Diabetes. When your dog’s breath smells like chemicals or gives off a whiff of acetone, it’s likely that they are suffering from diabetes. Diabetes can also cause your dog’s breath to smell sickly sweet like your breath smells after drinking very sweet tea. A diabetic dog lacks insulin.
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What are the symptoms of diabetes in dogs?
- Excessive water drinking and increased urination.
- Weight loss, even though there may be an increased appetite.
- Decreased appetite.
- Cloudy eyes (especially in dogs)
- Chronic or recurring infections (including skin infections and urinary infections)
Why does my breath smell sweet?
Fruity breath is caused by your metabolism. As your body breaks down food and fat in different ways, it releases chemicals that are then expelled when you breathe out. In some cases, these chemicals can cause a fruity or acetone smell.
What is diabetic ketoacidosis in dogs?
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency that occurs when there is not enough insulin in the body to control blood sugar (glucose) levels. Insulin may also be prevented from working normally due to other hormones released as a result of certain diseases.
Can I test my dog for diabetes at home?
Measuring glucose level in your pet’s blood. This is the most accurate method and is done either by your veterinarian in the clinic or at home with a portable glucometer and blood test strips.
What dogs are most likely to get diabetes?
- Cocker Spaniels.
- Golden Retrievers.
- Labrador Retrievers.
- Pomeranians.
- Terriers.
- Toy Poodles.
- Miniature Schnauzers.
- Keeshonds.
Why does my dog smell sickly sweet?
A sweet smell from your dog’s ears could mean an ear infection. A fruity odor might seem pleasant, but if it’s coming from your dog’s ears, it could be a sign of an ear infection.
Does diabetes in dogs come on suddenly?
Many conditions can cause weight loss in dogs, including cancer, gastrointestinal disease, liver disease and kidney disease, says Dr. Romine. When that weight lossโwhich can start gradually or suddenlyโis coupled with a normal appetite, it can be a sign of diabetes.
Why does my dogs breath smell weird?
Oral health issues that could lead to stinky breath in dogs range from tooth decay to gum disease and oral infections. Regardless of the precise cause, bacteria and food debris build up over time in your pup’s mouth if not regularly cleaned away, resulting in plaque and a persistent bad smell.
Does sweet breath mean diabetes?
When your body can’t get energy from glucose, it burns fat in its place. The fat-burning process creates a buildup of acids in your blood called ketones, which leads to DKA if untreated. Fruity-smelling breath is a sign of high levels of ketones in someone who already has diabetes.
What does diabetic fruity breath smell like?
One of the ketones, acetone (a chemical found in nail polish), can cause your breath to smell like nail polish. When ketones rise to unsafe levels, your chances for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) increase. Symptoms of DKA include: a sweet and fruity odor on your breath.
What are the symptoms of high blood sugar?
- increased thirst and a dry mouth.
- needing to pee frequently.
- tiredness.
- blurred vision.
- unintentional weight loss.
- recurrent infections, such as thrush, bladder infections (cystitis) and skin infections.
What is the lifespan of a dog with diabetes?
The median survival for dogs with diabetes is two years, and there are many who live much longer than that, provided that they receive proper treatment and are regularly assessed by the vet. Thus, dogs with diabetes generally live a full, happy life that is free of symptoms when given the proper treatment.
What are the warning signs of diabetic ketoacidosis?
- Fast, deep breathing.
- Dry skin and mouth.
- Flushed face.
- Fruity-smelling breath.
- Headache.
- Muscle stiffness or aches.
- Being very tired.
- Nausea and vomiting.
Can a dog survive diabetic ketoacidosis?
Yes, a dog can recover from diabetic ketoacidosis – if diagnosed early and treated aggressively.
How much does it cost to test a dog for diabetes?
A non-routine appointment to diagnose dog diabetes can run from $225-500, including necessary blood tests. The veterinarian will diagnose whether your pup has type 1 diabetes (which is more common in canines) or type 2, the severity of the condition, and then prescribe the proper level of insulin therapy.
How do vets check for diabetes in dogs?
A Visit to Your Veterinarian Your veterinarian will first test your dog for the presence of glucose and ketones in the urine. If indicated, the next step is to measure your dog’s blood glucose concentration. The diagnosis only becomes definite when glucose is found both in the urine and at a high level in the blood.
Where do you stick a dog to test blood sugar?

What foods should diabetic dogs not eat?
Avoid giving any treats or table scraps that contain sugar or sweeteners such as corn syrup, as well as high glycemic foods that quickly boost blood sugar, such as white rice and bread.
How does a dog act when blood sugar is high?
The only sign of high blood glucose is increased thirst. Other signs are associated with the underlying disease process, such as weight loss in cases of hyperthyroidism in cats, or panting in dogs with Cushing’s disease.
Why did my dog develop diabetes?
Diabetes in cats and dogs results from their bodies not producing enough insulin or not being able to properly respond to the insulin their bodies do make. The lack of insulin and/or the inability to effectively use insulin leads to a spike in glucose (or sugar) in the blood.
Why does my dogs breath smell like syrup?
In serious cases your dog’s breath and urine can smell like maple syrup due to canine diabetes. This won’t always be the case, but if not diagnosed and treated, your dog could face some serious health issues. Please be aware though, it won’t always mean your dog is ill.
Why does my dog always smell like syrup?
My Dog’s Fur Smells Like Maple Syrup! It’s common for dogs to get yeast infections in or around their nose or ears, as these are areas that frequently get wet and have folds that can trap moisture and provide an environment for yeast to grow.
How do I know if my dog has a UTI?
Dogs with UTIs generally attempt to urinate very frequently whenever they go outside. They also may strain to urinate, or cry out or whine when urinating if it is painful. Sometimes you might even see blood in their urine. Dripping urine, or frequent licking of the genitals, may also signal that a UTI is present.
How long can a dog live with untreated diabetes?
How long do dogs live after being diagnosed with diabetes? Depending on co-morbidities and how easily regulated they are, dogs can live for many years after diagnosis. However, some studies showed a mean survival time after diagnosis to be between 18 and 24 months.