November is National Pet Diabetes Month

While November often reminds us of cozy sweaters and holiday planning, it’s also a crucial time for pet health education. It’s National Pet Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is a serious disease for pets, but with a little extra attention, you can spot signs of the illness early and keep your pets as early as possible.

Below, the team at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital breaks down what to know about these pet diabetes symptoms. 

When Does Pet Diabetes Usually Occur?

Diabetes can happen at any age, but most cases occur in middle-aged to senior pets. Knowing the risk factors for your pet’s age and sex can help with early detection!

• Dogs: Most dogs are diagnosed between 7 to 10 years old, though cases can appear from ages 4 to 14. Interestingly, female dogs are twice as likely to develop diabetes as males.
• Cats: Most diabetic cats are typically older than 6 years of age.

Top Signs of Diabetes in Pets 

1. Excessive Thirst

Your pet can’t seem to get enough water. You refill her bowl constantly, yet she laps up every drop and begs for more. She goes outside frequently to relieve herself, seemingly hydrated—but she needs more and more water. 

Here’s why this is a red flag: diabetes can cause your pet to have high blood sugar. This pulls out extra water through your pet’s kidneys, leading to more potty breaks and, in turn, more thirst. 

2. Unexplained Weight Loss

Is Fido or Kitty looking strangely slim all of a sudden? If you haven’t changed the amount or type of food you’re giving—and your pet is eating the same or more than before—something’s up. 

Diabetes messes with your pet’s insulin and affects how his or her body uses glucose. Instead of using sugar for fuel, the body begins burning muscle and fat for energy instead. This can lead to weight loss despite normal eating patterns.  

3. Cataracts

If your pet develops a cloudy or hazy, bluish film on her eyes, this could be cataracts—a common sign of diabetes. With diabetes, cataracts develop when extra glucose in your pet’s eyes turns into sorbitol. This, in turn, draws water into the lens and causes swelling and cloudiness. 

While they’re far more common in dogs, cataracts can technically happen to both dogs and cats. It can cause pain, inflammation, and worsened vision—and early treatment is key to a better outcome. 

4. Poor Coat Condition

Does your pet’s fur seem dry or brittle? Is he suffering from dandruff or even thinning patches of hair? Diabetes can affect how the body processes nutrients. 

If your pet has high blood sugar levels and chronic dehydration due to diabetes, their coat and skin won’t get the nourishment needed for optimal health. Enter the dandruff and scruffy fur. 

So if you groom your pet religiously and offer all sorts of omega-3 oils to help boost shininess, but to no avail, diabetes might be the culprit.  

Why Early Detection is Important 

The sooner you notice any of these signs of diabetes in pets, the better. With the right diagnosis and treatment, plenty of pets live full and happy lives, even with diabetes. The condition can be managed with insulin, the right diet, and regular checkups to help minimize any complications. 

This National Pet Diabetes Awareness Month, take time to spread the word about diabetes. Let your pet-parent friends know about the symptoms—and keep an eye on your own furry pals, too. 

If you notice any signs of diabetes, reach out to your veterinarian right away. The caring team at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital is here to help. Call us at (916) 939-1705 to schedule an appointment for your pet today.