What is a common symptom of diabetes mellitus in dogs?

Increased urination, or polyuria, is a common symptom of diabetes mellitus in dogs. This occurs due to the high levels of glucose in the bloodstream, which causes the kidneys to filter out excess glucose into the urine. As glucose is excreted, it draws water with it, leading to increased production of urine and frequent urination.

Additionally, the excess glucose in the blood can lead to increased thirst, known as polydipsia, which further contributes to the increased urination as the dog drinks more water to compensate for the fluid loss. These two symptoms—polyuria and polydipsia—are hallmark signs of diabetes mellitus in dogs and are crucial for early detection and management of the condition.

While increased appetite can also be observed in diabetic dogs, it is often accompanied by weight loss rather than weight gain, as the body struggles to utilize glucose for energy. Therefore, increased urination remains a critical indicator in diagnosing this disease.