Six common signs of diabetes in dogs

Does your dog have any of the warning signs of diabetes?

Most people are aware of diabetes as a disease diagnosed frequently in people. However, many may not realize that pets can also suffer from diabetes.

Diabetes results from a relative lack of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is secreted by the pancreas and it is responsible for allowing body tissues to utilize glucose (also known as blood sugar). In the absence of insulin, glucose increases in the blood stream but the body is unable to detect or use the glucose properly. This essentially leads the body to believe that it is starving, which in turn may cause the dog to increase his food intake. However, at the same time, protein, starch and fat continue to break-down just as if the body was truly suffering from a lack of adequate nutrients, leading to weight loss and poor body condition.

As blood glucose levels continue to increase, the kidneys begin to become overwhelmed. In a healthy dog, the kidneys filter and regulate the the amount of glucose lost through the urine. In diabetic dogs, the glucose levels surpass the ability of the kidneys to filter the urine normally and glucose is lost in the urine. As glucose passes through the kidneys and into the urine, it carries an excessive amount of water with it as well, leading to an overall loss of fluid. These abnormalities lead to an increased volume of urine being produced, which in turn leads to an increased thirst in an attempt to moderate the amount of fluid being lost.

Four most common signs of diabetes in dogs

The four most common signs of diabetes in dogs are:

• increased appetite
• weight loss
• increased urine volume
• increased thirst

These symptoms are all directly related to the effects of the lack of insulin and the excess of glucose in the canine bloodstream.

Two more common complications of canine diabetes

Dogs with diabetes can suffer from other complications of the disease as well.

• Cataracts are a common finding in dogs with diabetes. These cataracts occur as a result of an influx of glucose into the lens of the eye, causing changes in the structure of the lens itself.
• Urinary tract infections are another common complication of canine diabetes. Increased levels of glucose in the urine create an environment within the urinary bladder that promotes the growth of bacteria.

If your dog is suffering from these types of symptoms, diabetes is one potential cause. There are other diseases that can cause many of these symptoms as well. An examination by your veterinarian and some routine blood screening should indicate whether or not your dog is suffering from diabetes and/or any of its complications.

Subscribe to email alerts and be notified when a new "National Pet Health Examiner" article is published.

The Voice of Pet Care on Facebook is discussing this article and many other pet related topics. Come on over and tell us what you think. And please don't forget to "Become a Fan" of the Voice of Pet Care on Facebook.

If you enjoyed this article you might also enjoy:

• Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs
• Canine Diabetes Mellitus
• Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs and Cats
• Treating Canine and Feline Diabetes Mellitus
• Types of Insulin for Diabetic Dogs and Cats
• Pet health 101: Urinary tract infection in dogs and cats
  
   

The copyright of the article Six common signs of diabetes in dogs is owned by Lorie Huston. Permission to republish Six common signs of diabetes in dogs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.