Diabetes is a common health issue among dogs, and it's important to recognize its signs early for effective management. The most common signs of diabetes in dogs are excessive thirst and urination, weight loss, cataracts, poor skin and coat quality, and even vomiting. By understanding these signs and symptoms, you can ensure your dog gets the right care at the right time, potentially saving their life.
A quick background on diabetes in dogs
In diabetic dogs, the pancreas may either produce insufficient amounts of insulin or the body may not utilize the available insulin effectively, leading to two types of diabetes: Insulin-deficiency (Type 1) and Insulin-resistance diabetes (Type 2) respectively.
Insulin is an imperative hormone that facilitates the absorption of glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy. When an inadequate amount of insulin is produced, or when it is not utilized efficiently, the glucose accumulates in the bloodstream rather than being absorbed, which is called hyperglycemia. This is what leads to the signs of diabetes in dogs.
1. Excessive thirst - Polydipsia
This is one of the most common signs that your dog may have diabetes. If you notice that your dog has been drinking more water than usual, it could be an indicator that something is wrong.
High levels of glucose in the blood enter the kidneys and since glucose is osmotically active, it pulls water along with it. This phenomenon is known as "osmotic diuresis."
As the kidneys try to excrete the high levels of glucose in the body via the urine, water is pulled into the urine as a result.
To compensate for the water loss, the dog's brain signals the thirst center, causing the dog to drink more water than usual, known as polydipsia (excessive thirst).
Excessive thirst is often one of the earliest noticeable symptoms of diabetes in dogs. If you ever notice that your dog is drinking more water than usual, you need to contact your veterinarian to have this assessed.
2. Increased urination - Polyuria
We have discussed that with diabetes in dogs, elevated blood glucose levels result in glucose spilling into the urine as the body attempts to lower the blood glucose levels.
Similarly, hyperglycemia, or elevated blood glucose, triggers osmotic diuresis as we discussed above, where glucose draws water into the urine, creating dilute urine and leading to increased urine production, known as polyuria.
You may therefore notice your dog do the following if it has polyuria:
- Urinate more often
- Urinate for longer durations
- Start urinating inside the home
3. Ravenous appetite - Polyphagia
Polyphagia, or excessive hunger, is another common symptom in diabetic dogs. When insulin is either insufficient or ineffective, cells are unable to absorb glucose from the bloodstream for energy.
As a result, the body senses that it is in a state of starvation, even if the dog is eating normally.
To compensate for the perceived lack of energy, the dog's body triggers hunger signals, leading to polyphagia. This increased appetite is the body's attempt to gain more fuel, albeit inefficiently, due to the underlying insulin imbalance.
4. Weight loss
Despite the increased appetite and food consumption seen in polyphagia, diabetic dogs often experience weight loss.
The reason behind this is the body's inability to efficiently utilize glucose for energy due to the diabetic state.
Without effective glucose uptake, the body starts to break down its fat and protein reserves for energy. This catabolic state leads to muscle wasting and fat loss, resulting in noticeable weight loss.
Therefore, weight loss in diabetic dogs occurs not due to a lack of eating but because the body is forced to rely on alternative energy sources.
5. Cataracts and blindness
Cataracts and blindness are serious complications that can arise in diabetic dogs. Elevated blood sugar levels can lead to the accumulation of sorbitol, a type of sugar alcohol, in the lens of the eyes.
The increased sorbitol levels draw water into the lens of the eye, causing it to swell and become opaque, forming a cataract. Initially, cataracts may cause blurred vision, but as they progress, they can lead to complete loss of vision or blindness.
Furthermore, untreated or poorly managed diabetes can also cause retinal damage, further exacerbating vision problems. The high levels of glucose in the blood can damage the small blood vessels in the retina, leading to a condition known as diabetic retinopathy. This can eventually result in blindness if not addressed promptly.
Both cataracts and potential retinal damage underline the importance of early diagnosis and effective management of diabetes in dogs to prevent irreversible vision loss.
6. Poor skin and hair coat quality
Poor skin and hair coat quality are often overlooked but significant indicators of diabetes in dogs. Elevated blood sugar levels can affect the skin's ability to heal and regenerate, making it more susceptible to infections and irritations.
The skin may become dry, flaky, and less elastic, leading to increased shedding and a dull, lackluster coat. Additionally, the compromised immune system in diabetic dogs can make them more prone to bacterial and fungal skin infections, which further deteriorate skin and coat quality.
The changes in skin and coat are not just cosmetic issues but are signs of the body's struggle to manage the metabolic imbalances caused by diabetes in dogs.
7. Vomiting
Vomiting in diabetic dogs is a symptom that should not be taken lightly, as it often indicates a more severe underlying issue, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
When the body cannot effectively use glucose for energy due to insulin dysfunction, it starts breaking down fats for fuel. This process produces ketones, which, in excess, can lead to a dangerously acidic environment in the bloodstream. DKA is a critical, life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary intervention.
Vomiting can also occur due to other complications related to diabetes, such as gastrointestinal issues or urinary tract infections, which are more common in diabetic dogs. The symptom serves as a red flag that the dog's condition may be deteriorating and that immediate veterinary care is required.
If your diabetic dog starts vomiting, you must seek emergency veterinary care as soon as possible to determine the cause and initiate appropriate treatment.
Diabetes in dogs is a serious condition that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly and appropriately. Early recognition of the signs and symptoms discussed in this article is key to ensuring timely diagnosis, effective management, and a better outcome for your dog.
If you ever suspect that your dog may have diabetes, it's important to contact your veterinarian right away as early diagnosis and therefore treatment is so important.
Thanks for reading and if you have any questions, please contact your veterinarian.