Many pet owners are unaware that their pets can develop diabetes, but it can happen, and it looks very similar to diabetes in humans. Since some researchers say it is on the rise, it’s something to look out for in your pet, and since it’s Pet Diabetes Awareness Month, it’s a good time to go over the common symptoms so you can recognize them in case you notice changes in your pet’s behavior. Being temperamental is not one of the symptoms though, so if your pet is giving you attitude, it may be leftover resentment from the pirate costume or tutu you made Fluffy wear on Halloween. These are some of the things you should look out for, and many of them will sound familiar if you are or know someone who is diabetic:
If you have recognized these signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian for a diabetes screening today. Your veterinarian will test your pet’s urine for glucose and screen for a urinary tract infection (which diabetic pets are predisposed to) and general bloodwork to check their blood glucose and other body systems. If high levels are found in the urine and blood persistently, that is a clear indicator of diabetes. Not enough insulin is being produced to absorb the glucose in your pet’s system, and it continues to build up in their bloodstream. To ignore the signs, and to allow glucose to build in their bloodstream, could cause cataracts in dogs and nerve damage in cats. Make sure they are diagnosed quickly. This means, as a pet owner, you will have to take on a large responsibility to care for your pet because there is no cure for diabetes. Just as you’ve experienced or heard about diabetes in humans, it is controlled with daily insulin injections in pets as well as humans. This will restore their insulin levels to maintain the correct level of glucose in their body. It sounds difficult if you’ve never given a shot before, but ask anyone with diabetes, it gets easier. Also, the needles on the insulin syringes are so small that many animals don't even notice the shots or at least get used to them. A diet change for your pet may be in order as well, something high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Exercise may also be helpful, but diabetes is about maintaining glucose levels, so along with their insulin injections, the timing of meals and exercise is very important to maintain those levels. It may seem like an experiment at first, seeing what works at what times, and possibly trying a different approach to your routine, but with frequent check-ups and guidance from your veterinarian, you’ll be able to figure out a plan that will get your pet healthy in no time. If you don’t recognize these signs in your pet, be aware that there are some risk factors for certain pets and lifestyles. Older pets, of course, have a greater risk for diabetes, but also unspayed females dogs, neutered male cats, obese pets, and ones that are genetically predisposed to diabetes. Cats with chronic pancreatitis and hyperthyroidism are also at a greater risk to develop diabetes. Inactivity in your pet can also cause diabetes, so yes, get your lazy bones pup or fat cat out and about and make them move. There are also breeds of dogs that are more susceptible:
With early diagnosis, your pet will have the same life expectancy as any other pet. It just takes a little extra care and structure to maintain their health. For more information, check out this website: http://www.petdiabetesmonth.com/.
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Jessica Stroupe, DVM
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August 2017
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