We offer complete care for puppies and kittens to set them up for a healthy lifestyle, and it starts early in their life. We do this to make sure they’re set up for nutritional success throughout their life, and to keep diseases like diabetes, liver disease, or lowered immune system function. According to recent findings by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), more than 45 percent of dogs and 58 percent of cats can be classified as overweight or obese.

To help with this, we offer a full line of both the Hill’s and the Royal Canin Prescription Diets for our patients.

What you need to know about Diabetes:

What are the signs of diabetes in pets?

  • Increased thirst — Also known as polydipsia, increased thirst is an early warning sign of diabetes.
  • Increased urination — If your pet is urinating more frequently or having accidents in the house, she may be diabetic. Increased urination is also called polyuria, and, like polydipsia, it is an early warning sign of diabetes.
  • Increased hunger — If your pet suddenly seems to need more food despite having eaten her typical amount (polyphagia), she may be diabetic.
  • Sudden weight loss — Because diabetes can increase metabolism, a pet suffering from the disease may suddenly lose weight despite eating her normal amount (or more).
  • Fatigue — Cats with diabetes can experience wasting of back muscles or weakness in the back legs. Dogs often sleep more and are lethargic and less active.
  • Thinning hair — If your pet’s hair coat isn’t as shiny and full as it once was, especially along her back, diabetes may be to blame.
  • Cloudy eyes — Dogs with diabetes often experience cataracts, which can eventually lead to blindness.

How is diabetes treated in pets?

Pets with diabetes must receive insulin injections under the skin for the rest of their lives. If your pet is diagnosed with diabetes, our team will prescribe the appropriate insulin and dosage, and we’ll teach you how to give the injections. We may also recommend a change to your pet’s diet and regular veterinary visits, and we’ll ask you to monitor your pet’s weight, appetite, drinking, and urination at home.

Diabetes does not have to be a death sentence for pets. Once diagnosed, it can be well-managed and pets can go on to live long and happy lives. If you notice any of the warning signs in your pet, schedule an appointment with us.

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us immediately.