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November is observed as a Pet Diabetes Month. Did you know diabetes affects one in three hundred dogs and one in two-thirty cats in the US? It is a medical condition that prevents a pet’s body from producing/utilizing insulin, leading to lethargy and health-related complications. While diabetes has no permanent cure, it can surely be managed with a proper medication schedule and lifestyle alterations. At Burt’s Rx Pharmacy, we are dedicated to creating awareness about this lifelong concern amongst pets.
History Of Pet Diabetes Month
It has been around for quite a long time. Healers in 150 AD noted that ants were more attracted to the urine of people dealing with the disease. Still, the first symptoms of diabetes were documented in 1552 VC when an Egyptian physician named Hesa Ra reported frequent urination as a significant symptom of the disease. In 1889, Joseph von Mering and Oskar Minkowski showed that the pancreas removal from a dog resulted in diabetes. This indicated that the pancreas produced an anti-diabetic factor that was responsible for the regulation of blood sugars. This was named insulin in 1915. Since then, many advancements have been made to keep the condition in control.
Frederick Banting and Charles Best begin their efforts to produce insulin. They showed that pancreatic extracts reduced blood sugar. James Collip joined the team and prepared insulin with the beef pancreas, which worked miracles for treating diabetes in patients. This method was used on dogs in 1922 with excellent results. Banting received the Nobel prize for his efforts on insulin in 1923, and World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on Nov 14 (his birthday) to honor his work and spread awareness about the disease.
How Can You Observe Pet Diabetes Month?
It is very important to raise awareness regarding pet diabetes. Here is what you can do this November:
- Do Your Research
It is essential to read a lot on the subject. The research might involve the causes of diabetes, measures to prevent diabetes, and possible treatment plans for your fur babies.
- Spread Awareness
It is very critical to educate others on the subject. This might include spreading awareness of the condition and steps that can be taken to make the condition better.
- Take Care of Your Fur Baby
Taking proper care of your pets will help them live a longer, healthier life. Even if they get diabetes, they can live full lives with proper medicine plans and lifestyle alterations.
Facts About Pet Diabetes
Let’s look into a few key facts regarding pet diabetes:
Diabetes in Female Dogs
Diabetes is very common in female dogs. Most of them are diagnosed with the condition anywhere between seven to nine years. Female dogs are more likely to get diabetes as compared to male dogs.
Obesity in Cats is a Major Risk Factor
If your furry friend is obese, he/she is more likely at risk of getting diabetes. Diabetes is more common in male cats as compared to female cats.
Certain Breeds are at a Higher Risk
Genetics can truly make or break it when it comes to pet diabetes. Certain breeds are more at risk of diabetes than others.
Excessive Thirst and Frequent Urination
Look out for symptoms like frequent urination, excessive thirst, and extreme appetite in combination with sudden weight loss. All these indicate diabetes.
Regular Exercise
The advantages of regular exercise aren’t limited to humans only. Regular exercise in pets can prevent and manage the condition more effectively. So, pay close attention to their daily activity.
Common Signs of Diabetes
Early diagnosis can help your pets live a longer, healthier life. Look out for the following signs of pet diabetes:
- Your pet has suddenly started to show signs of excessive thirst.
- Pet is urinating more often than they normally do.
- Your furry friend has dropped a considerable amount of weight.
- Pet’s appetite has decreased or increased notably.
- Look for cloudy eyes, especially if you have dogs.
- Your pet has had recurring chronic infections for quite a while.
Diabetes Diagnosis and Treatment in Pets
The treatment of diabetes is very straightforward. The process will begin with a general health exam, a glucose test, a blood test, and some additional tests to rule out other medical conditions like urinary tract infections. Sugar levels that are too high or low can be life-threatening for your furry friend. Please note that each pet is different and requires an individualized treatment plan to manage its conditions effectively.
Compounding and Pet Diabetes
Administering medication for your pet isn’t as easy as doing it for another human being. For starters, your pets don’t understand the concept of taking medication to improve their health. That is why strong resistance is met, which can damage your relationship. Sometimes, the pet suffers from multiple conditions, which can worsen the problem. Compounding your pet’s diabetes medication will save you a lot of trouble, time, and much more and ensure your pet sticks to the treatment plan.
Compounding pharmacists will prioritize your pet’s safety while making the process of medication administration as seamless as possible. This goal can sometimes be achieved by combining multiple drugs into one, altering the type of drug, altering the dosage, or adding an interesting flavor to conventional bitter-tasting meds. All of this will work in your pet’s best interest.
Final Takeaway
November is celebrated as Pet Diabetes Month to raise awareness about the condition and possible solutions. While there isn’t a permanent cure for diabetes, the condition is livable when managed correctly. All you need is the expertise of a credible and experienced vet, a compounding pharmacist, and the necessary lifestyle changes. We hope you found this post helpful! If you have any questions, leave them in the comments section below, and we will get back to you.
- Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational and entertainment purposes only. Do not use it as a medical diagnosis or a substitute for your vet’s advice.