November is Pet Diabetes Awareness Month, a great time to learn about a condition that affects both dogs and cats. Diabetes occurs when a pet’s body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively, causing blood sugar (glucose) levels to rise.
With early diagnosis and proper management, many diabetic pets can enjoy happy, active lives. However, untreated or poorly controlled diabetes can lead to serious complications that require emergency veterinary care.
What Causes Diabetes in Pets?
Diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively, causing glucose to build up in the bloodstream. While it can affect pets of any age, it’s more common in middle-aged and older animals. Obesity, genetics, certain medical conditions, and some medications can also increase a pet’s risk.
5 Signs Your Pet May Have Diabetes
The early signs of diabetes can be subtle. Watch for these common changes in your pet’s behavior and health:
- Increased thirst and urination: Your pet may drink more water, need additional bathroom breaks, or have accidents in the house.
- Increased appetite: Your pet may seem unusually hungry, even after eating their regular meals.
- Unexplained weight loss: Despite eating normally or more than usual, your pet may lose weight as their body breaks down fat and muscle for energy.
- Lethargy: Your normally active pet may become tired, sleep more, or show less interest in everyday activities.
- Changes in vision or mobility: Dogs may develop cataracts, while some diabetic cats experience hind-leg weakness due to nerve damage.
How Is Diabetes Diagnosed and Treated?
Your veterinarian can diagnose diabetes through bloodwork and urinalysis, which help identify elevated blood sugar and glucose in the urine.
Although diabetes is generally a lifelong condition, it can often be managed with:
- Regular insulin injections.
- Appropriate diet and weight management.
- Routine veterinary visits and blood glucose monitoring.
Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions for insulin administration and never adjust your pet’s dosage without medical guidance.
When Does Diabetes Become an Emergency?
Although diabetes can often be managed with ongoing veterinary care, serious complications can develop. One of the most dangerous is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
DKA occurs when the body begins breaking down fat for energy, producing ketones that accumulate in the bloodstream and cause dangerous chemical imbalances. It can occur in pets with undiagnosed diabetes or in those whose diabetes is not well controlled.
Warning Signs of Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Seek immediate emergency veterinary care if your pet experiences:
- Repeated vomiting or an inability to keep food or water down.
- Sudden refusal to eat.
- Severe lethargy, weakness, or difficulty standing.
- Signs of dehydration.
- Rapid, deep, or labored breathing.
- Sweet or fruity-smelling breath.
- Disorientation, collapse, or unresponsiveness.
DKA is a life-threatening medical emergency. If your pet exhibits these symptoms, don’t wait for a regular veterinary appointment. Seek emergency care immediately.
Know the Signs. Protect Your Pet.
Changes in thirst, urination, appetite, or weight can be early indicators of diabetes. If you notice these symptoms, schedule a veterinary examination. If your pet develops repeated vomiting, severe weakness, or difficulty breathing, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Our teams at Animal Emergency Hospital Volusia, Animal Emergency Hospital DeLand, and Animal Emergency Hospital Palm Coast, are available and ready to help*.
*Animal Emergency Hospital Volusia and Animal Emergency Hospital DeLand are open 24/7/365. Animal Emergency Hospital Palm Coast is open evenings and weekends.