Causes of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a result of low insulin levels. All the food dogs and humans eat is broken down into sugar in the blood stream and then feed to each cell. Insulin is used by body tissues to absorb the sugar in the blood and without the proper levels of insulin the sugar will stay in the blood. The sugar will then pass into the urine and cause increased urine production and thirst. Since the sugar is unusable the dog will be eating all the time and still loosing weight.

Some animals are prone to diabetes because of genetics or other health problems. Obese dogs and those with inflammation in the pancreas are more likely to develop diabetes. A diet high in carbohydrates will over time lead to health problems and/or diabetes. Female dogs and those between the ages of 5 and 7 are the most susceptible to diabetes. If diabetes is found in young dogs it is usually genetic.

Signs and Symptoms

A dog that is constantly thirsty, hungry, and urinates often is likely to have diabetes. Despite their constant hunger and thirst they loose weight and are dehydrated. If let go your pet's diabetic problem will eventually cause vomiting, depression, rapid breathing, and weakness.