In last week’s post, we discussed a problem that’s sadly becoming more and more prevalent in the majority of pets: overweight and obese dogs and cats. This week, we’re going to follow up with a discussion about one of the possible complications of pudgy pets: diabetes. This condition is affecting more and more of America’s pets but can be managed with the proper knowledge and care. Keep reading to find out what you need to know to help treat and possibly avoid this condition in your furry friend.
Diabetes mellitus, or ‘sugar diabetes’ is a condition in which the concentration of glucose (a sugar) in your dog’s body is abnormal. It is a result of a failure to properly process or produce insulin. If you know anything about diabetes in humans, what we just described might sound familiar. This is because diabetes in pets is surprisingly similar both in causes and treatment to diabetes in humans. Diabetes in dogs is quite common and becoming increasingly prevalent. On average, 1 in 100 dogs in the U.S. has the disease but concentrations in specific areas can be as high as 1 in 50!
Diabetes in dogs can be caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Genetically, certain breeds of dogs are more susceptible to developing the condition than others. Breeds at a higher risk include:
- Cocker Spaniels
- Dachshunds
- Doberman Pinschers
- German Shepherds
- Golden Retrievers
- Labrador Retrievers
- Pomeranians
- Toy Poodles
- Terriers
Since every pup is different, yours might have a genetic predisposition to developing the disease even if his breed didn’t make the list. But there’s a factor much more likely than genetics that can cause diabetes: your pet’s weight. Overweight or obese pets are at a much higher risk for developing diabetes, which is a big reason why you should strive to help your dog maintain a healthy weight. Increasing age also plays a role in whether or not dogs are at a higher risk for developing diabetes, with the average age for diagnosis between 4 and 14 years.
Poor management of glucose levels in your dog’s body will cause symptoms that you can identify if you’re well-acquainted with your dog’s normal habits. Check for such signs as:
- Drinking more water than usual
- Urinating more than usual
- Acting Hungry. This may or may not be accompanied by weight loss or an inability to gain weight
- Cloudy Eyes
Diabetes mellitus in cats is similar to the condition described in dogs above: it’s a condition that affects her body’s ability to regulate glucose levels. One key difference, though, is that all breeds of cats are equally at risk for developing the disease. Likewise, cats of all ages are of equal risk as far as research has been able to determine. Diabetes affects more than 1 in 100 cats in the US currently, and just like in dogs that number is on the rise.
Diabetes affects more cats than dogs partially due to the increased difficulty that pet parent’s have in exercising them. Many cats with indoor lifestyles can become overweight and then will want to play less. It’s a difficult cycle to break and prolonged heaviness and inactivity are big warning signs in kitty’s case.
Cats will often exhibit the same signs and symptoms of diabetes as dogs with a couple additions:
- Lethargy (your cat seems to lack energy)
- Dull and/or thinning fur. A cat’s coat is often a sentinel of internal physical problems.
Diagnosing and Treating Diabetes in Pets
If you or your veterinarian suspect that your pet has diabetes, rather simple tests can be done to diagnose the disease. A diagnosis of the condition is considered definite when both a urine and blood test confirm persistently high levels of glucose. Usually, your pet’s doctor will start with a urine test and proceed with additional testing to determine consistency in elevated glucose levels.
The good news is, diabetes is a treatable condition in pets and can be well-managed and even put in remission with proper care and a bit of good fortune (as far as your pet’s natural abilities to combat the disease). Here are the main treatment methods:
- Diet: your vet will work with you to determine the proper type and amount of food that you should feed your furry friend in order to maintain the most stable glucose levels. You’ll need to feed your pet on a schedule and stick to the recommended amounts.
- Exercise: As dogs and cats with diabetes are often inactive and overweight, proper exercise will be necessary to help return their body to a healthy state. Remember to start slow and work within your pet’s ability level.
- Insulin: You will need to administer insulin to your pet on a daily basis to help him or her break down the excess glucose that is being produced as a result of the condition. The schedule and amount of insulin to give your pet will vary animal to animal, so your vet will help you determine what is right. You’ll also want to carefully monitor your pet’s blood glucose levels to insure that they’re staying within the proper range. This can help prevent any spikes or dips that could cause complications.
- Routine Check-ups: Treatments, including diet and insulin amounts and schedules, may vary in your pet after diagnosis. Seeing your vet on a consistent basis will be crucial to staying a step ahead of the disease and keeping it at bay.
You may have realized by now that the best scenario when it comes to diabetes in pets is to do what you can to avoid it entirely. Fortunately, this is possible in the case of many animals. Having a fit and healthy pet will save you a lot of heartache and money. In some cases where genetics are concerned, diabetes may become a challenge that you will have to face with your pet. You and your furry friend will be in good hands with our expert staff at Boulder’s Natural Animal Hospital in the event that diabetes becomes a concern.
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