Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs & Cats

Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs & Cats

Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs

Just like in humans, diabetes in dogs is serious, but manageable. Your dog can develop diabetes if he has the following conditions:

  • Obesity
  • Genetic predisposition – females are twice as likely to develop diabetes
  • Poor nutrition
  • Hormonal abnormalities
  • Stress

If your dog appears weak or thirsty, frequently urinates, experiences rapid weight loss, is depressed, or has abdominal pain, he could be diabetic.

This condition is usually caused by damage to the pancreas. The pancreas is responsible for producing the proper amount of insulin to control sugar levels. If your dog’s pancreas is damaged, long-term and potentially life-threatening symptoms could occur and must be managed.

While there is no cure for diabetes mellitus, veterinarians recognize it can be controlled with insulin, exercise and proper nutrition. Fiber is key in managing the disease because moderate to high-levels of fiber lower insulin requirements and blood glucose levels. Fiber also makes the body more responsive to insulin.

It’s also important to be consistent in the food you feed your pet. Feeding a veterinarian-recommended food with a consistent nutrient profile will help keep your dog’s metabolism level stable so he can stay healthy.

For an accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian.

Diabetes Mellitus in Cats

Just like in humans, diabetes in cats is serious, but manageable. Your cat can develop diabetes if she has the following conditions:

  • Obesity
  • Genetic predisposition (diabetes is more prevalent in males)
  • Poor nutrition
  • Hormonal abnormalities
  • Stress

If your cat appears weak or thirsty, frequently urinates, has rapid weight loss, is depressed, or has abdominal pain, she could be diabetic.

This condition is usually caused by damage to the pancreas. The pancreas is responsible for producing the proper amount of insulin to control sugar levels. If your cat’s pancreas is damaged, long-term and potentially life-threatening symptoms could occur and must be managed.

While there is no cure for diabetes mellitus, veterinarians recognize it can be controlled with insulin, exercise and proper nutrition. Fiber is key in managing the disease because moderate to high-levels of fiber lower insulin requirements and blood glucose levels. Fiber also makes the body more responsive to insulin.

It’s also important to be consistent in the food you give your cat. The nutritional profile of many commercial foods may vary from batch to batch, which can complicate the disease. Feeding a veterinarian-recommended food that has a consistent nutrient profile will help keep your cat’s metabolism level stable so she can remain healthy.

For an accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian.

Locations:
(Town 'n' Country / Westchase)
9801 West Hillsborough Ave.
Tampa, FL 33615 (View map)
813-885-4477 (Se Habla Español)
(New Tampa / Wesley Chapel)
19440 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Tampa, FL 33647 (View map)
813-973-8566 (Se Habla Español)
(East Tampa / Near USF)
5023 East Busch Blvd
Tampa, FL 33617 (View map)
813-988-1189 (Se Habla Español)
(South Tampa)
3221 W. Azeele St.
Tampa, FL 33609 (View map)
(Dunedin)
903 Curlew Road
Dunedin, FL 34698 (View map)
727-733-9395 (Se Habla Español)
(Tampa Palms/New Tampa)
15303 B Amberly Drive
Tampa, FL 33647 (View map)
813-977-4900 (Se Habla Español)
(Lutz/Greater Northdale)
105 Sunset Lane
Lutz, FL 33549 (View map)
813-949-2706 (Se Habla Español)
(Lutz/Tampa)
18821 N. Dale Mabry Hwy
Lutz, FL 33548 (View map)
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