Understanding Diabetes in Companion Animals

By Mar's Mission Editorial Team, with assistance from AI tools

Just like humans, companion animals can have two different types of diabetes.

"The form in which a pet has absolutely no insulin is called Type I Diabetes (the inability to produce insulin). The other form, Type II Diabetes, occurs when a pet's body makes insulin, but either not enough, or there is a condition present that interferes with the function of the insulin (an insensitivity or resistance to insulin)," says VCA Animal Hospital.

Common symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and lethargy, they add.

Diabetes in dogs and cats may occur at any age.

"However, diabetic dogs are usually 4 to 14 years old, and most are diagnosed at roughly 7 to 10 years old. Most diabetic cats are older than 6 years," says American Veterinary Medical Association.

"While the exact incidence is unknown, the number of diabetic cats is increasing at an alarming rate due to the tremendous increase in the number of overweight and obese cats," says VCA Animal Hospitals.

Early detection and management are key to maintaining health and quality of life.

"A treatment plan that works for one pet might not work as well for another pet. Be patient as you and your pet adjust to the new diet, medications, and lifestyle," says American Veterinary Medical Association.

Diabetes Prevention

"You can help prevent diabetes by keeping your pet at its ideal weight," says Oregon Veterinary Medical Association. "Control food intake, and provide it with opportunities to exercise," they add.

Routine check-ups with licensed veterinarians allow for professional assessments of your companion animal's health.

Regular Exercise and Balanced Diets Support Health

Exercise helps companion animals maintain a healthy weight, which can help prevent diabetes and improve insulin sensitivity — both crucial for managing the condition effectively.

• Daily walks for dogs: Regular, moderate walks help regulate blood sugar and keep dogs active.

• Playtime for cats: Engage cats with toys or interactive play to encourage movement.

• Avoid overexertion: Exercise should be consistent but not overly strenuous, especially for companion animals newly diagnosed with diabetes.

  
  

Tailor your companion animal's food to suit their specific life stage needs, says VCA Animal Hospital. Giving companion animals uninterrupted access to fresh, clean water is the most important part of maintaining their health and well-being.

Consult your licensed veterinarian to evaluate and help select the best diet for your companion animal.

Diagnosing Diabetes

Knowing the signs of diabetes is the first step in protecting your companion animal's health, says VCA Animal Hospital.

Some diabetes risk factors for dogs include:

• Genetic predisposition

• Middle-aged to older female dogs

• Obesity

• Unspayed females

  
  

And some diabetes risk factors for cats include:

• Older cats

• Neutered male cats

• Obesity

• Physical inactivity

• Medications

  
  

If you think your companion animal may be at risk, schedule a "diabetes appointment" with your licensed veterinarian.

"Your veterinarian can diagnose diabetes in your pet through blood and urine tests," according to Oregon Veterinary Medical Association.

Regular check-ups allow licensed veterinarians to assess how well diabetes is controlled and adjust treatment as needed.

• Schedule visits: Newly diagnosed companion animals may need more frequent visits, which can be spaced out as the condition stabilizes.

• Blood tests and urine analysis: These tests help monitor organ function and blood sugar control.

• Dental care: Diabetes increases the risk of infections, so dental health is important.

• Vaccinations and parasite control: Keeping companion animals healthy overall supports their ability to manage diabetes.

  
  

While preventing diabetes is always the goal, regular checkups and early diagnosis give your companion animal the best chance at a healthy, happy life. Let this Diabetes Awareness Month serve as a gentle reminder to keep up with routine veterinary checkups for your companion animal's well-being.

Scheduling a "diabetes appointment" can help answer questions or concerns.

The Importance of Education

Knowledge empowers us to recognize symptoms early, and it also helps make informed decisions about our companion animal's care.

Veterinarian are our best allies in managing diabetes. They can provide tailored advice based on a companion animal's specific needs. Regular consultations are important for adjusting treatment plans.

Understanding how to prevent or manage a companion animal’s diabetes is a shared responsibility between families and veterinarians. By staying informed and proactive, we can help companion animals live a long, healthy life.

Mar’s Mission does not provide veterinary care or services. The information we share comes from reputable and trusted sources to help support the care of companion animals. For urgent or professional medical needs, please contact a licensed veterinarian immediately.