Health

Dogs and cats

Diabetes (sugar diabetes)

Diabetes mellitus happens when the body cannot make or use enough insulin to control blood sugar. It is seen in both dogs and cats; in cats, obesity raises the risk up to four times. With treatment many pets live good lives, and some cats can even go into remission.

What you might notice

• Drinking much more water than usual.
• Urinating more, or accidents in the house.
• Weight loss despite a good or bigger appetite.
• Tiredness and less energy.
• Cloudy eyes (cataracts) or repeated infections later on.

Common causes

• Obesity and inactivity, especially in cats.
• Increasing age.
• Male sex in cats.
• Some medicines such as steroids.
• In dogs, the body destroying its own insulin-making cells.

What you can do at home

• Measure how much water your pet drinks in a day to tell your vet.
• Keep feeding and exercise routines regular once on treatment.
• Keep your pet at a healthy weight.
• Learn the signs of low blood sugar if your pet is on insulin.

Book a vet in the next day or two if

• Increased thirst or urination.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• A cat walking flat on its back legs.

Don't

• Never change an insulin dose without speaking to your vet.
• Do not give extra insulin if you are unsure whether a dose was given.
• Do not force anything into the mouth of a pet that is fitting or unconscious.

Prevention

• Keep pets lean and active.
• Have regular check-ups, especially for older and overweight pets.
• Ask your vet about checking blood sugar if your pet drinks more than usual.

This guide gives general information about common health problems in dogs and cats. It is not a diagnosis and it does not replace an examination by a veterinarian. Every animal is different, and signs that look mild can sometimes hide a serious problem, especially in cats, which often hide illness and pain. If you are worried about your pet, or if your pet shows any of the warning signs listed here, contact your vet or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic straight away. Never give your pet human medicines or any medicine not prescribed for that animal by a vet.