Diabetic Pets?
Diabetes: Cats and Dogs get it too. Some have to be treated with insulin, some don’t. Be aware of how this disease affects your furred children, and how to prevent it.
by Dr. Andrew Jones
There are MANY things that you as a concerned dog or cat owner can do for your pet with Diabetes ( including in some cases PREVENTING it)
SIGNS
Your pet is drinking and urinating much more than normal. This may be accompanied by increased appetite, but also weight loss. Some people notice a sweet smell to the breath. If not noticed early, your pet may become very ill with a condition called Ketoacidosis. This requires immediate veterinary treatment.
CAUSES
Diabetes is a result of the pancreas not producing enough insulin to allow the body to utilize blood glucose (sugar). This results in high blood sugar levels causing increased drinking and urination. Some dogs and cats are genetically at risk of developing diabetes. Pets that are obese, especially cats, are at higher risk.
SOLUTIONS
TO THE VET. If you suspect your pet is diabetic, have this confirmed by your veterinarian. Most dogs have to be regulated with twice-daily insulin therapy. Most cats begin with insulin, but with some diet alterations may come off insulin therapy. Ask your veterinarian about Glargine (brand name Lantus) Insulin – it is longer acting and better at regulating difficult to better at regulating difficult to regulate diabetic cats.
DIETARY CHANGES FOR CATS. Recent studies have shown that cats benefit greatly from higher protein, lower carbohydrate diets. These resemble diets that they would eat in the wild. Purina and Hills now make specific feline diabetic diets. You can also purchase canned food that fits this requirement at the grocery store.
CANNED FOOD. I can’t emphasize this point enough for all cat owners with a diabetic cat. Changing to a less than 5% carbohydrate, high protein canned food is the single most important change to make. Eliminate the dry kibble, and only feed canned. Some commercial diets in this category include: Wellness Chicken or Turkey; Fancy Feast Chunky Chicken or Chunky Turkey; Nature’s Variety Organic, and raw, frozen diets. This gives your cat the greatest chance to come off of Insulin Therapy. I am finding that we can control diabetes in about 50% of diabetic cats by only feeding a higher protein canned food.
TREADMILL. Regular exercise will decrease the amount of insulin needed. It will also keep your pet trim. Remember, obese cats are much more likely to develop diabetes.
CHROMIUM. This supplement makes the cells more receptive to taking up blood glucose (sugar). It may help to lower the dose of insulin. The dose is 25 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily.
ANTIOXIDANTS. Diabetes affects the other cells in the body, damaging tissue and organ cells. Antioxidants limit this damage. Vitamin E (100 IU per 10 lbs twice daily) and Vitamin C (100 mg per 10 lbs twice daily) are two common antioxidants I would suggest.
FISH OIL. As a source of omega 3 fatty acids, fish oil may increase insulin sensitivity. A feline dose is one regular strength capsule per 10 lbs of body weight given once daily.
