Diabetics is one of the common health issues concerning almost all the pets ranging from cats to horses. Diabetics in pets can be hard to diagnose and mostly go unnoticed. As a pet parent, it is essential for you to be aware of the symptoms of diabetics. Read on to learn more about diagnosing diabetics in pets and some additional tips for reducing the risk of this common concern.

Diabetics in pets

Diabetics in pets is similar to the condition in humans, where the body is unable to process the glucose or sugar properly. It is the insulin that takes up the task of transferring the glucose throughout the body to nourish the cells. However, if your pet is diagnosed with diabetics, there is a possibility that the glucose is transferred in abundance to some area and not at all transferred to other. This is something that can lead to health concerns like fatigue and even kidney failure.

Pets that are overweight or elderly are susceptible to diabetics.

Symptoms of diabetics in pets

Frequent urination: if you observe that your pet has been urinating more frequently, it can be a sign of diabetics. Pets with this condition tend to consume more water and urinate on a frequent basis. To diagnose the condition, it is ideal to pay a visit to your veterinarian.

Increased appetite with weight loss: this is something that can be easily observed. When your pet has diabetics, the body cells will not be getting enough glucose; this is something that makes them crave for more food. Therefore, you can easily observe abnormal consumption patterns with pets that are diabetic. However, on some occasions, the condition also causes decreased appetite in pets.

Lethargy: this is another common symptom for pets with diabetics. The lack of glucose and amino acids circulation throughout the body leads to reduced energy levels. If you observe that your pet tends to sleep or is lying down often, it might be due to diabetics. Pets that are diagnosed with diabetics usually refuse to engage in normal activities like playing or exercising.

Kidney failure: kidney failure in pets due to diabetics usually occurs during the advanced stage of the concern. On most of the occasions, it is observed as a secondary symptom, especially in cats and dogs. The tendency to drink and urinate frequently is a sign that the excess sugar is entering the kidney and damaging it.

Precautionary steps

It is always ideal to consider some precautionary steps to prevent the risk of diabetics in pets.

Consider your pets diet pattern. Ensure that your pet has a protein-rich and low carbohydrate diet as excess carbohydrate can lead to insulin resistance. It is always ideal to consult with a vet to plan a diabetic prevention diet just to get you started.

Keep a close eye on your pet’s weight: as mentioned earlier, pets that are overweight tend to be diabetic. It is ideal to check your pet’s weight on a regular weight and engaging him in physical activities like playing or running.

Diabetics in pets is concern that can be easily managed if you diagnose it during the initial stage. Spent some time with your pet and be more active to understand and prevent this concern as efficiently as possible.