Did you know that pets are susceptible to diabetes? This is a very dangerous disease, one that affects both people and pets. It’s very important for you to bring your furry pal to the vet every year for screenings and panels. However, it’s also good for you to know some of the signs to watch out for.
Here are some of the common ones:
Does your four-legged friend scarf down their food the moment you feed them, and then act like they haven’t eaten in days? Does your pet have a meltdown whenever they spot the bottom of her food bowl? Diabetes could be to blame.
Diabetic pets often lose weight, even if they’re eating enough food to account for a whole other pet. It’s a good idea to weigh your furry buddy regularly to monitor their body weight, as even small changes can be significant.
Diabetes can take a toll on your pet’s coat, and make it look dry, dull, or greasy. Your kitty may even stop grooming herself, which will make her look even more unkempt.
We know, some of our patients are just couch potatoes. However, if your furry pal seems to be sleeping more than usual, talk to your veterinarian.
Thirst is another red flagYou might notice Fluffy or Fido draining their bowl quickly, or drinking out of the toilet bowl. It’s worth noting that diabetic cats may try to stick their noses into your water glass. However, that isn’t really much to go by in and of itself, as perfectly healthy kitties do this, too.
As one might expect, frequent urination goes right along with increased water consumption. Fido may have accidents in the house, while a cat may not make it to her litterbox.
Another thing to look for are infections that won’t heal properly. This includes things like skin problems, UTIs, and others.
Unlike the other things we’ve mentioned, this one only applies to dogs. However, it is something to watch for with Fido.
If you notice any of these red flags, or any other unusual behavior, contact your vet right away to make an appointment. The sooner an issue is caught and treated, the better!
Do you know or suspect that your pet may have diabetes? Contact us today! We are dedicated to offering great care!