Raising awareness of pet diabetes in Denny
October 21, 2021
November is Pet Diabetes Month, so we’re sharing some information to help all our pet owners learn more about this condition. If our summary triggers any concerns about your pet, why not give Apex Vets a call on 01324 829 989 and get a diabetes check?
Diabetes is something that everyone needs to watch out for as they age – and pets are no exception. It’s an increasingly common disease that happens when the body stops producing or has an abnormal response to insulin. At that point, medical intervention is required to regulate the insulin levels that are essential to good health.
Risk factors for diabetes
- Age – 1 in every 100 dogs and 1 in every 50 cats will develop diabetes by the age of 12, so it’s extremely common for older pets. It can also occur in younger animals; it’s wise to check for diabetes at any age as well as taking preventative measures where possible.
- Gender – In dogs, diabetes is more common in females.
- Body condition – In cats, it’s more likely to affect overweight pets.
- Breed – Dogs such as cocker spaniels, dachshunds, German shepherds, golden and Labrador retrievers, and terriers are more likely to develop diabetes. It’s also more frequently seen among Siamese cats.
Symptoms of diabetes in pets
If your dog or cat starts to develop diabetes, you may notice them drinking water and urinating more frequently, as well as losing weight despite perhaps appearing to be constantly hungry.
They may also have cloudy eyes or poor coat condition, and you might notice a change in their sleeping routines.
What can you do about pet diabetes?
Fortunately, with good veterinary care and daily insulin injections to control blood glucose levels, diabetes is a manageable condition.
At Apex Vets we can prescribe the treatment your pet needs and give you advice for helping them live a normal life, so please don’t hesitate to book an appointment with us if you have concerns. Like anything else, it’s best caught early.
