Have you ever wondered how do you know if your dog has diabetes? If your dog shows any indications of canine diabetes, get veterinary attention as soon as possible. Recognize the symptoms of diabetes in dogs (describe them). Regularly feed your diabetic dog the right kind of food at the right time of day to keep him healthy.
Obesity is one symptom of diabetes in dogs. You may notice your dog glancing down at you as he walks or sitting down. He may also lick his stomach or paws more frequently than usual. He may weigh more than 10 pounds or even more. Weight loss combined with increased appetite and urination are signs that your dog is experiencing diabetes.
Increased appetite and urination are common symptoms of diabetes in dogs. This symptom can be alarming to owners because it usually does not happen suddenly. However, if it is a consistent problem, it can cause discomfort for your pet. Watch your dog’s diet. A poor quality diet combined with increased urination and/or hunger can lead to a potentially life threatening situation.
Another indication that may suggest diabetes mellitus in dogs is excessive licking. Licking is normal behavior when a dog is comfortable. However, if your canine friend is licking his genitals frequently, particularly after a meal or while lounging, this could be a clinical sign of diabetes. Licking can also indicate other health problems such as skin lesions, respiratory illness, or urinary tract infection.
Increased ketones in your dog’s blood are another indicator that he may have the disease. Ketones are created in the liver from carbohydrates. A dog with ketones in his blood has lower protein levels, larger kidneys, and is more likely to develop kidney stones. While not normally considered a symptom of diabetes, ketones can be a significant health risk if they are high enough in order to enter the blood stream.
How do you know if your dog has diabetes? You may be able to tell if your pet has the disease based on his appearance. A well-groomed, energetic dog that rarely is seen limping around the house is likely healthy. He may struggle to walk properly, however. If your dog has poor nutrition and/or regular exercise, he is at increased risk for the disease.
If you suspect your dog has diabetes, speak with your veterinarian. He or she will be able to perform blood tests to determine the levels of glucose in your dog’s blood. If it is found that your dog has elevated glucose levels, the vet may recommend that your dog undergo insulin therapy or that he receive a diet rich in carbohydrates. In some cases, your dog will only need to take prescription medication. In most cases, however, your dog will be given the proper treatment for his condition by his veterinarian.
Diabetes in dogs is a serious disease, but it is curable with a proper diet and the monitoring of his vital statistics. Your veterinarian can advise you on which type of treatment will work best for your pet. Even so, monitoring is key to keeping your dog healthy and happy. Owners should be vigilant about the overall health of their pets. By keeping a careful eye on regular bodily functions and checking with their veterinarian on a regular basis, pets with diabetes can lead long, happy lives.
The early signs of diabetes in pets can be quite worrisome, but there are some things you can do to help prevent your dog from developing any of the signs of diabetes. One of the most important things you can do is to provide your pet with an ample amount of exercise on a daily basis. Many owners fail to realize that exercise plays an important role in keeping the circulation in the body proper. When the circulation is not proper, your pet can become susceptible to the complications of diabetes.
Another way to monitor your dog’s health is to perform a blood test on a consistent basis. Depending on what type of diabetes your dog is suffering from, he may need to have his blood checked at least one time each year. Some common diabetes symptoms include excessive thirst and urination, slow blood clotting, fatigue and appetite loss. These symptoms can alert you to potential problems in your pet’s health.
Diabetes in dogs and cats can be controlled with changes to their diet, exercise routine and health monitoring. If you suspect your dog or cat may be suffering from diabetes, you should consult your veterinarian. Most veterinarians will perform a complete physical examination and perform a complete blood count to determine whether or not the pet is suffering from a potential risk factor. If the diagnosis is diabetes, the vet may recommend that your pet be put on a daily diet of a liquid carbohydrate diet, which contains a reduced amount of carbohydrates. If the diagnosis is pancreatitis, your vet may recommend that your dog or cat take a liquid dietary supplement that contains a variety of different carbohydrates, fiber and fats.