My senior dog has diabetes symptoms. Is it stress or diabetes?

Question

My mini schnauzer has been under stress lately. She’s started drinking more, losing weight despite eating normally and having some incontinence in the last week. Her blood work is being checked now with results due Monday. On klavamox now. She’s 11.5 yrs old. They suspect diabetes. Can the stress cause diabetes? We’re out of the stressful situation now. Is it possible that it’s not diabetes and just high glucose from stress? She’s going back to her normal vet on Tues am. What will happen. Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Schnauzer | Female | spayed | 11 years and 10 months old | 18 lbs

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

I am afraid Roxy is showing typical signs of diabetes: She’s started drinking more, losing weight despite eating normally and having some incontinence in the last week. Diabetes can also make a dog more prone to bacterial urinary tract infections, which is why your vet prescribed clavamox. Stress can cause higher blood glucose levels, but the elevation would be relatively small compared with a diabetic glucose elevation . A blood glucose level over 220mg/dL would definitely be higher than one caused by stress and this would be diagnostic for diabetes. However, should your dog have diabetes, it does help to keep stress levels as low as possible and to also have her teeth checked and if they are in need of a dental cleaning to have this done, as dental problems also cause stress and can compromise the success of diabetes treatment. I hope Roxy only has a UTI, but even if she has diabetes, this is relatively easily dealt with. .

My senior dog has diabetes symptoms. Is it stress or diabetes?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?

Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?

My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?

Why is my new pet biting? Is she stressed or scared in her new home?

Share