How to Prevent Diabetes in Your Pets?

Pets with diabetes can be of any age, however it is more frequent in older animals. If the illness is identified early and treated with your veterinarian’s assistance, it will be easier to control. The good news is that pets with diabetes may live long, happy lives if they receive the right care, food, and exercise and easy access to vets in El Paso.

What does diabetes mean?

Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a disorder that develops when the body is unable to utilise glucose, a kind of sugar, as it should. The primary energy source for the body’s cells is glucose. The pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which is principally responsible for controlling blood glucose levels.

Sugars are one of the nutrients that are taken up by the intestines during the digestive process. After being carried into the intestinal lining cells, the sugars are broken down into simple sugars, such as glucose. Following absorption, the simple sugars are transported throughout the body’s tissues and cells via the bloodstream.

The movement of glucose from the circulation into the cells requires insulin. Hyperglycemia is the term for the condition that occurs when the body cannot utilise insulin or produces too little of it, causing glucose to build up in the blood. Glucosuria, or the overflow of glucose into the urine, is a condition where high blood glucose levels cause significant water loss in the urine. This is the reason why dogs with diabetes usually consume more water and pee more frequently and in greater quantities.

What pets carry more risk of diabetes?

Diabetes can strike cats and dogs at any age. However, the majority of dogs diagnosed with diabetes are between 7 and 10 years old, and they typically range in age from 4 to 14. Most felines with diabetes are older than six years old. Diabetes affects female dogs twice as frequently as it does male canines. Dog breeds may have a higher risk of developing diabetes.

One major risk factor for the onset of diabetes is obesity. As they get older, dogs and cats may also develop other conditions like pancreatitis, heart disease, kidney disease, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and hyperactivity of the adrenal gland in dogs (hyperadrenocorticsm) or the thyroid gland in cats (hyperthyroidism), which can cause diabetes or have a significant impact on how well a patient responds to diabetes treatment. Another risk factor for diabetes is long-term usage of corticosteroid-containing medicines.

Signs of diabetes in pets

The most crucial aspect of caring for your pet is recognizing the early indicators of diabetes. The following symptoms should alert you to the need to get your pet assessed by a veterinarian in El Paso TX. Your pet may enjoy a longer and healthier life if the diagnosis is made sooner rather than later.

· Overindulgence in water consumption and elevated urine

· Loss of weight despite possible increases in appetite

· Reduced desire to eat

· Hazy eyes, particularly in dogs

· Infections that are persistent or recurrent, such as urinary and skin infections

How to prevent diabetes in pets?

Here are some steps you can take to lower your dog’s risk of diabetes.

· At least once a month, weigh them: One of the easiest ways to avoid diabetes in dogs is to make sure they maintain a healthy weight within the parameters recommended by their breed. Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes in dogs.

· Ensure that they exercise regularly: Frequent exercise improves your dog’s body’s capacity to absorb insulin and helps them maintain a healthy weight.

· Treats should be strictly regulated, and sweets and/or fat should be avoided: Look for sweets made with just one ingredient or without grains; they often include less sugar and carbs and more protein. If at all possible, find alternative ways to commend them for their good deeds or tricks, such as belly massages, a brand-new toy, or a trip to the dog park.

· Don’t give your dog’s table scraps: Giving your dogs a piece of steak or a dinner roll off your plate can seem innocuous at first. But because most human foods are very rich, your dog’s blood sugar may rise rapidly.

· Female dogs should be spayed: Diabetes is more common in dogs that have never been spayed.

The Conclusion

If you want more help regarding diabetes in pets, consult an expert at Eastwood Animal clinic, a leading El Paso animal hospital. From professional dog grooming in El Paso to Spay and neuter in El Paso, choose from a wide range of pet care services.

Disclaimer- The information provided in this content is just for educational purposes and is written by a professional writer. Consult us to read more about preventing diabetes in pets.