Pet Diabetes Care & More – Pet Diabetes Month

With pet obesity on the rise and the modern pet diet lacking sufficient nutrients, the number of pets with diabetes is steadily increasing. Diabetic pets are much more common than they once were. The AVMA  says diabetes is most common in dogs aged 4-14 years and cats aged 7-10 years. Since it’s Pet Diabetes Month, we want to provide you with the knowledge and know-how to care for a diabetic pet. We’re here for all of your local pet wellness needs here in Kemah, Texas. Whether your pet is diabetic or you’re investigating issues that could be ailing your beloved pet.

As always, if your pet is experiencing any unusual symptoms, please schedule a veterinary appointment right away.

Pet Diabetes Care – Symptoms & Statistics

It’s estimated that 1 in every 300 dogs and 1 in every 230 cats will develop diabetes during their lifetime. Pet diabetes care is an important topic in veterinary education as the numbers of pets with diabetes increase. 

Symptoms of pet diabetes may include cloudy eyes, cataracts, weakness, recurring infections, decreased appetite, weight loss, poor skin & coat health, and excessive water drinking & frequent urination. 

Managing Pet Diabetes

When you have a pet with diabetes, routine medical care will become a common part of everyday life. Instead of yearly annual veterinary checkups for health & wellness, we suggest bringing your pet in for a head-to-tail checkup much more often. During those visits, we’ll discuss updates regarding your pet’s overall habits and health. Blood and urine tests will also be completed to ensure your pet is prescribed the best insulin treatment for them. 

If cost is an important factor in your pet’s diabetes treatment plan, talk to your veterinarian about pet insurance plans, payment options, and treatment plan options. Treating pet diabetes is a must-do. If insulin isn’t given, treatments are missed, or pet diabetes is ignored altogether, the results could be fatal. While diabetes may not be the cause of a pet’s passing, pets with diabetes often suffer from obesity and have other health issues. 

Insulin for Pets

Pet insulin prescriptions are given daily at home by the pet owner. It’s important to provide this medication as prescribed, which may be needed several times a day in the beginning. These medications are designed to help your pet’s body get into a routine. After your veterinarian has completed necessary tests, called blood glucose curves, they’ll help determine the best insulin treatment plan. At home, it’s essential to create a routine and provide diabetic pet medications and treatments on time. 

The Diabetic Pet’s Diet

Plan and manage your diabetic pet’s diet with your veterinarian. Every pet’s diet plan will look different depending on age, weight, and overall health. Nutritious, healthy pet diets may also include fruits & vegetables that are vet-approved. They’ll also be high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein. But each pet’s plan will vary. 

Pet Diabetes at Home

Veterinarians, including our expert team, recommend regular exercise, especially for diabetic pets. For dogs, this may be regular walks and outings with you, while playtime is essential for cats. Obesity prevention and avoiding overfeeding will help manage your pet’s diabetes and lead your pet to a longer, healthier life by your side.

Medications can be ordered from your veterinarian, who will prescribe your pet’s insulin after regular exams. As a client of Bayside Animal Hospital, you’ll be able to order pet med refills on our website and have them shipped right to your door. Otherwise, you can pick them up curbside or at our front desk. 

If you have any other questions or concerns about your diabetic pet or pet diabetes care call, text, or email us anytime for guidance. If you’re looking for a veterinarian in the Galveston area, we’re here whenever you need us.