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Pet Diabetes Treatment

Pet Diabetes Treatment and Tips from with our Clifton Veterinarians

Diabetes is a well-known illness in humans, but it is also found in animals. The initial uncertainty of hearing your veterinarian tell you that your pet has diabetes can be overwhelming. Fortunately, it is a treatable condition, but it is important to understand the illness and the treatment. When pets have diabetes, it means that they have a problem producing the appropriate amount of insulin for their body. Along with knowing the symptoms of diabetes, knowing how to feed your pet and routine visits to with our veterinarian at Valley Animal Hospital in Clifton are crucial when it comes to the treatment for diabetes in pets.

veterinarians in Clifton during a pet exam to test for pet diabetes

Symptoms of Diabetes in Pets

Pets that are obese may have a greater risk of developing diabetes. There are also certain breeds that may have a greater risk of developing the disease, including dachshunds, poodles, Australian terriers, miniature and standard schnauzers and keeshonds. Golden retrievers and keeshonds are particularly at risk of juvenile diabetes. Symptoms may include:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Change in appetite
  • Weight loss
  • An increase in urination
  • Vomiting
  • Dehydration
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Chronic skin infections
  • Sweet smelling breath
  • Lethargy

Caring for a pet with diabetes takes a strong commitment and it is important to regularly visit your veterinarian in Clifton to monitor your pet’s diabetes. Keep in mind that in most situations switching your pet’s food will require gradual introduction to the new food, so be sure to talk with your vet about food recommendations and the best way to introduce a new diet and different brand of food.

Changing Your Pet’s Diet

Your pet will have a better reaction to their medical treatment for diabetes if you maintain their body weight. When cats are first diagnosed, they generally need to lose weight immediately, while dogs generally need to find a consistent weight and maintain it. A healthy diet will also help to maintain their blood glucose fluctuations, while in return help to regulate your pet’s diabetes. It is important to note that although obesity does not cause diabetes in pets, it can make it more difficult for them to resist insulin. The essential features of your pet’s diet should be:

  • For dogs-Their diet should be consistent in order to prevent unnecessary alterations in the insulin requirements. Diet should be high in complex carbohydrates and fiber in order for the glucose to be released in a steady fashion from their gut. The diet should be fat restricted and they should receive the correct caloric value in order to achieve their optimal weight.
  • For cats-Cats also require a consistent diet that is fat restricted. Your cats diet should contain a high-quality, highly digestible source of protein, such as eggs or meat and be low in carbohydrates.

Learn More About Managing Pet Diabetes With our Veterinarian in Clifton

If your pet is displaying symptoms of diabetes, contact Valley Animal Hospital in Clifton to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Call us at (973) 509-5225 to schedule a pet wellness exam.

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Tuesday:

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Wednesday:

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Thursday:

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  • "Great care of my cat! All the staff were wonderful to deal with and you can tell they really care and love what they do! Thanks for taking care of us!"
    -anonymous
  • "Dr. Henderson is a caring Vet. We love him.
    We do not, however, love the prices Vets charge. It is more for a pet visit than a human being. I don't know how people with more than one animal afford pet care."
    georgef, Glen Ridge