Potential Signs Of Diabetes In Your Dog

You might be aware of one or more people in your life who have diabetes, but you might not know that dogs can also develop this condition. If you're a dog owner, it's important for you to react quickly if you suspect that your dog could have diabetes. Scheduling regular health checkups at the local veterinary clinic may help to prevent this issue before it occurs, but if you see signs of diabetes in your pet, you'll want to contact the clinic to set up an appointment. There are several potential indicators that your dog could have diabetes, including the following.

Unusually Frequent Urination 

When you walk your dog, it's common for the animal to urinate several times. You probably are aware of how many times your pet will stop to relieve itself as you make your way around the neighborhood. If you begin to notice that your pet is urinating much more frequently as possible, this could be a warning sign of diabetes. For example, the dog might urinate considerably more times on each walk than it once did. Or, the dog might need to go out several times throughout the day to urinate in your yard.

Increase In Food And Water Consumption

A dog that has diabetes may also increase its consumption of food and water. If you leave food and water in bowls on the floor for your pet, you might start noticing that they're often empty. Upon refilling them, you might notice that they're empty again just a short while later. If you give your dog food and water at certain times, you might find that it's excessively excited to eat and drink — or that it acts very hungry throughout the day, often begging for food more than usual.

Noticeable Lethargy

There are several different health issues that can cause your dog to behave in a lethargic manner, including diabetes. A pet that used to be excited to go outside, for example, may now show little interest in going for a walk or playing fetch in the backyard. If you have children who often play with the dog, you may notice that the dog has an unusual level of disinterest in these interactions. If you're aware of any of these changes, and especially if you see two or more of them, it's possible that your dog could have diabetes.

Contact your local veterinary service to ensure that your pet gets the care it needs.