Did you know that about one percent of our furry friends develop diabetes at some point in their lives? Although diabetes is not as prevalent in pets as it is in people, it’s not exactly uncommon. A local Ashland WI vet goes over some basic information about diabetes in pets in this article.

What Is Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes is essentially the same in both people and pets. It is a condition that arises when the pet’s body is unable to properly process glucose, which is needed to fuel the body. This is where insulin comes into play. Insulin controls the process during which turns Fido’s favorite dog treat into a round of zoomies and happy dances. When that process goes awry, it wreaks havoc on your pet’s body.

As you may know, there are two variations of diabetes. 

• With Type 1, insulin-deficiency diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. This is often due to damage or malfunctions in the pancreas. If Fido develops this type of diabetes, he will need daily insulin shots. This is the more prevalent type for our canine pals. 
• With Type 2, insulin resistance diabetes, the body is unable to properly metabolize insulin. In some cases, the pup’s pancreas produces some insulin, but it is either not enough or the dog’s cells are unable to properly metabolize it. This is more commonly seen in pooches that are overweight and/or in their senior years. Type 2 is also more common in cats.

Female dogs can also become diabetic during pregnancy.

Both types ultimately result in the body starving for energy, regardless of what the pet has eaten. The condition also leads to a buildup of sugar in the blood, even while the cells are in desperate need of that glucose. The body will then start to metabolize fat and protein. That can be quite dangerous. Elevated glucose levels are also dangerous, and can cause severe organ damage.

Ask your Ashland WI vet for more information.

What Are The Health Risks Of Diabetes?

Diabetes can cause several secondary health problems, some of which can be life-threatening. Some of these include cataracts, liver problems, kidney issues, and seizures. 

Then there is Ketoacidosis, which is particularly dangerous. 

When the body gets truly starved for fuel—regardless of how much glucose is in the blood—it will start to break down fat and protein. This produces ketones. You’ve probably heard the term ‘ketosis’ quite a bit, as it is the basis of the keto diet. However, while low levels of ketone bodies in the blood are safe, elevated amounts are anything but. In fact, they can wreak havoc on the body, causing a sort of chain reaction of bad results. They cause the blood to become more acidic, which then throws off the electrolyte balance. This in turn leads to dehydration. As the condition progresses, it may cause swelling of the brain cells, organ failure, and poor muscle function. Left untreated, ketoacidosis can be life-threatening, so this is definitely something to take seriously.

Ask your Ashland WI vet for more specific information.

What Are The Risk Factors For Diabetes In Pets?

Pets can develop diabetes at any point of their lives. That said, there are some definite risk factors. Breed is one. Diabetes can affect any pet, but some breeds are more likely to develop it than others. With dogs, many of the miniature breeds are at the highest risk. That list includes the Dachshund, Poodle, Cocker Spaniel, Bichons Frise, Miniature Schnauzer, Labrador Retriever, Pomeranian, Keeshond, and Samoyed. As for kitties, the Tonkinese, Norwegian Forest, and Burmese are at purrticularly high risk. 

Here are some other risk factors:

• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Pancreatic disease
• Hypothyroidism 
• Kidney Disease
• Dental disease
• Urinary tract infections
• Skin infections
• Use of steroids

For cats, Amyloidosis would also increase the risks. Hypothyroidism and kidney disease are also risk factors for dogs, as is Cushing’s disease.

What Are The Signs Of Diabetes In Pets?

It’s always important for you to keep a close eye on your furry friend, and keep an eye out for signs that something is amiss. Early intervention can make a huge difference with diabetes.

Here are some of the things to look for:

• Excessive Thirst
• Increased Urine Output
• Unexplained Weight Loss
• Increased Appetite (With Or Without Weight Loss)
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Cloudy Eyes
• Unusual Gait
• Poor Coat Condition
• Skin Infections
• Urinary Tract Infections

Contact your Ashland WI vet right away if you notice any of these. Keep in mind that many of these symptoms can be indicative of many health problems, not just diabetes. 

How Do I Care For My Diabetic Pet?

Once Fido and Fluffy have been diagnosed as diabetic, they will likely need treatment for the rest of their lives. However, there is no need to panic. In many cases, caring for a diabetic pet isn’t going to be drastically different from caring for any other pet. They still need lots of love and cuddles, just like any other pet! In some cases, the condition can even be reversed, though there are of course no guarantees.

Your vet will be able to go over specific treatment options after thoroughly evaluating your pet. 

These may include the following:

Insulin Injections: While this may be intimidating at first, insulin injections are actually quite simple. Once you and your furry pal are used to the process, this will likely only take a few minutes a day.

Medication: Blood sugar may also be controlled through certain medications.

Diet: Your furry pal’s diet really is the cornerstone of their health. You’ll want to offer your dog or cat a good, high-quality brand, one that does not contain a lot of carbohydrates. Portion control is also very important here. Even giving your furry buddy just a few calories too many each day can lead to weight gain.

It’s also important to know what not to feed a diabetic pet. Get into the habit of checking labels. Anything that contains corn syrup is an immediate no. Products with sugar or honey in them are also not recommended. Additionally, you would want to restrict Fido’s intake of fatty foods, such as peanut butter. 

Glucose Monitoring: You’ll also need to monitor your pet’s glucose levels, by regularly testing their blood, urine, or both.

Watching For Symptoms: Keeping a close eye on your furry friend is also important. Be particularly alert for signs of hypoglycemia and/or diabetic ketoacidosis. Some of these include weakness or lethargy, tremors, seizures, uncoordinated movements or walking strangely, sweet-smelling breath, acting more quiet than usual, reluctance to eat or drink, vomiting, diarrhea, troubled or rapid breathing, cataracts, high blood pressure, and urinary tract infections. Contact your vet right away if you notice any of these issues.

Veterinary Care: Pets with diabetes may need to come in more often, especially if they also have other issues. Follow your vet’s recommended appointment schedule.

Love: Last but certainly not least, you’ll need to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.  Purrs and tail wags from diabetic pets may be even more precious than those from the typical dog or cat! 

Contact Our Ashland WI Animal Clinic Anytime

Are you looking for a great vet in the area? Do you need to bring your dog or cat in for a checkup? Contact us, your local Ashland WI animal clinic, today!