5 Symptoms of Diabetes in Your Pets

diabetes

Diabetes can cause a host of health complications in dogs and cats. Rest assured that pets affected by diabetes though can live long, happy and comfortable lives. When the disease is diagnosed early and treated consistently, your pet can overcome the symptoms associated with diabetes.

Pet owners should monitor the onset of diabetes by looking out for the following signs this fall:

Increased urination

Diabetes leads to an increase in blood glucose (sugar), which eventually leads to sugar in the urine, too. This causes the body to pull more water into the bladder, forcing pets to relieve themselves more often. Owners may notice their pets taking more frequent bathroom breaks, posturing longer than normal, spending more time in the litter box, or having accidents in the house. 

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Increased drinking

With pets suffering from an increase in blood glucose losing more liquid through increased urination, they naturally try and replenish the lost liquids. You might notice your pet lapping up more water from their bowl or attempting to drink from the sink faucets. Ensure your pet always has plenty of water to drink.

If you think they’ve had enough keep their water bowl filled to prevent dehydration. 

Increased appetite

Diabetic pets may gobble their meals quicker than usual or spend more time begging for food. This is due to a faulty glucose delivery system. It deprives the body of the energy glucose provides, creating an increase in appetite.

Weight loss

Curiously, most diabetic pets with ravenous appetites will actually lose weight. The energy they consume in their food is not correctly used by the body. This causes the organs and muscles to starve, leading to weight loss. With many diabetic pets are overweight, losing a few pounds may be mistaken as a positive sign.

Unexpected weight loss is a hallmark sign of diabetes and should not be taken lightly. Weigh your pet periodically, noting any abnormal trends over time.

Low energy

Most of us know what it’s like to feel sluggish when we skip a snack or a meal. Since diabetic pets aren’t able to get energy from their food, many of them have low energy levels, even if they have a full belly. Dogs or cats that have noticeably lower energy levels should have a check-up. 

As diabetes progresses, other symptoms may become evident, such as cloudy eyes (cataracts), vision loss, or chronic urinary or skin infections. Occasionally, pets with diabetes can develop a sudden illness with a few of the signs listed above. If your pet has sudden weakness, lethargy, vomiting, and is not able to drink, please see your veterinarian immediately.

Pets that are overweight, obese, or have other risk factors for diabetes should be monitored closely for signs of diabetes. Keep in mind that diagnosing and treating diabetes in pets requires a consultation with your veterinarian.

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1 thought on “5 Symptoms of Diabetes in Your Pets”

  1. Richard Paolucci

    Thank you for sharing your post about 5 Symptoms of Diabetes in Your Pets. Very useful and interesting information. Just like humans pets suffer the same symptoms. I will bookmark this site for reference.

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5 Symptoms of Diabetes in Your Pets
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