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As pet owners, your pet is not just an animal – they are an addition to your family and you want to ensure their health and safety. Monitoring your pet’s health is essential, and it’s important to know these 8 signs of diabetes in dogs and cats.
Having a loyal dog or cat friend is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. We want our furry friends to be around as long as possible, and we will go to great lengths to ensure their wellbeing. Part of this care involves monitoring our pets for signs and symptoms of impending health problems. Diabetes is one of the pet health issues that can be mitigated with early detection and proactive measures. Keep an eye out for these important signs of diabetes in cats and dogs.
What Contributes to Dog and Cat Diabetes?
We want to spoil our animal companions with love and affection. When it comes to providing food and treats, our desire to pamper can end up causing harm. Dogs and cats are primarily carnivorous animals, meaning that they are designed to digest proteins and fats. Pets who are consistently fed a diet of carbohydrates are more at risk for developing diabetes, as they are not designed to process the amount of sugar that comes with a grain-based diet and glucose-rich treats.
Another factor in the development of pet diabetes is a lack of consistent, sustained, exercise. Our pets may go for romps in the yard or expend some energy excitedly welcoming us home from a long day at work, but these short bursts of activity are not enough to assist with healthy bodily functioning. Dogs and cats who do not get at least 20 minutes of sustained cardiovascular activity per day are at greater risk for developing diabetes.
Signs of Diabetes in Dogs and Cats
Loving dog and cat owners know the disposition of their animals. Many of the initial signs of diabetes in dogs and cats are easily observable by an attentive caregiver. Changes in behavior – such as with eating and toilet habits or decrease in activity – are telltale signs of a problem. The following are some specific changes in behavior which may indicate that your dog or cat will benefit from a trip to the veterinarian.
1. Lethargy
The first symptom of diabetes that is often observed is lethargy. You may notice that your dog or cat isn’t as interested in walks or playtime, and is preferring to lounge around more than usual. This decrease in energy is sometimes mistaken for a symptom of advanced age, or the mellowing out that occurs with maturity. With a diabetic pet, the low energy is related to an increase in blood glucose levels.
2. Increased Hunger
One of the effects of improper insulin intake is increased hunger. Cells which are not receiving an adequate amount of insulin will signal to the brain that the body is still in need of food. As a result, your pet will want to eat more. While it may seem odd, this increase in food consumption can actually be accompanied by noticeable weight loss. The weight loss is due to the body burning fat stores as a source of energy.
3. Increased Urination
Signs of diabetes in dogs and cats also includes increased urination. In the case of a diabetic pet, the kidneys will begin to work overtime. The goal of the kidneys is to reduce the excessive amount of glucose that is left in the blood stream after cells are unable to process it. This expelling is accomplished through urination. You may notice that your dog or cat is needing to go outside more often, or that there are more accidents than usual.
4. Increased Thirst
With increased urination comes increased thirst. Along with the glucose, the kidneys will be expelling larger amount of water and fluids from the body, which leads your pet to spend more time at the water bowl. This excessive thirst can indicate that your furry friend is also at risk of dehydration.
5. Bladder Infections
Other signs of diabetes in dogs and cats include infections. Glucose is a sugar, and sugar attracts bacteria. While your pet is urinating, not all of this sugar will be expelled. The glucose which remains in the bladder can put your pet at risk of developing a bladder infection, and the glucose which remains in the urinary tract can result in a urinary tract infection (UTI.) When diabetes is left unchecked, it can eventually result in your pet losing the ability to sense when a bathroom break is needed.
6. Cataracts
This sign of diabetes is more common in dogs than in cats, and not all dogs will develop cataracts as a symptom. Glucose, which remains unmetabolized can contribute to a buildup of sorbitol inside the lens of the eye. If the build up of sorbitol becomes too high, the lens can actually rupture.
7. Muscle Weakness
A dog or cat with diabetes may begin to tremble when standing or indicate that they are unable to move freely. You may observe that your pet begins to walk more gingerly, as though favoring the hind legs, or that your pet no longer desires to jump around. This symptom of neuropathy can be painful for your pet, and can be difficult to treat or reverse.
8. Sweet Breath
If you notice a sweet or fruity smell coming from your pet’s mouth, you might be observing diabetic ketoacidosis. A pet who is not able to process the amount of glucose in the blood stream will begin to burn fat as fuel. Breaking down fats too quickly can result in blood levels which are acidic. A sweet smell from the breath is a sign that these acidic levels are too high.
What To Do If You Notice Signs of Diabetes in Your Pet
If you notice these signs of diabetes in dogs or cats, the first thing that is recommended is a visit to your veterinarian. Your vet will be able to draw blood samples to determine the presence of elevated glucose in the bloodstream of your dog or cat. Veterinarians also have the ability to prescribe pet medications, which often come in the form of a twice-daily injection of insulin for your pet. Chromium supplements may also be prescribed to help your pet with glucose absorption.
Your veterinarian may also recommend some natural remedies for assisting your dog or cat to better absorb or eliminate glucose. These treatments include the addition of antioxidants – such as vitamin C and E – and fish oil. These supplements may help your pet to better absorb insulin, and can help to protect from the tissue and organ damage that can occur from the persistent fluctuations in insulin and glucose. Cinnamon is another natural supplement that may be useful. It is also an antioxidant, and can help your pet’s body to regulate blood sugar more effectively.
