According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the average age of onset it between 4 and 14 years age, with the majority of diagnoses occurring between 7 and 10 years. This triad of symptoms is often referred to by medical professionals as “The Three P’s”.ĭiabetes is most common in middle-aged and older dogs, especially those who are overweight or obese. This results in excess urination (polyruria) and, because the dog is trying to replenish lost fluids, excess thirst (polydipsia.) In many cases, the dog will also be excessively hungry (polyphagia) because the cells of the body are literally starving despite the fact that the dog is eating enough. The only way the dog’s body can rid itself of this excess glucose is through the kidneys, which flush it out along with large amounts of water. When enough insulin isn’t available, too much glucose remains in the bloodstream, a condition known as hyperglycemia. 2 Diabetesĭiabetes is a condition in which a dog’s body fails to make sufficient quantities of the hormone insulin or when adequate insulin is present, but it can’t be properly utilized ( insulin resistance.) Insulin is necessary for the proper transfer of glucose - a product of digestion that is one of the body’s main sources of energy - into the cells. She may recommend an electrolyte replacement drink such as Pedialyte or fluid replacement via the subcutaneous or intravenous route. If your dog is vomiting and refusing to drink, contact your vet. Vomiting and diarrhea also increase the amount of water a dog needs, though he may not be able to take in adequate quantities if his gastrointestinal issues are severe. If your dog is exercising heavily, or if the temperature is very high, he will need more.ĭogs can get dehydrated if they are outside in the heat for too long. (That’s about a cup-and-a-half to 3 cups of water daily for a 25 pound dog.) Keep in mind, however, that this is the average amount of water a healthy dog should drink.
To keep your dog well-hydrated, remember to offer him at least ½ to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight every day. Depending on how dehydrated the dog was, that can mean he drinks much more than normal for a while. So, as long as the dog has adequate water available, he will drink enough to replenish the fluids that have been lost. The dog’s body will detect a drop in blood volume (triggered by too little water) and secrete hormones that trigger the thirst response. And while dehydration can be a serious condition, in dogs who aren’t seriously ill, it is generally self-limiting.
It can happen due to numerous causes, including overheating, vigorous exercise, vomiting and/ or diarrhea and underlying disease.
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