Diabetes is a chronic disease which is divided into type 1 and type 2(as with humans). It is a
metabolic disease that disrupts the insulin intake or production depending on the type.
Symptoms can include changes in appetite, vomiting after eating, UTI’s, lethargy, excessive
urination and more. https://bowwowinsurance.com.au/pet-care/diseases-conditions/diabetes-in-dogs/. These symptoms can have a great impact on the dog's behaviour. A dog with constant UTI’s can be in a lot of discomfort and therefore not be as playful or even as friendly as he would been when not in discomfort. If the dog was highly energetic before he got diabetes, a significant change in energy would be seen as lethargy is a possible symptom and he would not be as active as he usually would have been. Cataracts are also a symptom of diabetes and it can turn into blindness. Puotinen and Straus(2012). Going blind does not usually affect how a dog behaves. With a willing owner assisting the dog adjust he can be just as happy as before. Dr. Eisenhosen (2011).
Rabies is associated with ‘extreme behavioral changes’. https://www.prouddogmom.com/rabies-dogs/. There are two types of rabies, the Furious rabies is connected to drastic behavioural changes such as extreme aggression where Paralytic rabies(dumb rabies) shows weakness and loss of coordination that leads to paralysis. https://www.pets-99.com/rabies-in-dogs/ . Both of these types cause behavioral changes that can result in the owner being in danger. Rabies is transmittable to humans through a bite or even a scratch. There are other symptoms of rabies that are also changes in behavior such as the dog being very excitable, the tone in which the dog barks can change, extreme aggression or even shyness, irritability and more. https://www.pets-99.com/rabies-in-dogs/ .Each one of these behavioural alteration that occurs can cause humans and other animals to be in more danger than they realise. The dog can easily snap at a person or dog and infect them as well. It is recommended that animal control is called to assist in safely catching the infected dog and taking it to the vet to be analyzed(with the vet also being notified beforehand so that they can prepare).
In summary, always observe the behavior of your dog and if there are major changes occurring, make sure to take your dog to a vet to do the necessary checkups and tests before going to a behaviorist. As seen with these two different diseases, medical problems can cause common behavioural issues such as aggression and shyness.
References:
Unknown author(17.07.19) “Diabetes in Dogs: Causes, symptoms, treatment and diabetes-
friendly diets” [online]
https://bowwowinsurance.com.au/pet-care/diseases-conditions/diabetes-in-dogs/
17 Sept 2020
Puotinen,CJ and Straus, Mary(April 16,2012) “Diabetes in Dogs” [online]
https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/health/diseases/managing-diabetes-in-dogs/
17 Sept 2020
Proud dog mom(2020) “Understanding Rabies in Dogs” [online blog]
https://www.prouddogmom.com/rabies-dogs/
17 Sept 2020
Unknown Author(September 22, 2008) “Pets-99.com:Rabies in Dogs” [online blog]
https://www.pets-99.com/rabies-in-dogs/
17 Sept 2020
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