Have you noticed your pet drinking more water than usual or needing to urinate more frequently? These are just two of the symptoms that can point to diabetes in pets. Animal Cove Pet Hospital is passionate about helping pet owners catch the early signs of illness, especially when early treatment can dramatically improve outcomes. For National Pet Diabetes Month, we are explaining the signs of diabetes in pets and what you should do next.
What Does It Mean If a Pet Is Diabetic?
Diabetes is a condition where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar due to either a lack of insulin or the body’s inability to use it properly. Diabetes mellitus is the most common type of diabetes in dogs and cats. Any pet with risk factors can develop diabetes, but middle-aged and older pets are more at risk. Untreated, it can lead to serious complications like cataracts, nerve issues, and life-threatening conditions such as ketoacidosis.
Catching diabetes early means, on average, fewer complications and a higher quality of life for your pet. Left untreated, diabetes can progress quickly, putting your pet at risk for more severe health issues and emergency hospital visits.
Warning Signs of Pet Diabetes
These are just some of the symptoms of diabetes in pets.
- Increased thirst and urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Increased/decreased appetite
- Lethargy or decreased activity
- Recurring infections (such as UTIs)
- Cloudy eyes (most often in dogs)
If your pet is showing any potential symptoms, it’s time to contact your vet for a closer look.
Certain health conditions, such as obesity or Cushing’s, as well as breed, can predispose your pet to developing diabetes. Even if your cat or dog isn’t showing immediate symptoms, it’s always a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about what diseases your specific pet may be at risk for.
What Can I Expect from a Veterinary Diabetes Consult
If diabetes is suspected, your pet’s initial visit to the vet will likely consist of a full physical exam as well as blood and urine testing. The veterinarian will discuss your pet’s diet, lifestyle, and anything you may have noticed at home to get a full understanding.
Should your pet be diagnosed with diabetes, the vet guides you through the next steps. A diagnosis of diabetes in an animal companion is a call to action. Many pets go on to live happy lives with consistent diabetes care like insulin injections, nutrition management, and routine monitoring.
Pet Diabetes Management in San Mateo, CA
Your pet relies on you to notice when something’s off. The earlier you act, the better their chances of a healthy life, even if they are diabetic. Diabetes in pets is manageable, especially when diagnosed early. Animal Cove Pet Hospital diagnoses and treats pet diabetes in San Mateo for cats and dogs from Foster City, Redwood City, Belmont, and neighboring California areas. If you’re concerned that your animal companion has diabetes, schedule a consultation at Animal Cove Pet Hospital.
