Saturday, December 29, 2012

Dog Diabetes - What Symptoms to Look For

By Geraldine Dimarco


Canine diabetes is disease that affects one out of ten dogs. It is dangerous because you will not always notice the signs that your dog already has this sickness and yet, its effects have already irreversibly damaged the canine?s internal system. It progresses slowly but surely; and if it is not treated accordingly, will lead to the animal?s eventual death.

Certain breeds are more prone to having diabetes. This disease will also show itself around the seventh to ninth year of the canine?s life. There are limited options, if any at all, that will help your pet if he is diagnosed with diabetes in the more advanced stages. Listed are symptoms of dog diabetes that you should look out for.

1. Excessive thirst and urination. Diabetes causes the canine to adequately process glucose. He will try deal with the overproduction of glucose by urinating more frequently than usual which in turn, causes him to be thirsty and drink more water. This is not to be confused with bladder infection or incontinence as found in older dogs. Observe the appearance of the urine? urine that is too runny and pale is often a sign of diabetes.

2. Tiredness. When you have a normally active dog exhibiting signs of extreme fatigue without any underlying cause?it is an indication that something is not working properly in him. It is essential that you notice behavioral changes that are actually signs that he needs serious medical attention.

3. Considerable weight gain. Insulin deficiency, as caused by diabetes renders the dog unable to burn sugar adequately. A lack of energy and an increase in body weight is the natural outcome. If you notice your pet becoming fat without knowing any particular reason why he is?it is a sign that something is wrong with how he processes his food and a check-up is advised.

4. Unexplained weight loss. A dog suffering from diabetes will not be able to gain enough energy from food so he will instead burn stored fat. The outcome of this is weight loss and an increase in ketone levels. This is a common complication of diabetes and can be treated with an appropriate and nutritional diet.

Perhaps the main cause of this sickness is simply heredity. It is a good idea to check the puppy and its parents? medical history to find out if the pet is susceptible to having diabetes. Sometimes, infections and diseases trigger abnormal insulin production in the dog, thus causing diabetes. Cushing?s disease is an example of a condition that may initiate canine diabetes.

It is critical that you are watchful to look out for the symptoms of dog diabetes. It may mean life or death to your pet. These symptoms sometimes seem harmless that is why owners seldom find out until later on. Diabetes can be terminal but if arrested early on, is quite manageable. Visit your vet regularly for check-ups to ensure your dog?s best health.




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