Fact Sheet

Signs & Symptoms of Canine Diabetes

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By Jennifer Gittins, eHow Contributing Writer

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Diabetes most often affects dogs between 7 and 9 years of age.

Dogs with diabetes are unable to metabolize sugar properly. Canine diabetes most often occurs in dogs between 7 and 9 years of age and can affect dogs of any gender or breed.

Symptoms

Dogs who suffer from diabetes often display an increase of water consumption (polydipsia) as well as increased urination (polyuria).

Appetite

The dog may continue to display a good, healthy appetite or even an increase in appetite but can still suffer from weight loss. This is due to the body improperly using dietary nutrients.

Vision

Canine diabetes can cause an accumulation of water within the eye's lens, causing cataracts and blindness.

Lethargy

Dogs suffering from diabetes may display changes in behavior, such as becoming lethargic or listless.

Other Signs

Other signs of canine diabetes include weakness and abnormal gait. Dogs that go without treatment may suffer from infections of the bladder, kidney or skin.