Diabetes in dogs and cats can occur at any age. However, diabetic dogs are usually 4-14 years of age and most are diagnosed at roughly 7-10 years of age.
What are the signs of a dog getting diabetes?
Your Dog Has a Ravenous Appetite A diabetic dog may develop an insatiable appetite (polyphagia), a symptom that veterinarians attribute to an imbalance of insulin, a hormone created by the pancreas to help control blood sugar. “Because of the lack of insulin, they're hungry all the time.
How do vets check for diabetes in dogs?
A Visit to Your Veterinarian Your veterinarian will first test your dog for the presence of glucose and ketones in the urine. If indicated, the next step is to measure your dog's blood glucose concentration. The diagnosis only becomes definite when glucose is found both in the urine and at a high level in the blood.
How much does it cost to test a dog for diabetes?
A non-routine appointment to diagnose dog diabetes can run from $225-500, including necessary blood tests. The veterinarian will diagnose whether your pup has type 1 diabetes (which is more common in canines) or type 2, the severity of the condition, and then prescribe the proper level of insulin therapy.
How common is it for dogs to have diabetes?
Canine diabetes is more common in middle-age and older dogs, but it is also seen in young dogs. While believed to be underdiagnosed, diabetes mellitus affects an estimated one in 1 in 300 dogs. The primary cause of canine diabetes is largely unknown, but experts suggest that genetics may play a role.
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