Your dog is dehydrated Increased thirst, excessive panting and dry gums are just some of the possible warning signs of dehydration in your pet. Make sure you always keep water bowls topped up and within easy reach so your pup has constant access to a drink.
Cushing's syndrome.
This occurs when a dog's adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. Along with heavy panting, symptoms can include excessive hunger, thirst and urination, hair loss, and a pot-bellied appearance. Treatment varies but may include adrenal-suppressing drugs or surgery.
Cushing's Disease
Also known as hyperadrenocorticism, this condition is caused by the overproduction of cortisol (stress hormone) and steroids from the adrenal glands. This causes increased thirst and urination. Other clinical signs include a pot-belly appearance, panting, thin skin, hair loss, and increased hunger.
If your dog is suddenly very thirsty for a day or so, it's usually not a cause for concern. Dogs may drink more if they're very hot, bored, have eaten certain foods, or have recently exercised. Very active dogs and nursing dogs drink more than other dogs.
Most need about an ounce of fluids per pound of body weight per day, so a 10-pound dog needs a bit over a cup of clean water daily. If your dog drinks a lot more than that, it may signal a health problem.
As important as it is to avoid dehydration, there can be too much of a good thing. Many owners — and even some veterinarians — are unaware that an overabundance of water in a dog's system can lead to frightening symptoms and even death.
Your dog may pant to breathe in more oxygen or to cool his body down.
Certainly behaviour in relation to eating and drinking may change, including increased food aggression; or showing appeasing behaviour after soiling in the house. Equally, lethargy and lack of exercise tolerance are known clinical signs of Cushing's.
Small dogs are considered senior citizens of the canine community when they reach 11-12 years of age. Their medium-sized friends become seniors at 10 years of age. Their larger-sized colleagues are seniors at 8 years of age. And, finally, their giant-breed counterparts are seniors at 7 years old.
Many dogs with CHF will tire out more easily, have reduced stamina, and do not engage in playing or walking as they once did. Coughing when at rest or sleeping, excessive panting, persistent loss of appetite, a swollen belly, and pale or bluish gums are also signs associated with heart failure.
What to expect and monitor in your pet with congestive heart failure: Some pets may experience increased thirst and urination. If this seems excessive, please contact CVCA as we can often modify dosages to help improve or resolve this concern.
Many things can cause your dog to start panting at night, including anxiety, heatstroke, medical conditions, and genetics. Panting is a result of your dog's body reacting to something, and it could be an indication that they need help.
The early signs of diabetes in dogs include:
Frequent urination (polyuria) Drinking more water than usual. Excessive appetite (polyphagia) Sudden unexplained weight loss.
Cushing's Disease: Dogs with Cushing's disease have many of the same signs as a dog with diabetes. They have increased thirst and urination and an increased appetite. However, unlikely diabetes, Cushing's disease does not cause weight loss. It is common for dogs with diabetes to have concurrent Cushing's disease.
“If diabetes goes untreated, the dog can go into diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), where you see vomiting, lethargy and a poor appetite. At this point, it's an emergency situation that requires hospitalization.” (Other DKA dog diabetes symptoms include panting and weakness.)
Just like in humans, it isn't completely certain why some dogs develop diabetes. Some dogs may be more genetically prone to developing the condition. It is known, however, that being overweight can increase the risk of your dog developing diabetes.
Symptoms of high blood sugar in dogs include:
Increased thirst. Increased urination. Depression, expressed in loss of appetite, changes in sleeping habits, loss of interest in activity, and/or seclusion. Severe depression, as seen in dogs with very high blood sugar levels.
"This can happen quickly and is seen within one to two months after development of diabetes." So if your dog is showing any symptoms, it's important to schedule a dog diabetes test with your vet right away. But diabetes doesn't have to hold your pup back. In fact, dog diabetes life expectancy stats are encouraging.
Addison's disease in dogs (also called hypoadrenocorticism) occurs when your dog's adrenal glands aren't producing adequate levels of corticosteroid hormones. If diagnosed and treated appropriately these dogs can live a long, happy life. The adrenal glands are two small glands next to the kidneys.