my dog has started peeing loads (12 yr old lab/ret) ***** thinking perhaps UTI or worse case diabetes -clues?

Answer 1

If your dog is peeing and drinking nonstop...and possibly losing weight, it could be diabetes.

Definitely go to a vet. Remember, your dog can't tell you any invisible symptoms...

Answer 2

I would go to you veterinarian. At her age she could have a number of metabolic disorders. Watch her water consumption to see if it is higher than before (your veterinarian is going to ask you that very question).

She could have kidney problems, she could be diabetic...I doubt she has a UTI but that's also possible. Also, before your appointment, go to the vets and ask for a sterile urine container. They are going to need a FRESH sample and you can speed the visit up by collecting it just before her appointment. In an ideal world, you want her appointment first thing in the morning so you can get the first sample of the day. Ask for directions from them as how to collect the sample if you need to.

She should also have blood work drawn- CBC (complete blood count) and a chemistry (it tells you how her kidneys, liver etc are functioning). I would highly recommend requesting these 2 pieces of bloodwork in addition to the urine sample. If you intend on doing bloodwork, do not feed her for 12 hours previous to the appointment (if it's first thing in the morning, than feed her dinner by 8 pm the evening before). There will be less likely that that will interfer with the sample quality.

Best of luck with your dog.

Answer 3

Get to the vet of course...

But if you see blood in the urine, possibly a UTI is involved.

If the urine smells sweet, think diabetes. In people, if you're packing weight around the middle you're leaning towards diabetes soioner rather than later. Not sure if this applies with dogs.

Changes in bowel or urniary habits often mean problems that need a vet. Only s/he can tell for sure.

Answer 4

Is the dog also lethargic and overweight. I reckon that if so or even if not diabetes is the best bet.
I am a DB myself and the lethargy is probably more noticeable than the peeing. Be aware though that it may also be that he is marking territory as there is a ***** on heat locally.
Is it a proper pee or a dribble?

Answer 5

My Sisters Dog is a couple of years older, and
pees ALOT. He used to be soooo good about
not using the bathroom in the house. Now he will
be let outside, and use the bathroom on the floor
after he's been in for 5 Min's. He can't hear, and
she said he has Cataracts. HE'S OLD.
Are you certain of your Dogs age?

Answer 6

Of course you should take your dog to the vet immediately.

Urinary Tract Infections are usually detected by straining or difficulty urinating. Females are affected more often - but we don't know the gender of your pet.

Diabetes can also be signaled by weight loss, even after normal appetite, along with excess intake and output of water.

Answer 7

Could be either--may well be diabetes. You need to get him in for a urine test and/or blood test. If they find bacteria in the urine, could be an infection. Is there any blood in the urine? Could be bladder stones. But that much urine is a sign of kidney problems (i.e. diabetes) which are often manageable if they're caught early. You don't want to let it go, or the damage could get out of control.

Answer 8

Go to the vet! If you can catch a urine sample it might be handy to take but the vet will want to do blood tests if he suspects diabetes. It is treatable and the dog can live with it. If you're short of cash check the yellow pages for PDSA near you who will treat your dog free.

Answer 9

Hi Ali!!
Diabetes - most unlikely.
Most likely infection.
A urinalysis done at the vet. That should be your first step.

Peeing is a common problem with older spayed female dogs.
Ask your vet about these.

Jason Homan

Answer 10

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