Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Has your dog’s pee begun to smell like bacon? Are you worried this could be a sign your dog is sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog has symptoms like this.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what causes a dog’s pee to smell like bacon and what you can do to help your dog feel better. Let’s get started!
What Causes a Dog’s Pee to Smell Like Bacon?
A dog’s urine may begin to smell like bacon if he’s developed a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. This is a very serious condition that is considered a medical emergency.
Diabetic ketoacidosis is caused when there’s not enough insulin in the dog’s body to regular blood sugar levels. When insulin levels fall, the dog’s body isn’t able to use glucose in the right way. This causes glucose (sugar) to build up in the blood. At the same time, the dog’s liver begins to produce ketones, which act as an emergency source of fuel. As the ketones break down, they cause the dog’s body pH balanced to become more acidic.
When this happens, the dog’s body is not able to maintain the proper levels of fluids and electrolytes, which can lead to further deadly symptoms.
Symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has developed diabetic ketoacidosis:
- Excessive thirst, urination
- Dehydration
- Sweet-smelling breath
- Urine that smells like bacon
- Sudden weight loss
- Muscle loss
- Fatigue
- Coat becomes rough
- Rapid breathing
- Dandruff
- Vomiting
- Sudden impaired vision
- Jaundice
If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, then call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live NowTreatment of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Dogs
At the vet’s, they will first work to stabilize your dog through IV fluids to treat dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. The vet may also treat your dog with phosphate and potassium.
After your dog is stable, the vet will work to get your dog’s insulin levels corrected. This may mean the vet uses insulin injections, which can take a few days to work. The vet will also treat any other symptoms your dog may be having.
The prognosis is best for dogs who receive prompt medical treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis. So, be sure to call the vet right away if your dog’s urine starts to smell like bacon. You may just save your dog’s life!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live Now