Just like people, pets can develop diabetes. The condition occurs when your pet cannot process glucose the way that it should. While diabetes is most common in senior pets, it can also occur in younger or pregnant pets. There is no cure for diabetes, however, with treatment and regular visits to All Care Animals Clinic in West Palm Beach, it can be manageable.
What Are the Symptoms Of Pet Diabetes?
It is essential to your pet's health that you can recognize the early signs of diabetes. Early diagnosis is vital for a long and healthy life. The symptoms of diabetes include:
- Drinking more water than usual
- Increased urination
- Decreased appetite
- Recurring or chronic infections such as urinary infections and skin infections
- Cloudy eyes, particularly in dogs
How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?
Our veterinarian can diagnose the condition by performing a blood test to check for glucosuria and hyperglycemia. While the test is relatively simple, our vet may want to run additional tests to rule out any other underlying conditions.
How Is Diabetes In Pets Treated?
If your pet is diagnosed with diabetes, our veterinarian may prescribe insulin. It is given via injection, therefore, our vet will teach you how to administer the injection. Your pet will also need to follow an exercise and dietary regimen.
To manage your dog's diabetes, you will need to do the following:
- A high-fiber diet.
- Create an appropriate daily exercise program based on your pet's age, weight, and overall health. Our vet can help you with that.
- If your female dog is not spayed when she is diagnosed with diabetes, you should consider having it done.
To manage your cat's diabetes, you will need to do the following.
- Feed your cat a diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
- Since it can be challenging to get a cat to exercise regularly, our veterinarian can help you create an exercise plan that will work for your cat.
Whether it is your cat or your dog who has diabetes, you are going to need to stick to a strict feeding and insulin schedule. This is the best way to control their blood sugar.
If your pets are showing symptoms of diabetes, schedule an appointment with our veterinarian at All Care Animal Clinic in West Palm Beach for an assessment. Diabetes can be manageable, and with early diagnoses and treatment, your pets can live long and healthy lives. Call us at (561) 688-1154 for more information.