One out of ten dogs suffers from canine diabetes. What makes it dangerous is that its symptoms are not always noticeable yet its adverse effects are irreversibly damaging the dog's organs and internal systems. This sickness is gradual in its progression, but definite in the havoc it is creating. Diabetes must be treated as soon as possible or else will prove fatal to the dog.
Certain breeds are more prone to having diabetes. This disease will also show itself around the seventh to ninth year of the canine's life. There are limited options, if any at all, that will help your pet if he is diagnosed with diabetes in the more advanced stages. Listed are symptoms of dog diabetes that you should look out for.
1. Extreme thirst and urination. When a canine has diabetes, he is unable to process glucose properly. Because of the overproduction of glucose in his system, the dog will attempt to remedy this by urinating more frequently than normal. This in turn causes him to be dehydrated and he will become thirstier. He will also discharge colorless and overly runny urine. Take care not to confuse this with incontinence or a simple bladder infection.
2. Lethargy. Normally active dogs that show signs of tiredness without a specific cause is a sure sign that something is wrong with him. It is important that you take note of behavioral changes in your pet because what seems to be laziness might actually warrant serious medical attention.
3. Significant weight gain. Because of insulin deficiency that diabetes causes, the dog will not have the ability to burn sugar as he normally could. This translates to a lack of energy as well as a rise in body weight. When your dog experiences weight gain for no apparent reason, it is an indicator that something is amiss in his body and you need to check with the veterinary immediately.
4. Unexplained loss of weight. A dog with diabetes is unable to derive enough energy from the food that he eats so his body compensates by burning stored fat. The outcome: increased levels of ketones and weight loss. This is a customary side effect of diabetes but it can be helped through a healthy and nutrient rich diet.
Perhaps the main cause of this sickness is simply heredity. It is a good idea to check the puppy and its parents' medical history to find out if the pet is susceptible to having diabetes. Sometimes, infections and diseases trigger abnormal insulin production in the dog, thus causing diabetes. Cushing's disease is an example of a condition that may initiate canine diabetes.
It cannot be stressed enough that you are observant when it comes to symptoms of dog diabetes. Many times, pet owners do not realize that their dogs are already suffering from this disease because these symptoms may seem harmless a lot of times. Diabetes may lead to death but if detected early on, can be managed quite successfully. Keep regular appointments with your vet to make sure your pet is as healthy as he can be.
Certain breeds are more prone to having diabetes. This disease will also show itself around the seventh to ninth year of the canine's life. There are limited options, if any at all, that will help your pet if he is diagnosed with diabetes in the more advanced stages. Listed are symptoms of dog diabetes that you should look out for.
1. Extreme thirst and urination. When a canine has diabetes, he is unable to process glucose properly. Because of the overproduction of glucose in his system, the dog will attempt to remedy this by urinating more frequently than normal. This in turn causes him to be dehydrated and he will become thirstier. He will also discharge colorless and overly runny urine. Take care not to confuse this with incontinence or a simple bladder infection.
2. Lethargy. Normally active dogs that show signs of tiredness without a specific cause is a sure sign that something is wrong with him. It is important that you take note of behavioral changes in your pet because what seems to be laziness might actually warrant serious medical attention.
3. Significant weight gain. Because of insulin deficiency that diabetes causes, the dog will not have the ability to burn sugar as he normally could. This translates to a lack of energy as well as a rise in body weight. When your dog experiences weight gain for no apparent reason, it is an indicator that something is amiss in his body and you need to check with the veterinary immediately.
4. Unexplained loss of weight. A dog with diabetes is unable to derive enough energy from the food that he eats so his body compensates by burning stored fat. The outcome: increased levels of ketones and weight loss. This is a customary side effect of diabetes but it can be helped through a healthy and nutrient rich diet.
Perhaps the main cause of this sickness is simply heredity. It is a good idea to check the puppy and its parents' medical history to find out if the pet is susceptible to having diabetes. Sometimes, infections and diseases trigger abnormal insulin production in the dog, thus causing diabetes. Cushing's disease is an example of a condition that may initiate canine diabetes.
It cannot be stressed enough that you are observant when it comes to symptoms of dog diabetes. Many times, pet owners do not realize that their dogs are already suffering from this disease because these symptoms may seem harmless a lot of times. Diabetes may lead to death but if detected early on, can be managed quite successfully. Keep regular appointments with your vet to make sure your pet is as healthy as he can be.
About the Author:
For information on canine diabetes and a number of dog diabetes issues, as welll as for all type of dog health information, go to HealthyHappyDogs.com
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