This World Diabetes Day, we’re reminding you of the signs and symptoms of diabetes in pets. These are the signs of diabetes in dogs and cats to look out for…

What is diabetes in pets?

Similarly to humans, diabetes occurs in dogs and cats when the pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin. Insulin is needed to absorb glucose and provide energy around their body. If insulin isn’t produced, the body can’t control the glucose in the blood, which can lead to hyperglycaemia.

Common signs of diabetes in dogs and cats

Although symptoms can vary between cats and dogs, there are a few common signs to look out for…

Increased thirst

If you notice that you’re refilling your pet’s water bowl more frequently and they’re drinking more than usual, this could be a sign of diabetes.

Excessive urination

Drinking more will naturally lead to going to the toilet more. Dogs may ask to go outside more or start having accidents outside. If you have a cat, you may notice larger clumps in their litter tray.

Unexplained weight loss

If your pet starts losing weight, even though they aren’t necessarily eating less – this could be a sign of diabetes. This happens because their body isn’t able to use glucose effectively for energy and starts breaking down fat and muscle instead.

Low energy

When a pet has diabetes, their cells don’t receive the energy that they need. This can cause your pet to become less active, sleep more and stop engaging with their usual activities.

Signs of diabetes in dog

There are some diabetes symptoms specific to just dogs. These include:

  • Increased appetite – Despite losing weight, your dog may be hungrier than usual and eating more.
  • Cloudy eyes (cataracts) – diabetes can cause cataracts, which makes their eyes look cloudy. This can affect your dog’s vision, and can develop quite quickly.
  • Urinary tract infections – Dogs with diabetes can be more susceptible to infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs).

If you notice any of these changes in your dog, as well as the common symptoms, seek advice from your vet.

Signs of diabetes in cats

Diabetes symptoms specific to cats include;

  • Changes in appetite – an increased or a decreased appetite can be a sign of diabetes in cats. It’s worth always paying attention to your cat’s eating habits so you can notice any changes.
  • Weakness in the back legs – Some cats can develop diabetic neuropathy, a condition that affects the nerves and can cause weakness in their back legs. You might notice your cat walking differently.
  • Changes in coat – Your cat’s coat may become scruffier than usual.

If you notice any of these signs or changes in your cat, contact your vet.

What to do if you think your pet has diabetes?

If your dog or cat is presenting any of these symptoms linked to diabetes, it’s important to get them checked out at the vet. Many of these symptoms can be linked to other health conditions so they will likely require more tests to confirm the cause.

Diabetes is typically diagnosed with blood and urine tests, which can identify high blood glucose levels.

If your pet does receive a diabetes diagnosis, there is treatment available to help manage the symptoms and allow them to live a good quality of life.

Treatment commonly involves insulin injections, alongside dietary adjustments and regular monitoring.

If your pet becomes very weak, collapses, vomits repeatedly or stops eating, seek urgent veterinary advice, as these can be signs of a serious diabetic complication.

Why is pet insurance important for ongoing conditions like diabetes?

A diagnosis like diabetes can mean ongoing veterinary care, regular check-ups and medication prescriptions. The cost of this can add up over time, which is why having suitable pet insurance in place is important.

At Vetsure, we understand that looking after a pet with a long-term condition can be a financial commitment. That’s why we offer a unique excess benefit: you only pay your excess once per condition, not every year.

For example, if your pet is diagnosed with diabetes and needs ongoing treatment over several years, you won’t have to pay your excess again each year for that same condition – helping to make ongoing treatment more manageable.

Looking after your pet’s health starts with knowing what to look out for. If you have any concerns about your cat or dog’s health, your vet is always the best person to speak to.