Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs

Diabetes is a common health problem in dogs.  Researches found that 1 in 500 dogs suffers from diabetes.  Researches also showed that Type 1 diabetes is the only type of diabetes found in canines.  Type 1 diabetes is caused by a non-functional pancreas, which is where the hormone insulin is produced.  This hormone is responsible for breaking down glucose and convert it into energy.  Without insulin, the glucose level in diabetic dogs cannot be regulated.  This hormone has to be injected into their body daily to prevent hyperglycemia or the accumulation of glucose in their body.

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There are instances when pet owners do not recognize that their pets have diabetes.  There are some symptoms of diabetes in dogs that all pet owners should watch out for.

Excessive Thirst And Hunger

At the early stage of diabetes, dogs usually drink more water than usual. As a pet owner, if you find that your canine friend's water container gets empty more often than before, then you should pay attention to see if it exhibits other symptoms of diabetes. You should also watch out for changes in your pet's eating habits. If it eats a lot more than it used to, then you may want to take it to the vet for a checkup.

Weight Loss

Despite the fact that diabetic dogs eat more than usual, their weight decreases because their metabolism speeds up.  The increased metabolism is a common symptom in dogs that suffer from diabetes.

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Sudden Loss of Appetite

After eating and drinking excessively, a diabetic canine would suddenly lose appetite completely. It would stop eating and sometimes even refuse water. Its body weakens, and it loses weight drastically. When you see its ribs appearing in the middle section of its body, then it could be a sign that your pet is at a latter stage of diabetes. Due to the weakness of their body, they will show fatigue and depression. 

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Thinning Hair

Just like other diseases, diabetes can cause dullness and damage to your pet’s hair. If the disease is at the advanced level, its hair, especially the hair on its back, may fall off . Although there maybe other causes for this condition, it’s best to consult a vet to make sure. 

Cataracts

You may notice that some dogs have cloudy eyeballs. You may think that it’s a sign of aging or a common occurrence. However, cataract is also one of the common symptoms of diabetes in dogs. If left untreated, it may lead to blindness.