By empowering yourself with knowledge, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your pet’s health and well-being.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a medical condition that affects how the body uses sugar (glucose), which is a vital source of energy for cells. In simple terms, diabetes occurs when there is either not enough insulin produced by the pancreas or when the body cannot effectively use the available insulin.
Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps move glucose from the bloodstream into the cells, where it can be used for energy. When insulin is not working properly, glucose builds up in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels. This can cause various health problems over time.
How does a dog or cat become diabetic?
Diabetes in pets usually develops for two main reasons:
- Type 1 diabetes: This form is more common in dogs and occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Factors such as genetics or certain medications can contribute to this condition.
- Type 2 diabetes: More common in cats, this type often results from being overweight or inactive. In this case, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to it. Stress or underlying health issues can also play a role.
Is animal diabetes the same as in humans?
While diabetes looks similar across species – characterised by high blood sugar levels – the way it affects pets can differ from humans. Complications that humans experience from diabetes, like vision problems or nerve damage, are rare in pets. However, if left untreated, dogs with diabetes can develop cataracts.
The role of the pancreas
The pancreas plays an important role in regulating blood sugar levels by producing insulin. When a pet has diabetes, their pancreas either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the body can’t use it properly. This leads to high blood sugar levels, which can cause serious health problems if not managed correctly.
Signs of diabetes in pets:
If you suspect your pet may have diabetes, watch for these common signs of diabetes:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Increased appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Lethargy
- Nausea and vomiting
If diabetes isn’t managed properly, it can lead to severe complications like ketoacidosis (a serious condition that can happen when a lack of insulin causes harmful substances called ketones to build up in the blood) or infections. With early detection and proper care, however, many pets can live healthy lives.
How can I manage my pet’s diabetes?
- Insulin Therapy: Many diabetic pets need regular insulin injections to help control their blood sugar levels.
- Dietary Changes: A special diet that is low in carbohydrates and high in fibre for dogs, or high in protein for cats can help manage their condition effectively.
- Exercise: Maintaining a healthy weight is important for a diabetic pet. Take your dog for regular walks and encourage your cat to get moving with toys that trigger their predator instincts.
- Regular Monitoring: Pet owners should keep track of their pet’s blood glucose levels and maintain a consistent feeding schedule to help stabilise their condition.
- Hydration: Always provide fresh, filtered water to keep your pet hydrated, as excessive thirst can indicate poor diabetes control.
While diabetes is generally considered manageable rather than curable, some cats can achieve remission with proper care and lifestyle changes.
How should I feed my diabetic dog?
- Choose the right food: Select high-quality, low-fat animal proteins (like chicken, turkey, or fish) that help stabilise blood sugar. Avoid plant proteins as these can be high in carbohydrates. Speak to your vet about a food made specially for diabetic dogs.
- Balance fats: Healthy fats should make up about 20% to 30% of their diet. Opt for foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like fish, or healthy fats like coconut oil.
- Limit carbohydrates: Carbohydrates should comprise 30% to 40% of their diet, focusing on complex carbohydrates that are low-glycemic and high-fiber. Sweet potato, pumpkin and broccoli are all good sources of complex carbs that your dog can safely eat.
- Regular feeding schedule: Feed your diabetic dog at least three times a day to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Consistency in meal timing and portion sizes is essential.
How should I feed my diabetic cat?
- High protein, low carbohydrate: The ideal diet for a diabetic cat is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. This helps stabilise blood sugar levels. Most canned cat foods naturally fit this profile, while many dry foods contain higher starch levels. Choose high-quality, digestible protein sources and avoid plant-based proteins.
- Consistent feeding schedule: It’s important to feed your cat at the same times each day to avoid fluctuations in blood glucose. Many veterinarians recommend feeding twice daily, coordinating meals with insulin administration to ensure food intake aligns with insulin peaks.
The importance of working with your vet
Working closely with your veterinarian is essential for managing your pet’s diabetes effectively. Regular check-ups allow your vet to adjust treatment plans based on how well your pet responds. They can provide guidance on diet, exercise routines, and monitoring techniques that are important for keeping your pet healthy.
Remedies to try:
 | Pegasus PET d.v.c. 30c (diarrhoea, vomiting, cramping): For the treatment of gastro-intestinal symptoms; nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramp, spasm, muscle cramps, ‘spastic colon’ and dehydration. This remedy is not a treatment for diabetes, but will assist with managing symptoms caused by the disease. |
Note – the pillules are made of sucrose, which is a sugar and thus not ideal for diabetics as they are sweet. However, none of the pegasus remedies are intended for use long term as each episode should require dosing for a few days only. Should diabetics choose to use the remedies, they should use only 3 pillules per dose to limit the sugar aspect or as an alternative, dissolve 10 pillules in half a glass of water (put into a bowl) and use one medicine measure for each dose. Discard the water after 12 hours. This way, the sugar element is diluted.
Quality of life
With proper management and care, many diabetic pets enjoy good quality of life. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and consistent medical care all contribute significantly to their well-being. Watch out for changes in your pet’s behaviour or symptoms so you catch any potential issues early on.
While a diagnosis of diabetes may seem overwhelming at first, understanding the condition and working closely with your veterinarian can lead to effective management strategies. With your support and care, your furry friend can continue to thrive despite their diagnosis.
References and additional reading:
- Diabetes in dogs: What you need to know | hill’s pet. Available at: https://www.hillspet.co.za/dog-care/healthcare/diabetes-in-dogs
- 8 things you need to know about AAHA’s diabetes management guidelines for dogs and cats (2024) AAHA. Available at: https://www.aaha.org/resources/diabetes-management-for-pets/
- Diabetes in dogs (2024) Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost. Available at: https://wagwalking.com/condition/diabetes
- Diabetes in dogs (no date) PDSA. Available at: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/diabetes-in-dogs
- Feline diabetes (no date) Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Available at: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-diabetes
- How to care for a diabetic pet (2019) 4 Paws Veterinary Care, PLLC. Available at: https://www.4pawsanimal.com/services/cats-dogs/blog/how-care-diabetic-pet
- Kritika (2023) What foods to avoid feeding your dog – especially if they have seizures or diabetes, Marmaduke Pets. Available at: https://marmadukepets.co.za/2023/08/30/what-foods-to-avoid-feeding-your-dog-especially-if-they-have-seizures-or-diabetes/