Diabetes:

Diabetes is on the rise in America and our pets are no exception. According to a 2016 study released by Banfield Pet Hospital, the incidence of diabetes is on the rise in dogs and cats throughout the country. Between 2006 and 2015, researchers identified a startling 80% increase in diabetes in dogs and an 18% increase in cats.

Is your pet at risk for Diabetes? If you don’t know, you’re not alone. Many people do not realize that their cat or dog can develop diabetes. In June 2018 the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released results of studies saying that diabetes affects more than 25.8 million people in the United States. Sadly, as our four-legged friends mirror what is happening to us, some pets, especially our cats, are at increasingly high risk for this disease. With this disease affecting more pets than ever, it is important to know the signs and symptoms.

Symptoms:

If your pet is exhibiting any of these signs, talk to your veterinarian.

  • excessive thirst

  • inappropriate or excessive urination

  • weight loss

  • increased hunger

  • loss of energy

While there’s no cure for diabetes, proper care can help your pet live a happy, healthy, active life. The more you know about diabetes, the better you’ll be able to work with your veterinarian to successfully manage your pet’s health.

It is estimated that 1 in 300 dogs and 1 in 230 cats in the U.S. have diabetes. Is your cat or dog at risk for diabetes? Only your veterinarian can diagnose diabetes and provide appropriate preventive and management programs. Diabetes can be managed with a good, consistent diet, proper exercise, weight loss, and injectable insulin. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, diabetic dogs will almost always need to be on insulin for the remainder of their lives whereas some cats can have their diabetes controlled and even reversed by good glucose control and proper diet.

Since November is Pet Diabetes Month, take this time to learn about diabetes, its symptoms, and treatment options.  For more information, quizzes, a diabetes checklist, and much more click here.