The prevalence of diabetes in pets is rising. Both cats and dogs are starting to feel the effects of the modern diet and lifestyle that their human parents provide. If you have a pet who is overweight, urinating frequently, or always seems to be hungry or fatigued, it may be dealing with diabetes.

What Kinds of Diabetes Can Pets Get?

Cats and dogs can get type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, type 1 diabetes is the most common form of the disease found in dogs.  

Type 2 diabetes usually develops in older, overweight pets who are fed too much human food, especially sugary treats. A temporary form of insulin resistance can also develop in female dogs who are in heat or pregnant.

Diabetes impacts your pets in the same way as it affects human beings. Type 1 is the result of poor insulin production in the pancreas while type 2 is the result of insulin insensitivity.

How is it Treated?

The treatment prescribed by your veterinarian will be similar to what doctors prescribe their human patients. Dogs and cats with type 1 diabetes need regular insulin injections. An adjustment in diet and activity levels are also necessary.

A New Meal Plan

The vet will likely recommend a high protein diet with added fiber and some complex carbs. Pet owners also need to cut out the snacks, especially human food.

Cat owners may have to work closely with their pets to help them regain weight that is often lost before diagnosis. While dogs tend to become obese with diabetes, some cats actually lose a lot of weight. Their bodies become starved for energy and begin burning fat for fuel. No matter how much they eat, they can still lose weight.

Developing a Routine

It is also important to check your pet’s glucose levels daily and provide consistently moderate exercise. You don’t want to exercise a pet too much as this could lead to hypoglycemia. On the other hand, a routine can help obese pets lose weight and improve insulin sensitivity.

Pet diabetes is not curable, but careful management and attention to your pet’s needs can help you manage the disease. It may even go into remission for some pets.