There is no cure for diabetes. But the sooner you find it, the more effective the treatment will be. This article tells you how to recognize diabetes in dogs.
Steps
Step 1. Check if your dog is particularly prone to diabetes
Be aware, however, that dogs can still develop it, even if they don't fall into one of these high-risk groups.
-
Dog diabetes can be triggered by obesity. This is not always the case, as for some breeds it can be genetic. Many dogs with diabetes are obese. The best way to check if your dog is, is to check his rib cage. Bring your hand along the rib cage and feel the ribs; and you feel them easily okay, otherwise you might be obese.
- Diabetes usually appears in dogs around the age of 7-9.
-
Large dogs are more likely to get it than those of smaller breeds.
-
Females are twice as likely to develop it as male dogs.
Step 2. Check the main signs of canine diabetes:
excessive thirst, excessive urination, and weight loss. Many times the dog starts urinating in the house or in his kennel. Do not limit their water intake. This is very important, because he has to drink all the water he needs. You need to keep them from becoming dehydrated.
- Other signs of diabetes can be lethargy and sudden blindness.
- The diabetic dog has a normal or even greater appetite.
Step 3. Get your dog examined by the vet immediately if you notice these symptoms
Untreated diabetes can lead to further health complications. The vet will do a blood test to see if his blood sugar is high and to make sure no other organs have been affected by diabetes. He will also do a urinalysis, to check kidney function and monitor for any urinary tract infections, which are common in diabetics.
Advice
- There is really no cure for diabetes yet. Sometimes it lasts a lifetime. In this case, the best thing you can do for your dog is to give him his medication regularly and not limit him on water.
- Teach your dog that the vet is NOT a chew toy or a bad person.