November is National Pet Diabetes Month, and it is the perfect time to talk about the growing pervasiveness of diabetes in dogs and cats. What do you need to know about this disease? This article will provide a brief overview of diabetes and its effects as well as signs to look for in your pets. Keep in mind that diabetes is manageable, and the sooner it is diagnosed, the sooner it is treated so your pets can live a long, healthy life.

What is Diabetes?

Type I diabetes is an issue involving insulin; the body either does not have enough of it or what it has is not working effectively. Insulin is needed to push glucose, or sugar, into the cells. When the cells are starved of sugar, the body registers that as a need for more insulin. The result is an overproduction of sugar that usually manifests in excessive thirst and urination. If left untreated, the body will start to break down fats to feed the starving cells in a process called diabetic ketoacidosis. Ketones, the fat breakdown products, can then poison the body. The results can be dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities, vomiting, and inappetence.

Type II diabetes is when some insulin is produced in the pancreas, but it is not enough, or something is stopping the body from using it properly. Type II is more commonly diagnosed in cats. Certain breeds, such as Siamese, are more likely to have diabetes. In dogs, Schnauzers, dachshunds, beagles, Cairn terriers, miniature pinschers, and Australian terriers are more common. The good news is that it is treatable, in humans and animals. Since your pets can not speak to you, the first step is to look for the signs.

What Are the Signs of Diabetes and What Can You Do?

First, pets need preventive care just like humans. For example, Pet Hospitals of Hawaii offers bi-annual wellness exams for your pets as part of their overall health care. Veterinarians check for signs of diabetes during these exams. However, if you are concerned now or in-between visits, you can look for these signs:

•       appearing weak or overly tired,

•       losing eyesight,

•       weight loss, 

•       increased appetite,

•       uncontrollable urination, especially if previously house-trained,

•       lethargy,

•       bad skin conditions, such as oily coat or dandruff,

•       over whiteness of the eye lens, like the appearance of cataracts,

•       and more frequent urination.

If you see any of these signs in your pet, talk to your veterinarian immediately. Diabetes can be fatal to pets, but if found and treated, it is very manageable.

At Pet Hospitals of Hawaii, you can trust us to provide thorough, compassionate care for your pets. Schedule an appointment at any of the three locations today through the online portal.