Concerned Your Pet Has Diabetes?
Proactive pet care starts with awareness. Pets can’t tell us when something’s wrong, but they can show us. The key is knowing what to look for. Diabetes is a medical condition that can affect dogs and cats, and early detection plays a major role in how manageable the condition will be. All Paws Animal Hospital in Mondovi is discussing the signs of diabetes in pets for National Pet Diabetes Month. If you’ve noticed worrying changes in your pet’s behavior, appetite, or energy, it might be time to take a closer look.
Recognizing Pet Diabetes
Diabetes in pets (most commonly diabetes mellitus) develops when their body has trouble producing or using insulin effectively. This condition leads to elevated blood sugar levels, which can cause various health issues if left untreated. Catching the signs early means your pet’s veterinarian can begin treatment before more serious complications arise and gives your pet a better quality of life.
Visible Symptoms of Diabetes in Pets
While diabetes symptoms can appear gradually, there are a few red flags that every pet owner should recognize:
- Increased Thirst: If your pet is emptying their water bowl faster than usual or constantly seeking out water, this can be a symptom of diabetes.
- Frequent Urination: A noticeable uptick in your pet’s bathroom breaks or accidents in the house could point to high blood sugar levels.
- Weight Loss Despite Normal or Increased Appetite: This confusing combo is one of the most telltale signs of diabetes; your pet is eating but still losing weight.
- Fatigue or Lethargy: A normally energetic pet who suddenly seems sluggish or uninterested in play may not be feeling their best.
- Cloudy Eyes in Dogs: Diabetic cataracts can form in dogs, leading to sudden vision changes.
- Hind Limb Issues in Cats: This is a rare symptom, but diabetes can cause nerve damage in the hind limbs of cats, causing them to side or walk oddly.
Which Pets Are at Risk?
Diabetes can affect pets of all breeds and ages, but some are more vulnerable than others. Risk factors for diabetes in dogs and cats include:
- Middle-aged to senior pets
- Overweight or obese animals
- Certain breeds
- Pets with a sedentary lifestyle
- Those with a history of chronic pancreatitis
- Those with specific diseases like Cushing’s, kidney disease, etc.
- Pets on long-term steroid medications
Routine wellness exams with diagnostics are especially important for pets with these risk factors, even if they seem healthy. Symptoms of diabetes sometimes do not show up until your diabetic pet’s condition has advanced.
What To Do If You Notice Diabetes Symptoms
If you are concerned that your pet has diabetes, contact a veterinarian right away for a consultation. A veterinary clinic can perform simple tests, including bloodwork and a urinalysis, to confirm or rule out diabetes. The sooner a pet diabetes diagnosis is identified, the sooner a vet can start treatment and get your pet on the road to feeling better.
Even if your pet doesn’t have diabetes, symptoms like an increase in potty breaks or weight loss despite eating well can point to another health issue that should not be ignored.
Testing for Diabetes in Pets in Mondovi, WI
You know your pet better than anyone. If they’re acting differently or showing any of these signs, it’s always worth checking in with a vet. All Paws Animal Hospital diagnoses pets with diabetes in Mondovi, including dogs and cats from Eau Claire, Osseo, Eleva, and neighboring Wisconsin areas. If your pet needs to be tested for diabetes, schedule a consultation with All Paws Animal Hospital.
