When a pet is diagnosed with diabetes, it can feel like a lot of new information comes at you all at once. Unfortunately, if you’re searching online or going to a friend, the information can get mixed with myths that can cause confusion or unnecessary worry. For National Pet Diabetes Month, Davison Vet Integrated Care is breaking down some misconceptions about pet diabetes so you can care for your animal companion with confidence.
Myth: Diabetes in pets is caused by too much sugar.
Truth: Diabetes is related to blood sugar regulation.
Pet diabetes is often linked to a combination of factors such as age, breed, obesity, genetics, and certain health conditions. Diabetes mellitus (the most common kind of diabetes) occurs when cats or dogs do not produce enough insulin or become resistant. When this happens, your pet can no longer regulate glucose, a sugar, in their body.
Myth: A diabetes diagnosis means my pet’s life is over.
Truth: Diabetes in pets is a manageable health condition.
With the right treatment and consistent care, diabetic pets can live full lives. Managing diabetes may require lifestyle changes (like regular insulin injections, a specific diet, and routine vet visits), but pets often bounce back to themselves once their condition is under control.
Myth: Insulin shots will be too hard to give my pet.
Truth: Your diabetic pet will likely learn to accept their insulin injections.
It’s totally normal to feel nervous about giving your pet injections. In time, most pet parents find that, after a few tries and some coaching from a veterinarian, giving insulin injections becomes second nature. Most pets tolerate them well, especially when injections are paired with a treat or meal (although you should follow your vet’s recommendations for giving food around injection time).
Myth: Only overweight pets get diabetes.
Truth: Obesity is a diabetes risk factor for pets, but it’s not the only cause.
Many pets develop diabetes without being overweight. Some breeds are genetically predisposed, and age plays a significant role as well. That being said, since being overweight is a high-risk factor, one of the easiest ways to prevent diabetes is through keeping your pet at a healthy weight. If your pet is diabetic, it is very important that weight loss be carried out under the guidance of a veterinary professional.
Myth: It’s easy to tell if a pet has diabetes.
Truth: Diabetes in pets is not always easy to spot.
Many early signs of diabetes, like increased thirst and urination or weight loss, can be subtle or mistaken for other issues. Routine veterinary wellness exams with lab testing are very important for all pets. Catching diabetes early often means fewer health complications for your pet in the long run.
Diagnosing Diabetic Pets in Davison, MI
Diabetes in cats and dogs is manageable with the right veterinary support. Davison Vet Integrated Care diagnoses pet diabetes in Davison for dogs and cats from Flint, Lapeer, Burton, Davison, and neighboring Michigan areas. If you are concerned that your pet has diabetes, schedule a consultation with Davison Vet Integrated Care.
