By Robbi Hess ~ Managing Editor Pet Calendar, Crimeless Cat Executive Story Editor, Chief Cat Herder
November is designated at Pet Diabetes Awareness Month ahnd because of that we want to share with you signs that you should pay attention to if you’re worried your pet may be suffering this disease.
Veterinarians are saying that our pet’s diets and lack of exercise and being fed table scraps — which can all be factors in our pets being overweight — are some of the causes of diabetes.
Pet Calendar: Pet Diabetes Awareness Month
Here are some signs to watch for which could indicate your pet is diabetic.
- Increased thirst and increased urination. It stands to reason that if your pet is drinking more he or she will be urinating more. Be watchful of a pet who suddenly seems to have an insatiable thirst.
- A pet who suddenly appears to be on the verge of “starvation” even though she has just had her dinner or a treat. Increased hunger could be a sign.
- Unexplained weight loss. If you couple an increased hunger with weight loss this could indicate diabetes.
- Obesity in your pets. Being overweight can lead to your pet developing diabetes, but weight gain is also a symptom.
- If your normally active pet is now acting fatigued and sleeping more often than he did in the past, contact your vet.
- Is your pet losing hair? This is another sign.
- Cloudy eyes could be a sign of cataracts and also a sign of diabetes. Cataracts can lead to blindness in pets just as it can in humans.
- Vomiting is a side effect of a symptom of diabetes called “ketoacidosis.” If your pet has undiagnosed diabetes he may begin vomiting. Miniature poodles and Dachshunds, females and older pets are prone to ketoacidosis.
As the pet parent, you’re on the front lines of recognizing any changes in your pet’s behavior. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, don’t be afraid to call your veterinarian and ask his or her advice.
CHECK OUT OUR NOVEMBER PET CALENDAR FOR ALL OF THE NOVEMBER HOLIDAYS.
