November is Pet Diabetes Awareness Month and Atherton Veterinary Clinic would like to make sure your pet’s good health continues into the future! Make sure to save your pet from diabetes!
Top Signs that your Dog is suffering from Diabetes:
1. Lethargy
2. Excessive water consumption
3. Increased urination
4. Unexplained weight loss/gain
Top Signs that your Cat is suffering from Diabetes:
1. Lethargy
2. Excessive water consumption
3. Increased urination
4. Unexplained weight loss
5. Weakness
6. Unkempt hair and coat
7. Difficulty climbing or jumping
8. Abnormal walking position
While these are typical signs of diabetes, they are not always prevalent and should not be relied on to prove that your pet is diabetic. If you have any doubts or concerns, make sure to schedule an appointment to make sure your pet is healthy. Preventing illness is always the best way to go!
Top ways to Prevent Diabetes:
1. Reduce the Carbs! Some store-bought foods can contain as much as 98% carbohydrates. Stick to brands such as Pedigree, Purina, and Science Diet or check the Nutrition facts to make sure a certain food is healthy. If you have an animal with diabetes, or an animal that is predisposed to diabetes, they will almost certainly be on Hill’s Prescription Diet M/D. It is the best food available for these situations. While celebrity foods may be tasty, your veterinarian will know best what will keep your pet on the healthy track!
2. Fitness! Your pet doesn’t have to run marathons, but daily walks will do a lot to improve the health and attitude of your pet. (We realize walking cats is unrealistic and a little bit of play time can fill in for this!) Not only will this curb diabetes, but it can help with a lot of behavioral issues too!
3. Maintain a healthy weight! Many animals will eat until they burst. They are not self-regulators, and if you have a pet that does do this, you are lucky! Generally you should feed one cup per twenty pounds each day. This can be split up between several meals and can be given according to your schedule. Some high energy dogs may need more than this. Many of us over feed our pets without intentionally doing so. It helps to keep an eye on your pet’s weight and make sure that the amount you are feeding keeps your dog at an appropriate weight!
We hope this was helpful! Feel free to call us with any questions! (785)823-3322