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A growing epidemic amongst our pets, recognizing and spreading awareness about diabetes in dogs and cats is vital to helping pet owners spot and treat the disorder early.
10. Weakness or Fatigue
Diabetes can cause wasting of back muscles or weakness in the back legs of cats. With dogs there may just be a general sense of lethargy, being less active, or sleeping more.
See Also: Top 10 Signs of Cancer in Dogs and Cats
9. Increased Thirst
Drinking more water than usual, known as polydipsia, is an early warning sign of diabetes.
Related: 8 Common Myths About Dehydration
8. Increased Urination
Urinating more frequently, producing more urine throughout the day, or having “accidents” in the house may mean your cat or dog has developed polyuria, another early warning sign of diabetes that goes hand in hand with polydipsia.
See Also: Neutralize Pet Odors
7. Increased Hunger
If your cat or dog suddenly acts as if it is always starving, despite eating the usual amount (known as polyphagia), and maintains or loses weight despite increased food intake, this can be a sign of diabetes as well.
6. Sudden Weight Loss
Though a diabetic pet may show signs of being hungrier than ever, sudden weight loss is a common occurrence because diabetes can cause an increased metabolism.
Also Check Out: Dog Food Allergy Myths
5. Obesity
Obesity can actually cause diabetes to develop; therefore, if your pet is obese you should keep an eye on it to determine if it is developing any symptoms of diabetes.
See Also: Dangers of Pet Obesity
4. Thinning or Dull Hair
Thinning, dry, or dull hair, particularly along the back. Thinning hair is generally a symptom of some illness, diabetes included, so it is best to visit your veterinarian to determine the cause.
Image Credit: Debi/via Flickr
Related: Why Do Cats Lose Their Hair?
3. Cloudy Eyes
A common complication of diabetes in dogs is cataracts, or cloudy eyes. Cataracts can lead to blindness if not monitored.
2. Depression
A later sign of diabetes in dogs and cats is ketoacidosis, metabolic acidosis caused by the breakdown of fat and proteins in the liver in response to insulin deficiency. Ketones in the body in high amounts are toxic, and this imbalance in the body of your pet can cause depression.
See Also: Senior Cat Care
1. Vomiting
Another side effect of ketoacidosis, if your pet’s diabetes has escalated to this point before it’s been recognized, is vomiting. Ketoacidosis is more commonly found in older pets and in females. Dachshunds and Miniature Poodles are also predisposed to it
Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-warning-signs-of-diabetes-in-dogs-cats.html#ixzz2b6tUNeC9
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