National Pet Diabetes Awareness Month, which is recognized in November, is an important time for pet parents to learn more about this chronic condition that affects dogs and cats. Without proper care and management, diabetes can lead to serious health issues and significantly affect your four-legged friend’s quality of life. Awareness and early detection are key to managing diabetes in pets and ensuring they enjoy a long, healthy life.

What is diabetes in pets?

Diabetes occurs when a pet’s body can’t properly regulate blood sugar (i.e., glucose) levels. In dogs, diabetes is typically similar to human Type 1 diabetes, where the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. In cats, diabetes is more often like Type 2 diabetes, where the body becomes resistant to insulin. Insulin helps cells absorb glucose from the blood, providing energy. Without sufficient insulin, glucose builds up in the blood and causes high sugar levels (i.e., hyperglycemia) and potential complications.

What are diabetes signs in pets?

Early detection is vital for proper diabetes management in pets. Common signs include:

• Increased urination and thirst — Diabetic pets have increased urination and thirst because of high blood sugar levels, which affect their body’s ability to regulate fluids. The kidneys work to filter out excess glucose, but when blood sugar levels are too high, the kidneys can’t reabsorb all the glucose, which spills into the urine. This process draws more water into the urine, leading to excessive urination. Diabetic pets then become increasingly thirsty, drinking more water to compensate for the fluid loss and stay hydrated.

• Lethargy — Diabetic pets are often lethargic because their body can’t properly use glucose for energy. The blood sugar level imbalances and dehydration from excessive urination can further contribute to the diabetic pet’s fatigue and lack of energy.

• Weight loss — Weight loss is a common sign in diabetic pets. Since glucose can’t be used effectively for energy, the body compensates by breaking down fat and muscle tissue, leading to weight loss. Despite eating normally or increasing their food intake, diabetic pets may continue to lose weight as their body struggles to meet energy requirements.

What are diabetes complications in pets?

If left untreated or improperly managed, diabetes in pets can lead to several serious complications that may affect their overall health and quality of life. Common complications include:

• Cataracts — Diabetic dogs are particularly prone to cataracts, which can cause cloudiness in the eye’s lens that leads to partial or complete blindness. Cataracts develop because the high sugar level in the fluid inside the eye disrupts the lens’ normal clarity. Cataracts in diabetic dogs often progress quickly.

• Diabetic neuropathy — Cats with poorly controlled diabetes can develop diabetic neuropathy, where high blood sugar levels damage the nerves, most commonly in the hind legs. The condition typically causes back leg weakness, which makes walking and jumping difficult. Affected cats may walk with their hocks touching the ground.

• Ketoacidosis — Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the body breaks down fat rather than using glucose for energy. This process produces ketones, which build up and cause the blood to become acidic. DKA is triggered by uncontrolled diabetes and can occur when insulin levels are insufficient or a diabetic pet is stressed by another illness or infection. DKA signs include lethargy, vomiting, labored breathing, and breath that smells sweet and fruity. Immediate veterinary care is crucial to treat this condition.

• Kidney disease — Long-term uncontrolled diabetes can damage a pet’s kidneys and result in chronic kidney disease (CKD). High blood glucose levels can impair the kidney’s ability to filter waste from the body, leading to a buildup of toxins in the blood. Signs in pets with CKD include increased thirst, vomiting, weight loss, and lethargy.

How can I protect my pet from diabetes?

While pet owners can’t control some factors, such as genetics, they can reduce their pet’s diabetes risk by feeding a balanced diet, preventing obesity, and ensuring their pet exercises regularly. Maintaining cats, in particular, at a healthy weight can significantly lower their diabetes risk.

Routine veterinary wellness visits are also critical for detecting diabetes early in pets. During these exams, your veterinarian can monitor your pet’s weight and perform blood and urine tests to check for elevated glucose levels, which are key diabetes indicators. Early detection allows for timely management and helps prevent severe complications.

As November shines a light on pet diabetes, pet owners should be informed and proactive. Early diagnosis and treatment can ensure your pet can live a happy, healthy life, despite a diabetes diagnosis. Our Mountainside 24/7 Animal Emergency team is here for you if your pet experiences a medical emergency, including diabetes-associated situations.