The first signs of diabetes in a dog often involve increased thirst (polydipsia) and frequent urination (polyuria), along with unexplained weight loss despite a normal or even ravenous appetite (polyphagia), and lethargy. Other early indicators include cloudy eyes (cataracts), poor coat quality, recurring infections (skin/urinary), and a sweet smell to their breath, all signaling that the body isn't using glucose properly for energy.
Monitoring your diabetic dog
Having hypoglycemia (low blood sugar or glucose levels) is more serious. If your dog is very lethargic, sleeping more than usual and resisting activity, then they may have hypoglycemia. Some of these dogs will have tremors, difficulty walking and can collapse into a coma.
Cushing's Disease: Dogs with Cushing's disease have many of the same signs as a dog with diabetes. They have increased thirst and urination and an increased appetite. However, unlikely diabetes, Cushing's disease does not cause weight loss. It is common for dogs with diabetes to have concurrent Cushing's disease.
Diarrhea in diabetic dogs can result from dietary changes, insulin dosage issues, or infections. Symptoms include loose stools and occasional lethargy. Monitor hydration and stool consistency closely. Ensure insulin is administered correctly and maintain a consistent diet.
Diabetic Diarrhea Diagnosis & Presentation
Severe diarrhea that is watery, voluminous, and brown in color is also common, as is steatorrhea. The bouts of diarrhea may be intermittent, with periods of normal bowel movements or constipation in between.
“Mild cases of diarrhea in both cats and dogs can be treated at home by feeding a bland diet such as boiled chicken or low-fat hamburger, and white rice,” says Miller. Cooked pasta is another option. These foods are easy to digest, so they give your dog's GI tract a break.
Your veterinarian will evaluate clinical signs in combination with blood work and a urinalysis to diagnose diabetes. Additional tests may be needed to help rule out any coexisting conditions such as pancreatitis. Stress can cause temporary increases in blood sugar.
It's true that a dog can pass away within a month or two of beginning to show signs of diabetes, but many will live for a year or two after diagnosis with appropriate treatment. Some do very well for even longer, particularly if they have a dedicated pet parent who can continue to provide the care they need.
Unfortunately diabetes is not curable in dogs, and the vast majority of diabetic dogs require insulin injections for life once diagnosed. However, addressing underlying causes, as well as spaying females and treating Cushing's disease, can allow the diabetes to be more easily and successfully controlled.
Because of this, diabetic pets often drink more water and urinate more frequently and in larger amounts. In diabetic pets, not enough glucose gets transported into the body's cells. As a result, the cells don't have enough energy to function normally, and body tissues become starved for energy.
Dog breeds that are predisposed to diabetes include:
Understanding Pet Diabetes Symptoms
Their body is trying to flush out the excess sugar. That increased appetite? Their cells aren't getting the energy they need, so they feel constantly hungry.
If possible, you might want to consider avoiding exercise when your dog's insulin is at its peak activity, usually around 4 to 6 hours after the injection, as this is when their blood sugar levels are most likely to be at their lowest.
Common symptoms of diabetes:
Unusually sweet-smelling breath is another sign that your animal might be diabetic. Because your animal will be burning fat instead of sugar, their body will begin to produce ketones, specifically acetone, which can cause sweet, fruity breath.
Foods to Avoid if Your Dog Has Diabetes
Diabetic pets may feel tired and sluggish because their bodies struggle to use sugar for energy. You might notice your pet sleeping more, becoming tired easily, or losing interest in activities they once enjoyed. Lethargy combined with other symptoms like thirst and weight loss could indicate diabetes.
Symptoms
A glucometer or glucose test strips are needed to test the blood. Check instructions from your glucometer or test strips, or consult your veterinarian. Blood can be collected easily from the earflaps (pinnae) of your dog, alternating sides.
A diabetic dog needs correctly timed meals, instead of free will feeding. Meals 10-12 hours apart work best for most dogs.
Symptoms of Dog Diabetes
In otherwise healthy adult dogs with mild, short-term diarrhea, briefly withholding food can help the digestive system reset. We may recommend a 12-hour fasting period if your dog is still drinking water and acting normally.
Kaopectate® is another anti-diarrheal that may soothe an upset stomach. It is typically safe in dogs when used following the recommendations of your veterinarian. Loperamide (Imodium®) may be a good treatment for diarrhea in certain cases. Your veterinarian will let you know when it is appropriate to use in your dog.
To stop diarrhea fast, focus on rehydration with electrolyte drinks, eating bland foods like bananas, rice, and toast (BRAT diet), using over-the-counter (OTC) meds like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol (if no fever/blood), avoiding triggers (spicy, fatty, caffeine), resting, and consider probiotics or herbal teas (chamomile) for relief, but see a doctor for severe symptoms or if it persists.