Pet Health

Pet Health - Diabetes in pets

Diabetes – Dogs & Pets Can Get Diabetes

Diabetes - Steps to prevent diabetes in pets

Diabetes in pets is a growing problem for pet owners. Dogs, cats and other pets age at a much faster rate than people. Typically for every human year, your dog or cat ages between 6 to 8 years. As your pets age their nutritional needs change. All pet’s require suitable food to provide an overall balanced diet. Foods containing sugar, salt and excessive fat are much more harmful to pets, and feeding pets snacks and food meant for human consumption is extremely bad for pet health and can lead to diseases like diabetes and even cholesterol.

Most quality ‘complete’ pet foods are manufactured to provide a balanced diet with enough protein, fibre, fats, vitamins, and minerals required for a healthy diet. Occasional pet treats are fine as long as they are produced as treats for pets (NOT human snacks, sweets or candy). As your pets ages, switching to a mature animal feed is recommended (especially dogs and cats), mature complex food can ensure your pets get extra essential nutrients but with reduced fats.

Diabetes is common in pets that are overweight. If your pet/s are over weight, constantly thirsty or drinking, there is a good chance they have developed diabetes. A urine test or blood test by your vet can provide confirmation. The best way to prevent diabetes is to ensure your pets are at a healthy weight and have a healthy diet. It is possible, if caught early to reverse diabetes or manage it with diet, exercise and food. However in many cases where it is not possible your pets will require medication to manage their diabetes, this is usually in the form of tablets however in some cases pets will require insulin injections.

 

  • Urinating More – Pet needs to urinate more often. Your pets urine is dark &/or strong smelling. Your pet may be having accidents indoors.
  • Always Thirsty – Pet seems to be constantly thirsty. They are drinking more than usual and you are having to refill their water more often.
  • Loosing/Gaining Weight – Pet has lost weight or gained a lot of weight. 
  • Always Hungry – Pet is always hungry and never satisfied, begging for more food.
  • Pet Looks Less Healthy – Pets coat or skin looks dull or dry, fur is shedding or patchy / Pets eyes are watery or cloudy. 
  • Lacks Energy / Always Tired – Pet wants to sleep more, less keen or able to exercise & walk.
  • Maintain A Healthy Weight – Ensure your pets are a healthy weight.
  • Switch Food – Switch to a weight loss or diabetes control food like Virbac W1 or similar specialist food.
  • Limit treats – Only feed your pets ‘Pet Treats’, no candy or fatty human snacks. Sugary/salty/fatty snacks are not good for pets. 
  • Daily Exercise – Ensure your pets, especially dogs, get daily exercise. A walk has great health benefits for owners as well as dogs.

Virbac complete dog food, blended to help aid weight loss & prevent/manage diabetes. Virbac W1 is designed for all dog types (* you must not exceed recommended portion sizes for size/breed of dog):
BUY NOW – Virbac W1
12kg = £73.12 (+£7 delivery)
7kg = £49.95 (+£7.54 delivery)