8 Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs

Caring for a dog means being tuned in to the subtle changes that can reveal their overall health. Sometimes, what seems like a minor shift in behavior can signal a more significant issue, like diabetes. This condition can creep up quietly, making it all the more important to be able to recognize the signs early. If you know what to look for, this knowledge can empower you to take the next best steps for your dog’s well-being and maintain their vibrant and joyful personalities for many years to come.

Increased Thirst and Urination

If your dog suddenly starts drinking water excessively and needs to go outside more frequently, it could be an early sign of diabetes. This happens because high blood sugar levels cause the kidneys to work harder, leading to more frequent urination and increased water consumption to compensate for the loss of fluids.

How to Monitor Your Dog’s Water Intake

Keep an eye on how much water your dog is drinking daily. A sudden and sustained increase in water consumption should prompt a visit to your vet at Heart + Paw. Keeping track of this change can help your veterinarian assess the situation more effectively.

Your Dog Is Losing Weight Despite Eating Normally

Weight loss in dogs is often a cause for concern, especially if it occurs without a change in diet or exercise. In diabetic dogs, despite a normal or increased appetite, weight loss can occur due to the body’s inability to properly use glucose for energy. When the body can’t access glucose, it starts breaking down fat and muscle for energy, leading to weight loss.

Increased Appetite

An increase in appetite, particularly when paired with weight loss, can be a sign of diabetes. This occurs because the body is not getting the energy it needs from glucose, leading your dog to feel constantly hungry. Despite eating more, they may continue to lose weight because their body cannot utilize the nutrients effectively.

Your Dog Seems Tired and Has Lost Interest in Activities

Diabetes can also cause your dog to become unusually tired or lethargic. If your dog is less interested in activities they once enjoyed, or if they seem to lack energy in general, it might be related to the body’s inability to convert sugar into usable energy. This symptom often goes hand in hand with other signs like increased thirst and urination.

Differentiating Between Fatigue and Normal Aging

While older dogs may naturally slow down, a noticeable and rapid decline in energy levels could be a sign of diabetes. If your dog’s fatigue is accompanied by other symptoms on this list, it’s worth discussing with your veterinarian.

Cloudy Eyes or Vision Problems

Diabetes can lead to cataracts, resulting in cloudy eyes or vision problems in dogs. If your dog seems to be bumping into furniture or has visible cloudiness in their eyes, it could indicate that diabetes is affecting their vision. Cataracts develop because high blood sugar levels can alter the balance of water and sugar in the lens of the eye, leading to cloudiness and impaired vision.

Recurring Infections

Dogs with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, particularly urinary tract infections (UTIs) and skin infections. High blood sugar levels can weaken the immune system, making it harder for your dog to fight off infections. If your dog experiences frequent infections, especially those that are difficult to clear up, diabetes could be an underlying cause.

Understanding the Link Between Diabetes and Infections

Infections in diabetic dogs are often harder to treat because of the compromised immune system. If your dog is experiencing recurring infections, a comprehensive examination by your veterinarian can help determine whether diabetes or another underlying issue is contributing to the problem.

Sweet-Smelling Breath

This unusual symptom is caused by the buildup of ketones in the blood, a condition known as ketoacidosis. While sweet-smelling breath might seem harmless, it’s often a sign of a serious complication of diabetes that requires immediate veterinary attention.

Your Dog’s Coat and Skin Appear to Be Lackluster

Diabetes can also affect your dog’s skin and coat. You might notice that your dog’s coat becomes dull, dry, or thinning. Additionally, their skin may become more prone to infections or sores that take longer to heal. These changes occur because diabetes can disrupt the normal balance of nutrients that support healthy skin and fur.

What to Do if You Notice These Signs

If you observe any of these signs and symptoms of diabetes in your dog, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your dog’s quality of life and help manage the condition more effectively. At Heart + Paw, our veterinary teams are equipped to diagnose and manage diabetes in dogs, ensuring your pet receives the care they need. Call any of our Heart + Paw locations or book an appointment online today to discuss your dog’s health concerns with our compassionate team.