Just like humans, pets can develop diabetes too. Pets can get both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Female cats and female dogs can also get gestational diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s ability to process blood sugar. With type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces insufficient insulin or stops producing insulin. With type 2 diabetes, the body does not respond to insulin properly. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy.
Symptoms
Excessive Thirst And Increased Urination
Increased water intake can mean that your pet may have diabetes. As your pet’s body tries to remove excess glucose through urine, it leaves their body wanting to replace the fluid that is lost.
Lack Of Energy
Diabetic pets display a lack of energy. The hormone insulin moves glucose in the blood to the cells to be used as fuel. When your pet’s body does not produce enough insulin or is unable to properly use insulin, their body cells are left with no fuel to use.
Weight Loss
An increase of appetite can be seen in pets with diabetes because their cells are being starved. But because their body is unable to use insulin as well as it should, diabetic pets lose weight.
Cataracts (in dogs)
Cataracts or cloudy eyes is a common complication of diabetes. It is more common in dogs than cats. Not all dogs develop cataracts but most do.
Causes
Some risk factors for diabetes in pets include the following:
Breed
Any dog can develop diabetes. However, there are dog breeds that are most likely to develop diabetes.
- Australian terriers
- Standard and miniature schnauzers
- Dachshunds
- Poodles
- Keeshonds
- Samoyeds
In cats, the Burmese appears to be most likely to develop diabetes.
Age And Gender
Dogs and cats of all ages can develop diabetes but it is more common in middle age to senior dogs and cats. Female dogs and male cats are more likely to develop diabetes.
Weight
The possibility of your pet developing diabetes is high if your pet is overweight or obese. Excess fat can make cells resistant to insulin.
Pancreatitis And Other Health Conditions
Diabetic dogs have a high risk of getting pancreatitis. Pets that already has diabetes can also develop pancreatitis as well. Overweight pets are more likely to develop pancreatitis.
Cushing’s disease may trigger diabetes. It happens when the pet’s body makes too much cortisol. Cushing’s disease may lead to diabetes.
If you suspect that your pet has diabetes, consult your veterinarian immediately. With proper care, diabetic pets can live long and healthy lives.
We regularly donate diabetic test strips to our local animal shelter. We always make sure that the diabetic test strips you sell to us get to the folks and pets who need them. Read the some of the testimonials of the people who sell test strips to us.
You can always reach us at our toll-free number 877-344-3170.
