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Have you recently noticed that your dog’s pee smells like maple syrup? Are you worried this may mean your dog is sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog develops such symptoms.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what can make your dog’s pee smell like maple syrup and what you can do to help your dog. Let’s get started!
What Causes a Dog’s Pee to Smell Like Maple Syrup?
There are some reasons that your dog’s pee may smell like maple syrup. Not all are medical conditions, however! Your dog’s urine may smell like maple syrup because:
Your fur baby managed to get into some maple syrup and eat it. If this is the case, you may find a maple syrup mess in the kitchen or dining area! Be sure to check your dog for any signs of sticky residue from the syrup, too. It can happen, as dogs will eat just about anything, including maple syrup!
If that doesn’t seem to be the problem, then if you live in California, your dog may have eaten California Cudweed. This is a plant that’s also called Ladies Tobacco and California Everlasting. The plant has an odor that’s very similar to maple syrup. In the garden, this plant has white flowers with yellow on the tips. You’ll also notice the flowers smell like maple syrup.
So, check to see if your dog has eaten this plant. As far as we could find, this plant doesn’t seem to be toxic to dogs. However, it’s really best if your dog doesn’t make a practice of eating California Cudweed on a regular basis.
Lastly, if those reasons don’t seem to be the cause, then your dog’s pee may smell like maple syrup for another reason. It could be that your dog has diabetes. This condition is caused by too much sugar in the dog’s bloodstream, which can cause urine to smell like maple syrup. In fact, diabetes is sometimes called Maple Syrup Disease for this reason.
Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs
Along with the smelly urine, you may notice these symptoms if your dog has diabetes:
- Excessive thirst and constant drinking
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Urinary tract infection
- Increased hunger
- Failing eyesight
- Lethargy
- Exhaustion
- Sweet-smelling urine
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, then be sure to call the vet right away. Diabetes is a very serious illness that must be treated as soon as possible. This condition can cause your dog to become sicker over time or even die.
So, there you have it. If you can’t find any causes for your dog’s pee to smell like maple syrup, then you’ll need to get your fur baby to the vet. With the right treatment and diet, your dog can go on to live a long, happy life in spite of diabetes!
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.
Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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