Learning about the symptoms of diabetes in pets is a proactive approach to helping your furry friend deal with the condition in time.
Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in cats and dogs. Although it is quite manageable, it can be very costly to treat. However, if left untreated, diabetes can lead to various other health issues and, in extreme cases, possibly even death.
November is the National Pet Diabetes Month for raising awareness amongst pet owners. Now is a good time to learn more about this health issue.
Knowing the symptoms of diabetes in pets will help you detect the problem in its early stages and take the proper measures in due time.
Increased urination – If your dog is urinating more frequently or in considerably large amounts, there’s a high chance that it is due to diabetes. This happens because, in diabetic patients, the body tries to get rid of the excessive blood sugar by flushing it out through urine.
Excessive thirst – Dogs with diabetes usually experience excessive thirst due to the change in insulin levels. Keep track of how frequently your pet empties their water bowl and compare it to their average body requirements to see if it’s something to worry about.
Weight loss – If your pet is losing weight despite being given a healthy and nutritious diet, it is likely a result of diabetes. This stems from the fact that disturbed insulin production affects the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from the food.
Change in eating habits – Generally, pets with diabetes feel hungrier and demand more food as their body is unable to produce all the glucose they need. However, it is not unusual for some pets to show a lack of interest in eating. Loss of appetite normally occurs in the later stages of the disease.
Lethargy – Unexplained tiredness is one of the main symptoms of diabetes. So, if your canine companion has lately grown too fond of the couch and is not as eager to play or go out with you on a walk, it’s a big red flag.
If you spot any of these signs of diabetes in your pet, take them to a vet as soon as you can.
