Certain breeds of dogs seem more likely to suffer from diabetes than others. Some of the dog breeds more likely to get diabetes include the German Shepherd, the Golden Retriever, Poodle, Samoyed, and Schnauzer. All breeds of dogs can get diabetes, and there does seem to be a genetic link in some cases. Unspayed female dogs tend to get diabetes slightly more than males. Diabetes often tends to show up when dogs are middle aged to senior. Canine diabetes is also more common in dogs who are overweight.

Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs

The most common sign of diabetes in dogs is that the dog will drink more, and urinate more. This is due to the fact that the dog is passing large amounts of glucose in its urine, which dehydrates it, making it drink more, and urinate more.

The dog will often want to eat more, but may not gain weight, eventually, although the dog is eating more, it may be losing weight. This is because the dog is not metabolizing the sugars correctly. Eventually it may lose its appetite.

Other symptoms of diabetes include bad breath, lethargy, weakness – even to the point the dog goes into a coma. The dog may vomit regularly. The dog might develop cataracts on its eyes, which look like cloudy areas. The dog may appear dizzy, and may have symptoms of shaking. Some dogs with diabetes will start urinating in the house. Internal changes, such as an enlarged liver, are also symptoms of diabetes in dogs.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis is also marked by the dog having breath that is like nail polish remover, and rapid breathing. This is an urgent problem that requires immediate veterinarian attention.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Canine Diabetes

Since other diseases often have the same symptoms as diabetes it is important that the dog be seen and tested by a veterinarian. Tests for diabetes often involve the veterinarian examining the dog, testing the blood and urine.

Treatment of canine diabetes usually involves insulin injections, dietary changes, and lifestyle changes. Early diagnosis is definitely important in the success of treating the dog and managing this disease.

Prevention of Canine Diabetes

To prevent your dog from getting diabetes start by selecting a dog whose parents, and grandparents, are known, and who have not had problems with diabetes. If you have a female dog she should be spayed. Preventing the dog from becoming obese will also lower its risk of developing diabetes. Keeping the dog on a low fat diet will help reduce its chances of getting diabetes. You should note that diabetes is not contagious. Dogs who are exercised regularly and kept in good health have reduced risk of developing diabetes.

Feeding a better quality dog food may also be beneficial to preventing diabetes, many low quality foods use fat to add flavor and since they lack quality ingredients the dog must eat more food to get proper nutrition.