November is National Pet Diabetes Month, which was designated to raise awareness of this serious issue and to highlight pet health needs and proper care. Both cats and dogs are affected by diabetes mellitus, which occurs when their bodies cannot use glucose in a normal manner. The physical health of your animal is an important issue as an owner. The following information about pet diabetes tells you what to look out for and how-to best care for a pet diagnosed with this disease.

How Diabetes Affects Your Pet

It is estimated that in the U. S. as many as one in 300 dogs and one in 230 cats have diabetes. Watch for these signs in your adult pet:

•       Increase in thirst

•       Frequent urination

•       Change in appetite (either eating more or less than usual)

•       Change in eyes to cloudy appearance (mostly dogs)

•       Weakness in hind legs (cats)

•       Recurrent or chronic infections of the urinary tract or skin

Diabetic pets often appear lethargic. The problem occurs when their bodies are unable to produce or utilize insulin properly, so the food they eat does not provide the energy they need. The sugar that remains in the blood often leads to additional health problems.

How to Treat Diabetes

Veterinarians can check your pet’s health by giving them a general physical exam, doing a urine test to look for glucose and ketones (alternative fuel made by the liver when glucose is too low to make energy) and a blood test to check sugar levels. Diabetes is not a curable disease, but good health can be maintained with these four health-management steps:

1.      Monitor glucose on a daily basis

2.      Give daily insulin

3.      Provide a good diet and regular exercise

4.      Schedule regular veterinary checkups

Every animal has different care needs and specific treatment objectives, so finding a trusted veterinary care professional is essential. Remember that your pet can live a long and happy life with diabetes.

Why Pet Health Is an Important Topic

Pet Diabetes Month puts the focus on one of the most important issues for your pet’s welfare: medical care. Some animals may not show initial signs of being unwell, which is something a veterinarian can determine. This is why annual checkups are a necessary part of continued health. If your pet has behavioral changes or signs of illness, seek medical attention promptly. Many serious situations can be averted with diagnosis and treatment.

What You Can Do for Your Pet

It is important to feed your pet a healthy diet. While we love to treat our pets, too many snacks or too much people food can put them at risk of obesity and chronic health problems. The best plan is to feed them nutritious food and give lots of opportunities for exercise and play.

Like us, our pets thrive in good physical and emotional environments. We can experience years of joy as pet owners when we support their happiness and well-being.

Why Professional Pet Care Matters

At Pet Hospitals of Hawaii, we offer the best in veterinary care because we treat your pet as our own. Our doctors, nurses and technicians understand that your pet is family, so we use our skills to provide the best treatments available. Please call or text today to learn more about our services and our commitment to quality veterinary services.