Older Dog? Make Sure You Know The Signs Of Canine Diabetes
Posted on: 28 September 2016
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As your dog grows older, he will become more prone to certain diseases. One of these diseases is diabetes. If you don't catch diabetes early and begin treating it, the disease can easily claim your dog's life. Knowing the signs of diabetes in dogs ensures you'll notice the disease early so you can seek prompt vet treatment. Here's a look at common signs of diabetes in dogs -- and some advice for what to do if you notice them.
Signs of Diabetes
Ravenous appetite: If your dog suddenly seems to have an insatiable appetite, this may be due to diabetes. Diabetes prevents sugar from entering the body's cells, so your dog may feel hungry even if he's just eaten.
Excessive urination: Since your dog's cells cannot remove sugar from the bloodstream, the sugar ends up being filtered out by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. It can take a lot of liquid to clear out that sugar, so your dog may begin urinating excessively. Many dogs begin urinating in the home when they develop diabetes, even if they were previously great at going outside.
Excessive thirst: This goes hand-in-hand with excessive urination. You may notice your dog downing entire bowls of water and then asking for more. Many dogs begin drinking out of toilets.
Lethargy: When diabetes prevents sugar from entering your dog's cells, your dog's energy levels plummet. He may not want to go for walks, play fetch, or do much other than lounge around.
Weight loss: In spite of eating excessively, most dogs lose a lot of weight when they develop diabetes.
What should you do if you think your dog may be diabetic?
Contact your veterinarian. They will probably want to see your dog sooner rather than later to administer a blood test. The blood test will measure the amount of sugar in your dog's blood, and the results will allow your vet to determine whether your dog is suffering from this condition.
If your dog is diagnosed with diabetes, your vet will show you how to administer insulin injections. In most cases, you'll need to give your dog an injection either once or twice per day. A low-starch dog food will also be recommended. And you'll have to be very careful when giving your dog treats and table scraps. Anything with carbohydrates is typically off-limits, but little bits of chicken or beef are usually safe.
Don't let diabetes go untreated! If you notice any worrisome symptoms in your dog, make an appointment with a vet that specializes in dog care.