Symptoms of diabetic dogs

Increased thirst and water intake (polydipsia)

Increased urine output and frequent urination (polyuria)

Inappropriate urination (loss of housetraining; house or car accident; incontinence)

Increased appetite and excessive food intake (polyphagia)

Weight loss and dehydration (severe end-stage disease) despite increased food intake

Weakness, lethargy, difficulty breathing (slow breathing, difficulty breathing)

vomiting, abdominal pain, strong acetone smell when breathing, urinary tract infection (from abnormally high glucose levels in urine)

Cloudy eyes; Abnormal vision from cataracts (acute onset of blindness caused by bilateral cataracts; quite common in dogs)

Exercise intolerance anorexia (loss of appetite; loss of appetite; later in the course of the disease)

Poor physical condition Poor skin and coat condition Disorientation; numbness Lack of coordination (ataxia)

Epilepsy; convulsions, shock, coma and death

Imbalanced sense of direction

The harm of diabetes to dogs

There are two types of canine diabetes - diabetes insipidus and diabetes insipidus. Of these, diabetes - specifically type 1, or insulin-dependent diabetes - is by far the most common. In healthy animals, insulin is produced and released by specialized cells in the pancreas. Ingestion of glucose from food requires insulin to enter cells and tissues where it can be processed and used for energy.

People with type 1 diabetes do not have enough insulin in their blood because their specialized pancreatic cells are not present or not functioning properly. This prevents them from properly metabolizing dietary sugar, leading to abnormally high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and glucose levels in the urine (glucosuria). Dogs with excess sugar tend to excrete large amounts of urine, leading to dehydration and unusual thirst.

Sudden overeating in dogs may be a sign of diabetes

Metabolic abnormalities associated with diabetes initially increase a dog's appetite because its cells are unable to take in and use dietary sugars. This is called "going into starvation mode." The dog's body begins to break down stored fat for energy. This causes certain acid byproducts of fat metabolism, called "ketones," to accumulate in the blood. Eventually, this can lead to a very serious and life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. Disruption of complex metabolic systems can lead to many different symptoms.

Complications of Diabetes in Dogs

Cataracts are common in diabetic dogs and are often the cause of more veterinary consultations. Dogs with diabetes are also at risk for developing liver enlargement (enlargement of the liver) and neurological disorders.

Care methods for sick dogs

Diabetic dogs should be fed a diet high in fiber to help reduce the rate at which blood sugar from food is absorbed. A diet high in soluble and insoluble fiber, including complex carbohydrates, slows the absorption of food particles and helps manage the blood sugar spikes and troughs that accompany diabetes. Dogs with diabetes should eat multiple small meals throughout the day rather than a single large meal. A small portion of this should be fed with each insulin injection. Most experts recommend avoiding semi-moist packaged foods because many of them contain ingredients that can exacerbate hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Where appropriate, owners should initiate daily exercise for diabetic dogs after discussion with their veterinarian.