Did you know that dogs and cats can become Diabetic, just like people? In the past 5 years the prevalence of diabetes in dogs has doubled! Approximately 40% of dogs and cats with Diabetes are overweight. Obesity in pets can also lead to heart and joint problems and other debilitating diseases. To help lower your pet's risk of developing diabetes, maintaining a healthy weight by balancing diet and exercise is very important.
Recognizing signs of diabetes can help speed diagnosis and increase the life span of your pet. Below are the most common symptoms of Diabetes:
- increased water consumption and frequency of urination
- lethargy
- unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- change in appetite (increase or decrease)
- vomiting
- urinary tract infection
- non-healing wounds
Treatment depends on how far the disease has progressed, but will ultimately result in a change in diet, insulin injections &/or oral medications to control blood sugar levels, and potentially antibiotic therapy to treat secondary infections. Initially your pet will require frequent blood tests known as glucose curves until a stable blood sugar level is reached. Periodic monitoring thereafter is also important. Blood glucose (blood sugar) levels that remain too high or too low for prolonged periods of time are potentially fatal. Once regulated, most diabetic pets can live happy and active lives.
Stay Happy, Stay Healthy
Dr. Daisy
