How To Treat Diabetes In Cats & Dogs

• Posted on 5 November 2023
• By Dr. Jill Tack, Board Certified Naturopathic Doctor
• Posted in cats, Common Dog & Cat Health Issues, Dog & Cat Feeding Tips, Dog & Cat Nutrition Tips, Dog & Cat Supplements, Dog & Cat Wellness, dogs, healthy pet food, Natural & Safe Pet Food Options, Raw Dog & Cat Food Diet Tips
• 0

Pet diabetes can be a serious diagnosis and shouldn’t be taken lightly. However, it doesn’t have to be the end of your dog or cat’s quality of life. Knowing the symptoms and making the necessary changes to improve your pet's overall health can drastically boost your fur baby's health.

Pet diabetes can be a serious diagnosis and shouldn’t be taken lightly. However, it doesn’t have to be the end of your dog or cat’s quality of life. Diabetes in pets can be managed and improved with a combined effort of Eastern and Western medicine and natural herbal supplementation.

Does Diabetes Affect Dogs & Cats? 

Diabetes involves the pancreas not working optimally. In people, there can be different types of diabetes diagnosed at different stages of life. Dogs and cats are just simply diagnosed with diabetes. Both cats and dogs can have diabetes, but we often see this diagnosis more so with our canine companions. 

How Does The Pancreas Function For Our Pets? 

The pancreas is responsible for producing the hormone known as insulin. Insulin allows the cells of the body to use glucose or blood sugar, which are the cell's major fuel source. The pancreas can also have inflammatory issues, which are often diagnosed as acute or chronic pancreatitis. Pancreatitis and diabetes are typically not known to correspond to one another but could mask symptoms. The pancreas is also known for its job of creating enzymes that help digest protein and fat. Insulin can help control the metabolism of carbohydrates. 

When we visually imagine the pancreas, we often divide this sweet potato-looking organ into halves with the pancreas head and the pancreas tail. It plays a role in the exocrine and endocrine systems, referred to it as a “mixed gland”. The pancreas’ head is known to secrete pancreatic enzymes to help break down protein. It works in conjunction with the liver and gallbladder for proper digestive functions and storing excess glucose. The pancreas tail communicates with the glandular system. When the pancreas is damaged or not functioning, this is when we begin to see signs and symptoms of diabetes as it is out of balance.

What Are The Symptoms Of Diabetes In Cats & Dogs? 

Symptoms that may lead your pet toward a diabetes diagnosis:

• Rapid weight loss, but still eat normal caloric intake.
• Obese and chronically overweight issues.
• Sedentary lifestyle, avoidance of exercise.
• Poor circulation or wounds, not healing, especially on extremities.
• A high-carb diet is not balanced with protein and fats, which is a wrong diet choice for carnivores.
• Overuse of certain pharmaceuticals.
• Mineral deficiencies could be from genetics or birth.
• Conditions of the immune system and over-vaccination.
• Larger than normal water consumption with passing large amounts of urine.
• Retinal diseases include blindness, poor vision, cloudy eyes, or cataracts.
• Neuropathy in the feet or limited response.
• Long-term chronic parasite load.
• Chronic recurrent infections that involve the integumentary and urinary systems.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that should have supervision, monitoring, and diagnostic testing with your primary veterinarian. There are definitely natural and healthy options to incorporate into your pet’s health plan that can help decrease symptoms and support long-term wellness. It is important to find ways to support the pancreas and reduce the stress load. From a natural health standpoint, the pancreas could also use emotional support from custom-blended flower remedies, homeopathic, essential oils, or affirmations, and not just physical support. 

How Can I Help My Pet With Diabetes?

Most importantly, there are simple steps that you can start now to begin your pet’s natural health journey. 

• Feed a balanced, species-appropriate diet by reducing inflammatory ingredients from their daily food and treats. 

• Reduce or eliminate monthly flea medications or other pharmaceuticals (ie, antihistamines, acid reflux, antibiotics) that are unnecessary for your pet's everyday vitality. 

• Give daily exercise to support physical and mental stimulation for in-home harmony. 

• Give only clean, filtered, reverse osmosis water when refilling their bowl. 

You can take simple steps right away to embark on your pet's natural health journey. From balanced, species-appropriate diets to reducing unnecessary pharmaceuticals, these actions can improve your pet's quality of life.

You can start today by feeding healthier pet food and treats so your dog and or cat feel better and ultimately may live longer. Stop by our retail locations in Madison Heights, Michigan, just north of Detroit, or in Warren, Southeast Corner of East 14 Mile Road and Schoenherr, which are open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm, and Sundays from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Also, visit our 24/7 natural pet food treats, toys, and supplies store online. Please message us on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok for further questions on how to combat diabetes in your pets!