Knowing canine diabetes symptoms can save your dog's life. There are similarities between canine diabetes and other diseases common to dogs. If you dog shows any symptoms, you know how important it is to seek further testing to ensure your pet lives a long, happy life.
Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs
If caught early, dog diabetes is manageable through diet and medications. If you ignore the warning signs, your dog's eyes, kidneys and liver are aversely affected. Diabetes Mellitus causes blindness, kidney and liver disease. If your dog has the following symptoms, seek veterinary attention.
- Appetite increase
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Infections that return
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
Many dogs with diabetes receive treatment and go on to live full lives.
Canine Cushing's Disease
Canine diabetes symptoms are extremely similar to those found in Cushing's disease. Tiny tumors on the adrenal gland cause Cushing's disease. Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased appetite, lethargy and recurrent infections.
Untreated Cushing's disease may develop seizures, congestive heart failure, blood clots, liver disease and kidney failure. It is critical to take an animal displaying canine diabetes symptoms for further testing to rule out Cushing's.