Pet Diabetes Month: Vet Prevention and Management Tips

Pet Diabetes Month runs through November. It’s a whole month long and there’s a whole lot to know! Diabetes affects dogs and cats and as veterinarian Dr Cath Watson says:

“Both cats and dogs can be affected by diabetes mellitus, sugar diabetes. But they’re affected differently.”

With careful management and top pet parenting though, pet diabetes can sometimes be successfully avoided, however, it can’t be cured. Explore warning signs, treatment, and diagnosis of diabetes in dogs and cats.

Is November Pet Diabetes Awareness Month?

Yes, as mentioned, Pet Diabetes Month happens every year in the month of November. Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects dogs and cats in similar ways to humans.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Humans get type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes isn’t curable and requires lifelong treatment. Since it’s a genetic condition, people with type 1 diabetes generally show symptoms early in life.

“Type 1 diabetes which is typically more a genetic disease is primarily what dogs get. On the other hand, when we talk about humans, we also have type 2 diabetes, which is much more a lifestyle disease. This is more what cats are affected by.”

– Dr Cath, veterinarian and host of the PD Pet Care vlog

Type 2 diabetes is more related to lifestyle factors like diet and weight so it’s also preventable. Once it develops, even though it can’t be cured, it can be reversed.

Watch the PD Pet Care vlog with Dr Cath for more Pet Diabetes Month tips and info:

The link between pet diabetes and obesity

Pet obesity is one of the biggest pet health issues today and those added kilos increase the risk of diabetes in dogs and cats.

For example, the risk for diabetes in cats increases by four times when your cat is classed as obese. And if that wasn’t enough motivation to keep the weight off your pet, obesity often also brings with it a plethora of related conditions.

In our article on National Pet Obesity Day, we look at stats for Aussie pets along with tips to avoid added kilos.

This Pet Diabetes Month, let’s recap some of those stats:

• Obesity is on the rise. More than 40% of Australia’s dogs and 30% of Australia’s cats are overweight or obese or overweight, making it clear that pet weight gain is on the rise.

• Breeds that are prone. Owners need to be vigilant. Know that some breeds like the Labrador Retriever, for example, are prone to weight gain and safeguard them through preventative measures.

• Take a health first approach. While a chubby pet might make for some cute Instagram photos, carrying extra weight comes with serious consequence for your animals.

Health problems as a result of pet obesity can include joint and ligament problems, lack of energy, difficulties with breathing, heart and lung problems, high blood pressure, and a generally lower quality of life. Of course, diabetes in dogs is a big one.

Read about hip dysplasia in dogs and IVDD in Dachshunds (and other breeds) to discover ways to safeguard pets from obesity-related joint and ligament problems.

Signs of diabetes in dogs and cats

It’s important that pet owners are vigilant about their animals’ health. Keep an eye out for any warning signs that something might not be quite right. Sometimes it can be hard to tell if your dog or cat might be diabetic, as the signs of diabetes in pets are often quite general. They can go unnoticed or be misdiagnosed.

When it comes to the signs of diabetes in pets, here are some things to look out for:

• Excessive thirst and frequent urination. (Notice how often you refill water bowls).
• Weight loss. (Your pet might be eating but dropping the pounds due to their body’s inability to absorb nutrients).
• Cloudy eyes. (This is especially the case in dogs).
• Chronic or recurring infections. (This includes skin infections and urinary infections).

If you notice any of these symptoms of diabetes in your pet, be sure to visit a vet immediately and voice your concerns. Your prompt action could save your pet’s life! Also find out how to assess average cat weight.

Managing diabetes in dogs and cats

As with many health conditions, early detection diabetes in dogs and cats is key since this means swift treatment that can help your pet have the best quality of life.

Just like with people, managing diabetes in cats and dogs properly can help pets lead long and healthy lives.

The goal of diabetes treatment in pets is to keep blood glucose levels normal and stable. This will typically mean that owners need to feed their pets a specific diet, conduct regular testing on blood glucose levels, and monitor for any changes in symptoms.

Diabetes in dogs and cats alike usually requires treatment with daily insulin injections. However, there may be some rare exceptions where this is not needed.  

Helping avoid diabetes in dogs and cats

The phrase ‘prevention is better than cure’ is always a good idea, where possible for diabetes in cats and dogs.

However, obesity isn’t the only factor at play when it comes to pet diabetes and not all cases can be avoided by lifestyle management. However, you can sometimes manage your pets’ risk of developing diabetes by taking their health and weight seriously.

“When it comes to dogs, because this is primarily a genetic issue there’s very little you can do at home that’s going to be able to prevent the development of diabetes.”

– Dr Cath, veterinarian and host of the PD Pet Care vlog

Dr Cath explains that “some breeds are more at risk, such as Australian Terriers, Schnauzers, Bichons and Fox Terriers. Intact females also seem to be at a higher risk.”

Although some breeds are genetically prone to diabetes, Dr Cath explains that diet management can still help. Ask your veterinarian what and how much you should be feeding your pet and stick to this at mealtimes.

Dr Cath’s tips on reducing and managing diabetes

• Pancreatitis. If they’re prone to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas which is the organ that produces insulin), then managing the diet can reducing their fat levels and risk of developing pancreatitis. So, you may slow down the development of diabetes if they are genetically prone to it anyway.

• Neutering. Dr Cath also explains that neutering can often help mitigate the risk of diabetes in female dogs since when they come on heat, hormonal changes are more likely to trigger the onset of diabetes. (It may well go away when they come off heat but can be hard to control.)

• Exercise. In addition to managing food, increasing exercise can also help to improve your pet’s overall health and weight. With dogs, this might take the form of more walks, runs, or games of fetch. Cat people will know that their feline friends can be harder to motivate than dogs, but anything that encourages them to move more can really reap benefits.

If your pet begins to lose or gain weight on their current diet, you can adjust it within reason. But don’t give in to the puppy dog eyes or pitiful meows with another handful of kibble if your pet is a healthy weight! Make sure to account for any scraps or treats when you’re feeding your pet too, as these can often be high in calories.

Planning ahead pre-diabetes

Getting pet insurance before any diabetes warning signs appear in dogs and cats is important. That way it’s not a pre-existing condition when you take out insurance (which would mean they’re not covered for it). Then you can more easily get them the treatment they deserve.

Check out our dog insurance plans and cat insurance plans for more details. You might also be interested in knowing that we’ll give you one or more months of FREE pet insurance when you buy online. Click below to get a quote for award winning pet insurance.