High blood sugar levels over a long period of time can lead to diabetes for dogs or cats. They can have insulin-deficiency or insulin-resistance diabetes, and being insulin deficient is the most common type of diabetes for pets. Insulin resistance is seen more often in older or obese pets, and there is a need for treatment to lower blood glucose to avoid associated health problems with the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, or blood vessels. It is good to be aware of prediabetes signs in pets and see a vet if you believe yours has high blood sugar.

What Causes Diabetes?

Insulin deficiency involves the pancreas not producing insulin to the extent needed for blood sugar regulation, and low insulin means less blood sugar is converted into cell energy and more of it goes into the bloodstream. With insulin resistance, the dog or cat’s body is producing insulin, but the cells are unreceptive to it, and blood sugar levels go up the same way.

Older dogs will be more likely to get diabetes, and obesity, pancreatitis, and related conditions like Cushing’s disease can also be what causes diabetes in pets. Unspayed female dogs develop diabetes more often than neutered or unneutered male dogs, and autoimmune or viral diseases may also cause a pet to become diabetic. Dog breeds that get diabetes more often include Mini Schnauzers, Samoyeds, Poodles, Bichon Frise, Pugs, and Dachshunds.

Pet Diabetes Symptoms

If your dog or cat has diabetes or is prediabetic, you may see one or more of these pet diabetes symptoms:

   
• Excessive thirst
   
• Increased urination
   
• Weight loss / gain
   
• Appetite increase
 

The risks pets will have with untreated diabetes are cataracts, an enlarged liver, urinary tract infections, seizures, kidney failure, and ketoacidosis.

Pet Diabetes Treatment

Using insulin injections for pets like Vetsulin (Caninsulin) is the standard approach to pet diabetes treatment. Veterinarians may also recommend secondary treatment approaches to lower blood sugar, including diet changes and starting on a moderate exercise routine if obesity is the reason a pet has diabetes. Making sure the dog or cat gets less fat in their diet along with fiber and complex carbohydrates to slow the absorption of glucose can be helpful.