November is National Pet Diabetes Month. Pets with diabetes cannot produce or utilize insulin properly, preventing the conversion of food to energy. Without the conversion to energy, extra sugar left in the blood leads to lethargy and other health problems. It is estimated that 1 in 300 adult dogs and 1 in 230 adult cats in the US have diabetes. Diabetes cannot be cured, but with proper treatment and monitoring your pet can live a long, happy life. Age, genetics, obesity, and breed can all be factors in pets that are at risk for diabetes. Physical inactivity, indoor lifestyle, hyperthyroidism, and pancreatitis can also be factors for cats. Symptoms to look out for in dogs are excessive thirst, urination, hunger, lethargy, thinning or dull hair, and cloudy eyes. Symptoms to look out for in cats are also excessive thirst, urination, and hunger, lethargy, thinning or dull hair, and not grooming. Click the link below to learn more about pet diabetes. If you are concerned your pet may have diabetes, please call us at 706-629-5060 or email us at askbfah@gmail.com to make an appointment. Thank you!
