How to Detect Diabetes in Dogs

Diabetes in animals occurs when there is insufficient insulin production to regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin is responsible for converting sugar into energy for the cells. When excess sugar is not converted into energy for the cells, diabetic dogs may experience weight loss, cataracts, urinary tract infections, and kidney disease. While there is no specific cure for diabetes in dogs, early detection can improve treatment outcomes. Some dogs are more prone to developing diabetes, so it is important to identify if your dog is at risk. If so, you should pay closer attention to warning signs of diabetes.

Recognize that overweight dogs are more likely to develop diabetes. Diabetes is more common in dogs that weigh more than normal. To check if your dog is overweight, feel along the ribcage to make the ribs more noticeable. If you can't feel the ribs easily, your dog may be overweight. However, it can be harder to feel the ribs in dogs with thick or long fur. In this case, you can check the hip bones. If you can feel the hip bones after gently pressing down, your dog may not be overweight.

• If your dog is overweight, consult your vet about safe calorie reduction methods and ways to increase exercise. You can help your dog lose weight by reducing treats and taking more walks each week.

Considerations for dogs over 7 years old. Dogs between 7-9 years old are at higher risk for diabetes. As dogs age, they become less active and are more prone to weight gain. Overweight senior dogs have higher glucose levels and reduced insulin, leading to diabetes.

Identifying dog breeds prone to diabetes. Although any dog can develop diabetes, certain breeds are more susceptible. Miniature Poodles, Mini Schnauzers, Dachshunds, Beagles, and Cairn Terriers are among the breeds at greater risk. Mixed-breed dogs with weaker immune systems are also more likely to develop diabetes.

Pay attention if your dog is constantly thirsty. One of the most noticeable signs of diabetes is excessive thirst. High glucose levels lead to dehydration, making dogs drink more to replenish lost fluids. Diabetic dogs typically drink more water than usual.

• Drinking more water will result in more frequent urination. You might notice your dog urinating indoors or in its sleeping area.
• Do not limit your dog's water intake. Dogs need plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Be aware if your dog is sleeping more than usual. Excessive sleeping is another major sign of diabetes. Dogs become exhausted and lethargic when sugar is not converted into energy for their cells. This leads to a condition known as 'diabetic fatigue,' where dogs sleep excessively.

Check your dog's vision. Dogs with diabetes over an extended period may develop cataracts. Additionally, diabetic dogs are at risk of sudden blindness due to diabetic retinopathy, a condition affecting the retina at the back of the eye.

Take your dog to the vet immediately if any of the above symptoms appear. Untreated diabetes can lead to serious complications. A vet can perform a blood test to check glucose levels and ensure that other organs aren't being affected by the disease.

Conduct tests. The vet may carry out several tests (blood and urine) to diagnose diabetes in your dog. The three main diabetes tests are a complete blood count (CBC), serum chemistry, and urine analysis. Any one of these tests can reveal various diseases and health issues, but to confirm diabetes, the vet needs to perform all three.

• The complete blood count (CBC) test evaluates the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your dog's blood. A high white blood cell count may indicate a urinary tract infection, a common issue in diabetic dogs. Low red blood cell counts may suggest dehydration or red blood cell destruction.
• The serum chemistry test is performed using a separate blood sample. This test focuses on tracking the levels of glucose and other substances in the dog's blood, such as enzymes, lipids (fats), proteins, and cell waste. While abnormalities in any of these substances could indicate diabetes, the vet usually focuses on serum glucose levels. Typically, if the blood sample is taken after the dog has fasted, a high glucose level is a strong sign of diabetes.
• Finally, the urine analysis is a chemical test of your dog's urine. Glucose often appears in the urine, so this test can diagnose diabetes. Healthy dogs typically don't have glucose in their urine. You should collect a urine sample from your dog for the vet to perform a quick diagnostic test.