diabetes in dogs is diabetes mellitus, and it most often occurs in breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Miniature Schnauzers, Keeshonden and Poodles, but this does not mean that diabetes signs in dogs will not be observed in other breeds as well. Diabetes also occurs more often in female dogs, and the average age for the condition to develop in dogs is 6-9 years.
Water intake
One of the diabetes signs in dogs is increased thirst, where your dog takes a lot more water than he usually does. This is usually caused by overproduction of glucose, or as a result of improper glucose metabolism by the body. When this is the case, the vet should be in a position to prescribe medication that will assist to reverse the problem. This may also be accompanied by increased urination, since increased water intake will lead to more urination. These two diabetes signs in dogs are related, and they demand a visit to the vet.
Lethargy
Signs of diabetes in dogs also include lethargy, though this may also indicate that your dog is sickly with another problem. Either way, you need to know what is causing your dog to become lazy, since dogs are normally hyperactive. Laziness shows that your dog is suffering from a medical condition, and when he is not responsive, it is safe to assume that your dog is sick, and proper diagnosis should be sought. There is also a typical increase in appetite when your dog has developed diabetes.
Weight
As a result of reduced activity and increase appetite in your dog, you may also notice that your dog is adding weight as one of the signs of diabetes in dogs. This may be caused by the fact that your dog cannot burn as much sugar as it should because of insulin deficiency. This is usually at the onset, but you will later notice that there is a drop in weight even though your dog is eating more than usual. This is caused by the body being unable to gain sufficient energy from food consumes, thus it burns more stored fat to make up for the difference.
Diagnosis
There is no permanent cure for canine diabetes, but despite their health condition, dogs with diabetes can live long and healthy lives. As with any disease, early diagnosis is important in dealing with diabetes. Diabetes is considered a silent killer both for human beings and animals as well. Because of this, it is important for dog owners to be on the lookout for changes in their pets if they are to detect any signs of diabetes in dogs early enough. It is also advisable to take your dog for regular checkup, whether or not you have noticed anything of concern.