November is recognized as both American Diabetes Month® and Pet Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness about the growing prevalence of diabetes in pets. With one in every 230 cats and one in every 300 dogs affected, it's essential for pet owners to be vigilant about the signs of diabetes in dogs and cats. Early detection of diabetes in dogs and cats can lead to better management and a longer, healthier life for your pet. Understanding the symptoms and getting proper veterinary care is key to ensuring your pet's well-being, so let’s cover the basics of diabetes in pets and what warning signs pet owners need to be on the lookout for.
The How & Why of Diabetes in Dogs and Cats
Diabetes in pets (clinically known as diabetes mellitus) occurs when their bodies can’t use sugar properly due to insufficient insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates glucose levels in the blood. When there’s not enough insulin, glucose builds up in the blood, leading to a condition called hyperglycemia. This excess glucose is eventually excreted in the urine, a condition known as glucosuria, which results in excessive water loss. As a result, diabetic pets often drink more water and urinate frequently.
Without enough glucose entering the body’s cells, they don’t receive sufficient energy, causing tissues to break down fat and muscle, leading to weight loss. In dogs and cats, diabetes can be either Type I or Type II. While the distinction between these types isn't as clear as in humans, it can still help pet owners understand the root cause of their pet’s diabetes and how it can be managed.
Diabetes in Pets: Type I and Type II
As we covered, diabetes in pets is the inability to control blood glucose levels, and there are two types that affect pets:
Type I Diabetes in Pets
Type I diabetes is when your pet's body doesn’t produce insulin, the hormone needed to regulate blood sugar levels. This form of diabetes in dogs requires lifelong insulin injections and is more commonly seen in canines.
Type II Diabetes in Pets
Type II diabetes occurs when your pet’s body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t use it properly. This type is more common in cats and often involves a combination of insulin therapy and a low-carbohydrate diet for weight loss. Regardless of the type, a lack of insulin prevents food from being converted into energy, which can leave your pet lethargic and lead to further health complications.
Causes of Diabetes in Pets
Certain breeds, such as Cocker Spaniels, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Siamese cats, are predisposed to diabetes in pets. However, obesity remains the leading cause of the condition. Other factors include medical conditions such as Cushing's disease, pancreatitis, and aging. Middle-aged and senior pets are at higher risk of developing diabetes.
To determine if your dog or cat is at risk, the official Pet Diabetes Month website, affiliated with Merck Animal Health, offers a simple quiz for pet owners.
Factors that can increase the likelihood of diabetes in pets include:
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Pancreatic disease
- Amyloidosis
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Cushing’s disease
- Dental disease
- Kidney disease
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin infections
- Long-term use of steroid medications or progestin
Signs of Diabetes in Dogs and Cats
As a pet owner, it's essential to recognize the signs of diabetes in dogs and cats. Some symptoms may be subtle but, when combined, could indicate a need for veterinary attention.
Look for any of the following signs of diabetes in pets:
- Excessive thirst and increased urination
- Accidents around the house
- Weight loss despite an increase in appetite
- Cloudy eye lenses (a sign of cataracts, particularly in dogs)
- Lethargy and weakness
- Skin conditions, such as dandruff or an oily coat
- Recurring infections
Caring for a Diabetic Pet
If your dog or cat has been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important to manage their diet and lifestyle to prevent the disease from worsening.
To care for a diabetic pet, you should:
- Work closely with your veterinarian
- Feed them a low-fat, high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet
- Avoid overfeeding
- Increase exercise through more frequent walks or playtime
- Avoid feeding table scraps
- Learn the signs of low blood sugar and how to respond
- Create a schedule and routine for meal times and medication, this allows insulin injections to be less stressful for you and your pet and keeps blood glucose levels steady
While a diabetes diagnosis can feel overwhelming, pets with diabetes can live long, happy lives. By managing their insulin needs, diet, and exercise, you can ensure that your pet’s quality of life remains high. If you suspect that your pet may have diabetes or want to learn more about the condition, contact your veterinarian.
If you have questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (941) 253-5218, or you can email us at staff@uacvet.com. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram.