Could your dog or cat have diabetes? How would you know? If you are like many pet parents, you are not sure about your furry family members' overall health, but you should be. When you visit Methuen Veterinary Hospital, one of the services we offer is a full blood workup that will check for diabetes. If present, our animal hospital in Methuen will work with you to ensure you learn everything you need to know about this condition and how to manage it. Here are some common diabetes FAQs that our clients ask.
What Happens If Diabetes is Left Untreated in Animals?
It is never advisable not to provide proper care to your animal. Left untreated, diabetes can worsen in animals, much like it does in people. Over time, this can lead to complications, including kidney failure, urinary tract infections, and vision loss. However, when you visit a veterinarian near you, you will learn effective strategies to reduce these risks.
How Hard Is It to Treat Diabetes in a Dog or Cat?
There is a significant amount of commitment for pet owners who have a dog or a cat with diabetes. However, there are effective treatment options available. If our pet's health is poor, and nutritional support and weight loss are not enough, you may have to provide your pet with daily injections to help regulate blood sugar levels and preserve their overall health.
What Diet Changes Should a Pet With Diabetes Have?
Your veterinarian will provide very specific recommendations for your dog or cat. Most of the time, the goal will be to remove any sugar substances from their food. Like humans, many dog diets are filled with sugar additives that can make treating diabetes difficult to do. Your veterinarian may offer specific tools to help avoid spikes in blood sugar.
How Can I Help My Dog with Diabetes?
Your first step should be to bring them into an animal hospital near you for proper treatment and stabilization. Once that occurs, you will learn a great deal about how to treat your pet and the care to provide to them over the coming weeks as their condition improves. You can help your dog by giving them a high-fiber diet, getting daily exercise, and keeping their overall nutrition-based diet in hand.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarian in Methuen, MA
Contact Methuen Veterinary Hospital to learn more about how you can support your pet's diabetes condition. Our animal hospital in Methuen is the best place near you to get the care and knowledge you need to keep your dog or other pet healthy, even with a diabetes diagnosis. Call us now at (978) 685-8031 for an appointment.