Diabetes in Dogs and Cats: A Simple Guide for Pet Owners

Diabetes Mellitus (known as type 2 in humans)

When your vet tells you your dog or cat has diabetes it can be unsettling. The good news is that with the right care many pets with diabetes live long, happy, active lives.

Diabetes occurs when the body can’t properly use or create insulin, which is a hormone that moves sugar (glucose) from the blood into the body’s cells for energy. Without enough insulin sugar builds up in the blood, while the body’s cells go hungry. This can cause tiredness, weight loss, and other health problems.

What you might notice at home

The early signs of diabetes can be easy to miss at first. Common ones include:

• • Drinking a lot more water than usual

• • Urinating more often (sometimes having accidents)

• • Eating more but still losing weight

• • Acting tired or less playful

• • Cloudy eyes in dogs (cataracts) or changes in walking in cats (due to nerve weakness)

If you see these changes, it’s worth contacting your vet straight away. Early detection makes treatment easier.

Why pets get diabetes

• • Dogs often develop diabetes after their pancreas (the organ that makes insulin) is damaged, sometimes by inflammation or the immune system attacking it.

• • Cats can get diabetes when their pancreas slowly stops working properly over time. Being overweight increases the risk, especially in middle-aged to older cats.

In some dogs, female hormones can make the body resistant to insulin, which is one reason your vet may recommend spaying.

How vets diagnose it

Diabetes is diagnosed through simple blood and urine tests.

If your pet has high blood sugar and sugar in their urine, that’s a strong indicator of Diabetes. In cats, stress can temporarily raise blood sugar so vets may run an extra test (called fructosamine) to confirm whether it’s truly diabetes.

Treatment basics

1. Insulin injections and other mediations.

Most diabetic pets need insulin injections twice a day, given under the skin with a very small needle.

• • Your veterinary team will teach you how to give these injections

• • Cats may be suitable for an oral administration of a new product similar to insulin, do ask your vet about this

    The idea is to give the medications at the same time each day, usually right after meals.

2. Diet changes
Food can make a big difference. Dogs usually do best with high-fibre diets to help keep blood sugar steady. Cats often benefit from high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets to help their bodies use sugar better. There are specifically formulated veterinary diets to best support pets with Diabetes, which many vets will discuss with you at the time your pet is diagnosed.

3. Routine is key
Feeding, injections or medications, and exercise should happen at about the same times every day. Sudden changes can cause blood sugar swings.

4. Monitoring
Your vet will want to check your pet’s progress with regular exams and possibly further blood glucose checks. You’ll also be watching at home for changes in thirst, appetite, or energy levels.

Possible emergencies

If diabetes isn’t controlled, pets can develop diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This is a serious condition where the body burns fat too quickly, leading to dangerous chemical changes in the blood. Signs include vomiting, extreme tiredness, rapid breathing, and not wanting to eat. This is an emergency and needs immediate vet care.

Living with a diabetic pet

The first few weeks after diagnosis can feel like a learning curve, but many pet owners quickly get the hang of it. Giving injections or medications often becomes just another part of the daily routine, and pets usually feel much better once their diabetes is under control.

Your dog or cat can still enjoy walks, playtime, and snuggles just like before. With your care and your vet’s guidance, diabetes doesn’t have to shorten or darken your pet’s life.