Dogs that are seven years old and up are considered to be in their senior years and can be affected by canine diabetes. There are some signs to alert you that your dog may be dealing with this disease. A proper and accurate diagnosis should be performed by your trusted veterinarian via a thorough physical exam and also by testing glucose (sugar) levels in their urine and blood.

The first signs you should be aware of are increased thirst and in turn increased urination in your senior dog. Some weight gain is natural and expected as a dog ages and slows down physically, but canine diabetes can also be the culprit of weight gain, due to the fact that your dog is unable to burn off the sugar (glucose) faster than the body’s production of it.

If you notice that your senior dog is eating as usual but losing weight quickly, this can be another sign of canine diabetes, because your dog is unable to absorb the nutrients needed to stay healthy, and the body will automatically try to acquire energy from the muscles and fat, resulting in rapid weight loss.

Cataracts are an eye condition that affects senior dogs, and if left untreated, they can cause permanent blindness in your dog. Cataracts are often caused when your dog has excessive amounts of glucose (blood sugar). The sugar will pull water into the eye lens, and this leads to blurry vision (a symptom of cataracts).

Canine diabetes is not curable, but it is treatable. Insulin shots may be necessary, usually administered twice daily after meals. The vet will set a dosage, and it is your responsibility to adhere to the instructions to keep your senior dog as healthy as possible.

Viruses and infections will raise the chances of a senior dog getting diabetes. To prevent viruses and diseases from attacking your dog, keep their immune system healthy by providing them with enough exercise and feeding them a well-balanced and heart healthy diet.