What is Pet Diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is a condition that affects the concentration of glucose in your dog or cat’s blood. It occurs as a result of an insulin shortage. Insulin is a hormone that allows for the absorption of glucose from your pet’s bloodstream into body cells. It is a source of energy.
Therefore, a diabetic cat or dog may want to eat constantly. However, they will appear malnourished because its cells can’t absorb the glucose.
Diabetes in Dogs
Insulin affects how your dog’s body uses food. When he or she eats, the food breaks down into very small components the body can use.
Carbohydrate is one component that converts into several types of simple sugars, which include glucose. The intestines absorbs glucose into the blood, where it travels to cells throughout the body. Inside cells, insulin assists with turning glucose into fuel. If there is not enough insulin available, glucose cannot enter cells. This can result in a high concentration in the bloodstream.
Some breeds that are at greater risk for developing canine diabetes include the following:
- Cocker Spaniels
- Dachshunds
- Doberman Pinschers
- German Shepherds
- Golden Retrievers
- Labrador Retrievers
- Pomeranians
- Terriers
- Toy Poodles
- Keeshond
Signs of Diabetes in Your Dog
If you notice any of the following signs of diabetes in your dog, contact All Pets immediately:
- Drinks more water than usual
- Urinates more often, produces more urine per day, or has accidents in the house
- Always acts hungry but maintains or loses weight
- Has cloudy eyes
Diabetes in Cats
Diabetes in cats is more common in older and neutered cats. It occurs in cats when their cells no longer respond normally to the amounts of insulin production by the pancreas.
Typically, cats with diabetes need to have insulin injections, at least initially, as well as an appropriate diet.
Signs of Diabetes in Your Cat
If you notice any of the following signs of diabetes in your cat, contact All Pets immediately:
- Drinking more water than usual
- Urinating more frequently, producing more urine per day, or having “accidents” outside the litter box
- Always hungry but maintains or loses weight
- Less active or sleeping more
- Has thinning, dry, and dull hair
What You Can Do
Diabetes is an incurable disease. However, treatment can alleviate pain in your dog or cat once diagnosed. Even with treatment though, your pet’s health is still in jeopardy.
Therefore, it’s critical to be observant in detecting signs of diabetes in your dog or cat before needing treatment. Simply things such as monitoring your pet’s weight and annual visits to your vet can help keep your pet healthy.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment with All Pets Veterinary Medical Center, contact us with the link below!
