How to Tell If a Dog Has Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which the body either does not make enough insulin, or does not process insulin the way it should. Dogs can be affected with diabetes as well as humans, and many of the symptoms are similar. Observing your dog's daily habits and outward appearance may help you tell if your dog has diabetes. If you suspect your dog is diabetic, take him to the vet for further testing.

Things You'll Need

• Journal
• Scale
• Blood test
• Urine test

Instructions

1. Pay attention to how often your dog needs to go out, and how much urine she puts out. One of the signs of canine diabetes is called polyuria, or frequent urination. Keep track of your dog's outings in a notebook to determine if there's a pattern developing.

2. Notice your dog's eating and drinking habits. Dogs who have diabetes are often very thirsty (polydipsia) and hungry (polyphagia), even when there is no particular reason, such as warmer weather, as the cause. If your dog continuously goes to her feeding bowls, she may have a problem.

3. Weigh your pet on a regular basis to see if he is losing weight. Diabetic dogs tend to lose weight even though they may eat more than usual, due to metabolic changes.

4. Take your dog to the vet for a physical examination if she displays symptoms that are consistent with canine diabetes. The vet will take urine and blood tests to measure glucose levels. Testing of this kind can confirm a diagnosis of diabetes.

References

• Schering-Plough Animal Health diagnosing canine diabetes