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My dog has hot spots. Could it be diabetes? What are the symptoms?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | 6 years and 2 months old

My dog gets hot spots when he eats food that accidentally falls on the floor. After a day or two, he usually get a hot spot. The vet and I suspected they were allergic reactions. My dog (6) has now passed due to an undiagnosed case of diabetes. When it was discovered it was already too late. He was never lethargic until his last days, he never showed excessive thirst, no increased appetite. Could the hot spots have been a symptom? Any other symptoms I should have looked out for through his life?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on April 25th, 2019

I'm sorry to hear about Simba's passing. Signs of diabetes are generally increased water intake, weight loss and increased urination. Blood work and a urinalysis are needed for a diagnosis. Skin lesions can occur in diabetic dogs but they are not a primary sign of the condition, especially since many other conditions cause skin lesions and are much more common. Try to focus on the many happy memories you two shared and not the few sad ones. My condolences.

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