The signs of diabetes are weight loss, excessive thirst and urination. I only noticed the dramatic weight loss in Andy. It was because of weight loss that I took him to the Vet. He needed to lose weight but I knew something had to be wrong because his appetite had not changed nor his food intake. I was shocked at the diagnosis. I had never heard of a dog having diabetes. By the time Andy was diagnosed he was in ketosis and had pancreatitis. He spent the next three days in a hospital on IV drip and insulin. Coming home meant two shots a day of insulin and a strict diet. I was able to buy him another two years this way. Something I would do over and over again given the same choice.