Diabetes in Dogs & Cats: Spotting Symptoms Early Can Save Lives

November is Pet Diabetes Month, which makes it the perfect time to talk about a condition that affects thousands of pets every year—but often goes unnoticed until it’s serious. Just like in people, diabetes in pets can be life-threatening if it isn’t caught and managed early.

The good news? With the right awareness and regular veterinary care, pets with diabetes can live long, happy lives.

What is Diabetes in Pets?

Diabetes happens when the body can’t properly regulate blood sugar. In pets, it usually takes one of two forms:

Type I (Insulin-dependent): The pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. Most common in dogs.
Type II (Insulin-resistant): The body produces insulin but doesn’t use it properly. Most common in cats.

Both types prevent the body from converting sugar into energy, leaving too much glucose in the blood.

Early Signs of Diabetes in Dogs & Cats

Catching diabetes early makes treatment much more successful. Look out for these common warning signs:

Excessive thirst (your pet’s water bowl is always empty)
Frequent urination (including accidents in the house or litter box)
Increased appetite but unexplained weight loss
Cloudy eyes or cataracts (more common in dogs)
Lethargy or low energy
Poor coat quality or thinning fur

If you notice even one of these symptoms, it’s worth bringing your pet in for a checkup.

Which Pets Are Most at Risk?

Any cat or dog can develop diabetes, but certain things increase the chances:

Age: Pets that are middle-aged to older are at higher risk. (ScienceDirect, 2023)
Weight / Obesity: Pets who are overweight are significantly more likely to become diabetic. In cats, obesity can raise diabetes risk by up to four times compared to cats at a healthy weight. (Cornell Feline Health Center)
Lifestyle / Activity Level: Less active pets—especially indoor cats with little exercise—have a higher risk of diabetes. (National Library of Medicine)
Existing health conditions: Diseases such as chronic pancreatitis or other endocrine disorders can contribute to diabetes. (Harbor View Veterinary Hospital)

Why Early Detection Matters

Diabetes that goes undiagnosed can lead to serious complications like:

Nerve damage
Kidney failure
Blindness from cataracts
Life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

The earlier it’s caught, the better chance your pet has at avoiding these complications. With early diagnosis and proper management, many pets live normal, healthy lives.

What You Can Do

Watch for symptoms. You know your pet best—if something seems off, trust your gut.
Schedule regular checkups. Routine bloodwork and urine tests can catch diabetes before it progresses.
Maintain a healthy weight. Preventing obesity is one of the most powerful ways to reduce risk.

Free Weight Checks at Pinnacle Veterinary Clinic

Since weight plays such a huge role in diabetes risk, we encourage you to stop by anytime during our open hours for a free weight check. No appointment needed—just step on the scale, get a quick update, and your pup will get a free low-calorie treat for their efforts!

It’s an easy way to stay proactive about your pet’s health—and a small step that can make a big difference.

Let’s Keep Diabetes from Going Undetected

Pet diabetes is serious, but it doesn’t have to shorten your pet’s life. The key is catching it early and working with your vet to manage it.

If you’ve noticed changes in your pet’s thirst, appetite, or energy—or if you just want peace of mind—schedule a checkup with Pinnacle Veterinary Clinic today. Together, we can make sure your furry friend stays healthy, happy, and thriving for years to come.

📞 Call us or book online today—because early action really can save lives.