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Cat Health - What is cat diabetes?

Cat Health - What is cat diabetes?
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: Diabetes Cat
Diabetes is a common condition in cats often causing serious problems if left untreated. Symptoms overlap with other diseases, making diabetes harder to diagnose. With a healthy lifestyle, the right diet and treatment you can successfully manage the health of your diabetic cat. Petplan takes a look into this well-known condition, giving you signs to be aware of, and treatment options for diabetes in cats…

How to reduce the risk of diabetes

How to reduce the risk of diabetes
Posted on by Petplan
One in every 500 dogs and cats develops diabetes, leading to costly daily insulin injections and lifelong monitoring. Yet in many cases, diabetes may be preventable, simply by establishing good feeding habits.

Diabetes results in excessive levels of glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream and is more common in middle-aged, neutered pets

What to do if your dog is overweight

What to do if your dog is overweight
Posted on by Petplan
Do you have a chubby Collie? Is your Puli looking a little roly-poly? You're not alone: canine obesity is a common problem. Vet Marc Abraham explains the tell-tale signs of an overweight dog and offers some tips getting your pet in shape

You've probably heard about the 'obesity crisis' in Britain, but you may not be aware that it is as much of a problem among our canine population as it is in humans.

Could your pet have diabetes?

Could your pet have diabetes?
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: cat dog diabetes

November is Pet Diabetes Month, so it's an ideal time to check for the warning signs of the disease in your pet.

Cats and dogs suffer from diabetes mellitus, or sugar diabetes. This is the result of a shortage of the hormone insulin, which affects the concentration of glucose (a type of sugar) in the bloodstream: a lack of insulin means that the body cannot absorb glucose properly. It affects an estimated one in 200 pets, and those over six years old are most at risk. And with dogs, there are several breeds - such as German Shepherds, Labradors and Terriers - that are more susceptible than others.

Five symptoms that could mean your pet has diabetes

1. It is always thirsty or is drinking a lot of water
2. It is tired, lethargic or less active than normal
3. It has lost weight
4. Its coat is thin, dry and dull
5. It is urinating more than usual or having 'accidents' in the home

If your pet shows any of these symptoms, you should have it checked by a vet as soon as possible. Early diagnosis is vital, as untreated diabetes can result in serious illness or even death.

However, if your pet is diagnosed with diabetes, you needn't worry. While it will need twice-daily insulin injections and will need to eat a low-fat, high-fibre, high-carb diet, there's no reason why it can't continue to enjoy a full and active life.

Do you have anything to add? Just let us know by commenting below.

Has your dog got diabetes?

Has your dog got diabetes?
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: dog diabetes excessive drinking kidney disease
Q: My nine-year-old spayed Cocker Spaniel has started drinking a lot and always licks her sides afterwards. She is not overweight and gets plenty of exercise. Could she have diabetes?

A: It's possible, so take a urine sample from your Cocker in a clean jar and give it to your vet for testing.
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