In cats and dogs, the cause of diabetes is not usually simple. Often, it is a combination of multiple causes—genetic, obesity, adrenal disease, and pituitary disease. Sometimes, the long-term use of certain medications such as steroids, specifically corticosteroids, can also lead to diabetes. Other causes include environmental factors such as old age, being neutered, and physical inactivity.  The earlier diabetes is detected in your pet, the better treatment can be given. This also helps in efficient diabetes management. How can you know if you furry pet has diabetes or not? Look out for the following the following signs and symptoms.

• Your pet is excessively thirsty and urinating frequently.
• Their appetite fluctuates. Sometimes they are excessively hungry and may refuse to eat other times.
• In dogs, their eyes become cloudy and cataracts may develop.
• There can be a chronic infection such as urinary tract infection and skin infection.
• Cats may develop an abnormal gait.
• Some pets may even experience vomiting and disorientation.
• Their coat may lose their shine and look dull and coarse.

If not diagnosed on time, untreated diabetes in pets may lead to multiple health complications such as liver dysfunction, kidney failure, brain swelling, and even pancreatitis.

How is diabetes treated in cats and dogs?
Pets that show signs of clinical diabetes are given insulin injections. This is the only form of treatment. Your vet will start the treatment with an initial dose and type. The dosage and type may have to be changed over time. Whether a change is required or not, your vet will determine this after continuous monitoring of your pet’s glucose levels. Along with insulin injections, dietary recommendations are also included in the treatment regimen.

When it comes to the diet, there are a number of options such as glucose and weight management cat food and dog food. These have specific nutrients that keep the glucose levels as well as weight of your pet under control.

Popular glucose and weight management cat food

• BLUE Freedom Grain Free Wet Cat Food: If you have an indoor cat, this wet food is perfect to control diabetes. This glucose and weight management cat food has a protein-packed formula that is enriched with real chicken and natural fiber sources. This helps in maintaining balanced body weight and glucose levels.
• PureBites Beef Liver Freeze-Dried Treats: This special cat treat is made for cats that are diabetic, obese, or have special dietary requirements. It is made of free dried pure beef liver.  
• Royal Canin Feline Glycobalance Dry: Containing natural cereals, this glucose and weight management cat food controls hyperglycemia in cats. Hyperglycemia is when the blood sugar rises after eating. Also, this diabetic cat food is powered by healthy proteins that sustain your cat’s energetic levels.

Popular glucose and weight management dog food

• Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food: This dog food is enriched with wholesome proteins that comes from eggs, fish, chicken, and turkey. It also provides a lot of fiber with ingredients such as whole pumpkin, spinach, and kale.
• Acana Heritage Meats Dog Food: Made of proteins from grass-fed lamb, Yorkshire pork, and Angus beef, this dog food is quite a healthy option for diabetic dogs. Moreover, it is enriched with fibrous vegetables such as greens and kelp. Additionally, it contains pinto beans and peas.
• Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food: This grain-free dog food is free from corn and soy. So it is free from unhealthy fillers. It is made of rich protein sources such as turkey, salmon, chicken, and buffalo. It also includes healthy complex carbs such as peas and sweet potato.