10 signs your dog might be diabetic

Symptoms of canine diabetes, like lethargy and extreme thirst can easily be overlooked. Be sure to keep an eye out for these and other warning signs in your dog.

If your dog is quenching her thirst more than usual, diabetes may be to blame. Affected dogs may also scavenge for water and start drinking out of puddles or toilets.

A noticeable increase in either the number of times your dog needs to urinate or the amount of urine that's expelled during each trip is worth investigating.

You'd think that excessive drinking would prevent dehydration, but it's not unusual for diabetic dogs to still be dehydrated. Sticky gums are a warning sign.

Dogs who've just developed diabetes can seem like they can't eat enough food. You may notice your normally well-behaved dog has started begging at the dinner table or is trying to take food from the trash. As diabetes progresses, your dog's appetite may diminish, and your pooch may not be interested in food at all.

Noticeable weight loss, especially combined with an excessive appetite, is an easily noted symptom of diabetes in dogs. To catch any fluctuations that may be indicative of a health concern, weigh your dog each month.

If your dog used to have a breath problem, but now has fruity-fresh breath, your beloved pet may have diabetes. Unchecked diabetes can also cause problems with your dog's teeth.

When your dog vomits, you should withhold food for 12 hours and check for dehydration. Repetitive or excessive vomiting requires immediate medical attention, especially if your dog's dehydrated.

Take note if your dog is tired or feeling weak. Lethargy is a symptom for dozens of illnesses, many of them quite serious.

Diabetes can cause cataracts, leading to blindness if left untreated. To spot cataracts, check your dog's eyes for cloudiness or a grayish tint. Keep in mind that changes in your dog's eyes can also be caused by old age.

Dogs who have chronic skin infections often have an underlying issue that is weakening their immune system. If your dog keeps getting yeast infections or has other skin problems, having your your pet's blood sugar checked is a good idea.

Any change in your dog's behaviour or overall health merits attention. An early diabetes diagnosis can help ensure that your dog avoids serious health complications and lives a long and happy life.