Just like humans, pets can have diabetes. The condition occurs when the body cannot produce or regulate insulin properly, resulting in high blood sugar. This illness can lead to numerous health complications in your furry friend. It is important to monitor your pet and manage its diabetes if it does develop the condition. At Lange Animal Clinic in Pekin, IL, our veterinarian can diagnose and manage diabetes in pets.

Symptoms of Diabetes in Pets

Dogs and cats have similar symptoms of diabetes. They may have one or more of the following:

• Constantly drinking from the water bowl
• Constantly urinating from drinking so much
• Increase in appetite
• Weight loss, even if its appetite seems to have increased
• Being far more tired than usual
• A coat that’s drier than usual

Any pet exhibiting these symptoms should visit our vet immediately.

Dog Diabetes

Dogs get diabetes that acts like Type 1 diabetes in people. Their pancreases don’t make enough insulin. This means they need to have insulin shots every day. Insulin can only be prescribed by a veterinarian. Our staff can teach you how to give these injections. They are simple and do not need to be shot into a vein. The dog also needs a diet change to help regulate blood sugar levels.

Cat Diabetes

Cats get diabetes that is similar to Type 2 diabetes in people. This means the body does not respond properly to insulin. Usually, obesity and lack of exercise cause cat diabetes. Treatment includes a complete overhaul of the diet, encouraging the cat to exercise more, and insulin shots. However, cats have a much better chance of remission than dogs, so a diabetic cat may not need shots for the rest of its life.

Visit Our Veterinarian in Pekin, IL for Pet Diabetes Treatment

If your pet is showing signs of diabetes, visit our vet right away. At Lange Animal Clinic in Pekin, IL, our team will diagnose your pet and provide the proper diabetes treatment. We will guide you on treatment and how to monitor your pet’s blood sugar. We are happy to answer any questions you have. Call us today to schedule an appointment.