Can a Dog Owner Tell If a Dog Has Diabetes?

Look for symptoms of diabetes in dogs

Dog owners can evaluate their dog's eating, drinking, and urinating to get clues of whether or not their pet could be diabetic. If a dog suddenly wants more and more to eat, yet is not gaining weight, this is a clue that the dog could be
diabetic. Also, if the dog suddenly wants more and more water to drink, as if his thirst is never quenched, this is another of the diabetic symptoms in dogs Diabetic dogs also urinate more often.

Cataracts are related to diabetes in dogs

It is also possible to look at your dog's eyes to see if she is developing a cloudy covering over the pupil of the eye. Cataracts are often a result of diabetes in dogs who have had high sugar levels in their blood for a long time. If a pet owner sees these cloudy coverings on the pet's eyes, the dog should have a diabetes test.

A diabetes blood test is the only sure way to tell

Veterinarians sometimes check a dog's urine for sugar and protein, two substances that are not present unless a dog is diabetic. If this test is positive, the vet will probably go ahead and do a blood test as well. Sugar and protein in the urine indicate that the dog has had diabetes for a while and may have a very serious case of the disease. Glucose and diabetes are related, so if a dog has too much glucose or sugar in the blood, then the dog has diabetes.

Treating diabetes in dogs

If a dog is found to be diabetic and is overweight, she will need to lose weight. All diabetic dogs are usually placed on special diets of dog food that is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. Instead of eating a large amount one time a day as a normal dog may do, diabetic dogs are often given several small meals throughout the day. The pet owner will need to check the dog's blood sugar levels frequently, depending on the severity of the disease and how the dog is acting. Extreme fatigue could be an indication that the blood glucose level is too high in the dog.

Most diabetic dogs need insulin

A veterinarian can show the pet owner of a diabetic dog how to give the dog injections of insulin. Sometimes these are given while the dog is eating or immediately after the meal. Most dogs require one immunization per day, but others may need more depending on the type of drug that is given in the injections. It is possible that a dog may need insulin every four hours, but this is not usually the case.