Holistic Pets

If your have a family pet that’s ever been diagnosed with a dog diabetes symptom, treatment at an early stage by a veterinarian can aid in preventing additional difficulties from this disease. The dog might be saved from the awful occurrence of any nerve damage in addition to averting the prospect of blindness. The conventional dog diabetes treatment can go a long way in maintaining the dog’s health.

Diabetes Dog Insulin Injections

Dependent on your dog’s requirements, injections of insulin will often be given one to two times per day. The measure of insulin applied in every dose and the frequency of these doses will depend on your veterinary surgeon. Some dogs can take tablets rather than being given shots in their daily dog diabetes treatment.

The diabetes dog insulin dose is often given in smaller measures at the beginning of treatment in order that the level of blood sugar may become stable. In extreme conditions this might involve your dog requiring treatment at a hospital for a couple of days. If her diabetes has become more stable, then the doggy could accept outpatient treatment.

Throughout this period, your pet’s blood sugar would be monitored each hour to verify the precise dosage of insulin she will require on a day-to-day basis. Once the ideal diabetes dog insulin measurement has been achieved, the vet’s will teach you to monitor the dog by checking her urine and on occasion, the blood.

Best Food For Diabetic Dog

After a dog diabetes symptom has been detected, there’s nothing more significant to step-up your pet’s life expectancy than with a rigid diet. In truth, it’s so essential to your doggy to eat appropriately when she has this ailment, as there is a possibility that the diabetes could go into complete remission simply from an alteration in diet alone.

The best food for a diabetic dog includes food that’s low to moderate in carbohydrates and high in fibre. This is the moment to begin cooking your pet’s meals from home with raw ingredients and meats.

Prior to deciding on what to feed her, it might be sensible to discuss with a holistic vet that has knowledge on nutrition. Your intention here ought to be to apply food as “medication” as part of the dog diabetes treatment in order to one day put a stop to your dog needing “official” medicine.

Let’s face it, canine diabetes is on the rise. However, many people are totally ignorant of the symptoms of diabetes in dogs. In this case, ignorance is not bliss, though. Diabetes in canines can result in blindness, infections, and if left untreated, in death.  

Anyone who has a canine in their life needs to know these seven symptoms that are common to dogs with diabetes.

1. Drinking More Water Than Usual

This should always be a red flag for pet owners. If your pet is suddenly very thirsty, and continues to be for several days, this could be due to high blood sugar levels. Her body will be demanding more water in an attempt to flush some of the glucose out of her system.

Sometimes the amount of water she’s drinking increases so gradually, you may not even be aware of it until another symptom, frequent urination, shows up.

2. Frequent Urination

This goes along with drinking a lot of water. Even if you don’t notice your pet’s increased water consumption, it’s hard to miss it if she’s asking to go outside more often, or if she’s having accidents in the house because she can’t “hold it.”  

3. She’s Lethargic And Tired

Your formerly energetic companion suddenly seems to have lost interest in life. All she wants to do is lay around. You may notice that she’s weak, and tired all the time. She just doesn’t seem to be herself.  

4. Weight Gain Or Loss

Any pet that suddenly gains or loses weight for no reason needs to see the vet, especially if she’s ravenously hungry, but isn’t putting on any weight, or is even losing it. This can be a symptom of any number of health problems, but canine diabetes is often the reason.

5. Her Breath Is Sweet

Instead of the usual “dog breath,” your pup’s breath has a sweet smell to it. This is a definite sign of high blood sugar levels. Take your pet to the vet right away.

6. Shaking Or Shivering

This is a symptom of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. This is very serious condition that needs immediate treatment.

7. Persistent Infections

If your pup is suffering from repeated urinary tract infections, gum infections, or fungal infections, it could because due to diabetes. One of the symptoms of diabetes in dogs is a decreased resistance to infections.  

Your Pet May Not Show Any Symptoms At All

Sometimes dogs with diabetes don’t show any of these symptoms because the disease changes their bodily functions so slowly. For this reason, this disease is often known as a silent killer.

Can you prevent diabetes in canines? The answer is yes. Here are some suggestions:

*Keep your dog’s weight under control.  
*Feed her a high quality canned food that’s low in fat and carbohydrates and high in fiber.  
*Have her spayed, as high estrogen levels can sometimes interfere with insulin production.  
*Regular exercise will keep her in shape, and it’s also helpful in keeping her blood sugar levels normal.

Some pet owners are curious about natural remedies for dogs. Research has shown that certain herbs and dietary supplements are very helpful in keeping the amount of glucose in the blood at normal levels. However, once canine diabetes has developed, your pet will need to be on insulin for the rest of her life. With this disease, prevention is definitely the best cure.

Don’t be paralyzed by ignorance. Protect your pet by knowing the symptoms of diabetes in dogs.

Has your pet been diagnosed with canine diabetes? Is so, you need to know about these complications that often go along with diabetes in dogs. Diabetes is a complex disease, and the more information you have, the better you’ll be able to care for your companion. 

1. Cataracts In Dogs

It’s a sad fact that the vast majority of canine diabetics will develop cataracts within a year of being diagnosed. The lenses of his eyes will gradually become cloudy and opaque, which causes him to lose his vision. This is due to high blood glucose levels that affect every organ in his body.  

Once your pet’s blood sugar levels are stabilized, which usually takes at least three months, cataract surgery is an option. Most dogs do quite well with the surgery and regain their vision.  

2. Uveitis And Glaucoma

Uveitis is caused when the lenses in the eyes leak protein into the eyeball, which causes severe inflammation. This is a complication of cataracts. It must be treated right away, or it can progress into glaucoma, which causes permanent vision loss. A detached retina can occur, too.

Unfortunately, if a pet develops uveitis, cataract surgery isn’t an option any more, since there is a much higher chance of complications.

3. Increased Susceptibility To Infections

Your pet may be subject to recurring infections. It’s a vicious cycle; in a nutshell, high blood glucose levels provide plenty of food for bacteria, and then higher levels of bacteria cause higher blood sugar levels. 

Urinary tract infections, prostrate infections, pneumonia, and skin conditions are commonly seen in dogs with diabetes. It’s essential to monitor your pet’s health to keep an infection from gaining a foothold.

4. Diabetic Neuropathy

This complication is a lot more common in cats, but it can happen in dogs, too. In fact, this is sometimes the first symptom of a diabetic canine that the owner notices. If your companion’s back legs seem to be getting weak, it might not be because he’s getting older. He could have diabetes in dogs.  

The good news is that, in dogs, this condition is usually reversible once the blood sugar levels are normalized.

5. Diabetic Ketoacidosis In Dogs

This is a severe, life-threatening complication that results from high blood sugar levels. It’s important for all dog owners to know the symptoms of canine diabetes so this doesn’t happen to their pets.

Symptoms include:

*Excessive thirst
*Frequent urination
*Losing weight even though he’s eating ravenously
*Sudden blindness
*Weakness
*Vomiting and dehydration
*Breath smells like acetone (similar to nail polish remover)

A dog with diabetes can develop ketoacidosis very quickly, in as little as a week. It can be fatal, but most canines will survive with the proper treatment.

The Best Cure Is Prevention

Diabetes in dogs can be prevented. The best way to do this is by keeping your pet’s weight under control. Feed him a high-fiber, low-fat diet, and cut out the treats and table scraps.  

Regular exercise is an excellent way to keep his blood sugar levels under control. A long walk, morning and evening, will help to keep him in shape, and burn off extra calories as well.

Studies have shown that certain herbs and dietary supplements found in natural remedies for dogs can help to control blood sugar levels. Chromium is essential for this reason, but sadly, most diets don’t contain enough of this mineral.  

Don’t wait any longer to protect your pet from this dread disease. With diet, exercise, and herbs for dogs, you can prevent canine diabetes.

If your pet has just been diagnosed with canine diabetes, you’re probably feeling shocked and overwhelmed right now. But don’t despair. Managing diabetes in dogs can be challenging at first, but after a few months, you and your pet will be old hands at it. Here are some answers to questions you probably have. 

1. Why Are Blood Sugar Levels Important?

Your pet’s body breaks carbohydrates down into glucose during the digestion process. Glucose is what fuels the body. It’s transported by the blood to all parts of your pet’s body.  

Blood glucose levels go up after a meal. That’s when insulin, produced in the pancreas, is released into your pet’s system to keep the blood sugar levels from becoming too high.  

If not enough insulin is being produced, blood sugar levels will get too high, which causes damage over time to your pet’s organ systems. If your pet isn’t fed at the right time, or he receives too much insulin, blood sugar levels can plummet to dangerously low levels, which can quickly cause death.

Blood sugar is measured by how many mg of glucose are present in a deciliter of blood. Normal blood sugar levels in dogs range between 75 and 120 millegrams per deciliter (mg/dL). It’s normal for the blood sugar levels to rise after a meal. But if they stay above 180 for a long time, the body will try to get rid of excess sugar by excreting it in the urine. This is known as “sugar spilling.”  

Blood sugar levels below 80 are too low, and if the level drops below 60, this is a crisis situation. You need to get your pet’s blood sugar levels higher right away. 

2. What Does “Regulation” Mean For Diabetes In Dogs?

Your pet is considered “regulated” when the supplies of food and insulin are balanced, which results in blood sugar levels staying within normal levels all day. 

If your pet is left alone all day, it can be challenge to keep her blood sugar levels from gettng too low or too high. You don’t want her blood sugar levels to get too low, because this can be fatal quickly. If levels are too high for long periods of time, ketoacidosis can result, which is a different crisis. Until she’s well-regulated, you may need to have someone come home mid-day to check her blood sugar level.  

3. Regulating Canine Diabetes Takes Time

You’ll need to establish a routine of feeding your pet at the same time every day. Two meals a day, twelve hours apart, is usually recommended. You’ll also need to check her blood sugar levels and give her an insulin injection twice a day, usually at mealtimes.

It’s best to give her the insulin shot after she eats. If you give it to her before you feed her, and then she doesn’t eat, her blood sugar levels will drop dangerously low, which means an emergency trip to the vet.

Always warm insulin in your hand before you give it to your dog, as injecting it while it’s cold is painful for your pet.

Is There A Cure For Diabetes In Dogs?

Unfortunately, no. The best cure is prevention. Since the biggest risk factor for dogs with diabetes is being overweight, putting her on a diet is the best thing you can do for your pet. Plenty of exercise is essential, too. Exercise is a great way to control blood sugar levels naturally.  

Natural remedies for dogs contain herbs and dietary supplements which have been proven to control blood sugar levels naturally. Many pet owners have successfully used a combination of diet, exercise, and herbs to prevent diabetes in dogs.

Don’t wait for your pet to develop canine diabetes. While it’s still fresh in your mind, you’ll want to start learning now how you can prevent your pet from becoming a diabetic.

Your pet has just been diagnosed with canine diabetes. Regulating your pet’s blood sugar levels is an important part of managing diabetes in dogs. Here’s what you need to know.

What Are Blood Sugar Levels, And Why Are They Important?

The carbohydrates in the food your pet eats are broken down into glucose during the digestive process. Glucose is what your pet’s body uses for energy, and it’s sent to all parts of her body via the bloodstream. It’s normal for blood glucose levels to rise after your pet eats.  

This is when insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is released, to keep blood sugar levels from getting too high. Normally your pet’s body will regulate the balance between blood glucose levels and insulin levels on its own. 

Blood sugar levels are measured in millegrams per deciliter (mg/dL). The normal range for a canine is between 75 and 120 mg/dL. It’s normal for blood glucose levels to rise after a meal, but they should come back down quickly. If the blood glucose levels remain above 180, the body will attempt to get rid of the extra glucose by excreting it in the urine. This is called a “sugar spill.” 

Elevated blood sugar levels over a period of time will damage your pet’s organ systems, including her eyes and her kidneys. Diabetic ketoacidosis can result, which is a life-threatening crisis.

It’s important that your pet’s blood sugar levels don’t get too low, either. Blood glucose levels around 80 are considered low. If they fall to 60 or below, your pet can start having seizures and die very quickly.  

How Do You Monitor Blood Sugar Levels In Dogs With Diabetes?

You can use a urine strip to check the amount of sugar present in your pet’s urine. Or you can use a blood glucose meter to measure blood glucose levels. Your vet will let you know which is best for your pet.

Feeding And Insulin

You’ll need to get into a routine of feeding your pet twice a day, usually every twelve hours. Your vet will probably recommend a low-fat, high-fiber food.  

Insulin shots are usually given at mealtimes. It’s best to wait until after your pet has eaten to give her the shot. If you give it before the meal, and then she doesn’t feel like eating, her blood sugar levels will drop to dangerously low levels. In this case, you’ll need to get your pet to the vet immediately.  

Insulin is stored in the refrigerator. Take the time to warm the vial in your hand before injecting the insulin. It will be painful for your pet if you give it to her cold.

Regulating Diabetes In Dogs Takes Time

It can take several months to get the balance between food and insulin right for your pet. The ideal is to keep her blood sugar at normal levels all the time. In real life, her blood sugar may get a little higher or a little lower during the day. The key is to prevent extreme highs and lows.

Can I Ever Stop Giving My Diabetic Canine Insulin Shots?

No, you’ll need to give her insulin for the rest of her life. There is no cure for this disease right now.  

How To Prevent Canine Diabetes

Prevention is the best cure. Overweight pets are at high risk for developing this disease, so put your obese pet on a diet. Regular exercise will help burn those extra calories, and is a great way to naturally control blood sugar levels.  

Many pet owners also use natural remedies for dogs to keep blood sugar levels under control. Research has shown that certain herbs and dietary supplements are effective for regulating blood glucose levels in pets.

Protect your pet from becoming a canine diabetic by learning more about natural remedies for dogs today.

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a magic diet you could feed your pet that would instantly solve all your canine diabetes problems? If you are one of the many pet owners who have dogs with diabetes, you probably have many questions about feeding your companion.  

What You Feed A Diabetic Dog Is Extremely Important

Unfortunately, an all-purpose one-size-fits-all diet for diabetic pets doesn’t exist. You may be surprised to learn that the special diabetic dog food your vet sells isn’t the answer either. You’ll probably need to educate yourself on this topic in order make an informed decision as to what to feed your buddy.

More than likely, you’ll be giving your pet insulin shots, so it’s critical that she eats what you feed her, and that she eats all of it. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to figure out how much insulin she should get. If she won’t eat a special diet, it doesn’t really do her much good, and it can lead to serious problems, including hypoglycemia. 

You’ll need to set up a routine of feeding two or three smaller meals every day. Feeding your diabetic pet once a day is not recommended. The levels of glucose in her blood will spike after she eats, and then drop to dangerously low levels twelve hours later. Feeding her twice a day prevents this problem.

You already understand why you shouldn’t be feeding her sweet treats. But did you know that most dry and semi-moist dog foods contain too many carbohydrates? Carbs are broken down into glucose during the process of digestion. The problem is that all this glucose goes into your pet’s system at once, causing a spike in blood sugar levels. Eating too many carbs also leads to canine obesity. An overweight dog has a much higher chance of developing diabetes.

Fats and proteins, on the other hand, are digested much more slowly. Although they’re also broken down into glucose, it enters your pet’s bloodstream over a much longer period of time, preventing blood glucose levels from rising too quickly.

The best thing to feed dogs with diabetes is a high-quality canned food that’s low in fat and high in fiber. Watch that the fat content doesn’t drop below ten percent. If the fat content is too low, it can cause itchy skin conditions that make life miserable for your buddy.

The Best Time To Give Insulin

You should be checking your pet’s sugar levels at home. That’s really the only way you’ll know how much insulin to give her. Your vet can show you how to do this.  

It’s best to wait until after your dog has eaten to give her an insulin shot. If you give her the shot before you feed her, and then she doesn’t eat, her blood glucose levels can drop to dangerously low levels. Your pet can die of hypoglycemia very quickly, so you’ll need to get her to the vet right away. If this should happen, rub a little Karo syrup on her gums to quickly boost her glucose levels.

Natural Remedies For Dogs Can Help To Regulate Dogs With Diabetes

Research has shown than many traditional herbs are useful for regulating glucose levels in diabetic pets. You’ll want to look for a remedy that contains fenugreek, astragalus, goat’s rue, bilberry, and the mineral chromium. This remedy is safe to use along with the insulin your vet prescribes. Be sure to talk to your vet before changing your pet’s treatment plan.

Many pet owners have been able to reduce or even eliminate daily insulin injections by using natural remedies for dogs. Now that you have this information, you may want to consider trying one for your pet. Why don’t you start your diabetic dog on one today?

You may not be aware of it, but hypoglycemia in dogs is a very serious complication of canine diabetes. This life-threatening condition can develop very quickly, and can result in brain damage or death for your diabetic pet. Read on to discover what you must know to prevent this condition.

Blood Glucose Levels Are Important In Diabetic Dogs

Most people know that high levels of glucose in the blood over a long period of time can damage every organ in the body. Blindness, kidney failure, and nerve damage are common diabetic complications in canines. But if the glucose levels get too low, canine hypoglycemia is the result.  

Your pet’s brain needs a constant supply of glucose since the brain can’t store it for use later. If glucose is not available, symptoms of hypoglycemia will occur rapidly and quickly become severe. This is why it’s so important to prevent highs and lows in the amount of glucose in your pet’s blood.  

What Are The Signs Of Hypoglycemia In Dogs?

Since hypoglycemia affects the brain, her nervous system will be affected the most

Weakness Lack of energy Restlessness Shivering Becoming disoriented She may be in a stupor Head tilting or changes in how she moves her head and neck Ataxia–this means that her balance is affected. She may be uncoordinated, and wobble around when she’s trying to walk. She may start having seizures or convulsions.

She can quickly go into a coma and die. Get her to the vet right away.

First Aid For Hypoglycemic Canines

Always keep some corn syrup or honey on hand. If your pet shows signs of this condition, immediately give her a spoonful of syrup. You can squirt it into her mouth with a syringe (with no needle). If she’s unconscious, and can’t swallow, rub the syrup on her gums and under her tongue.

Low blood sugar levels will cause a drop in body temperature. You may need to wrap her in a blanket to keep her warm while you’re taking her to the vet.

Regulating Your Diabetic Dog’s Blood Glucose Levels Is Essential

If the level of glucose in your pet’s blood is always going up and down, this will lead to problems. You should be monitoring these levels at home, so that you can stay on top of the situation.  

Feed your pet two or three smaller meals spaced evenly throughout the day. Always wait until after a meal, and check her blood sugar before giving her an insulin injection. If you give the injection before you feed her, and then she doesn’t eat, the insulin will cause dangerous drops in the amount of glucose in her blood. Think ahead to prevent this from happening.

Avoid vigorous exercise, which can cause the amount of glucose in her system to drop too quickly. It’s better to stick to a short, easy, exercise session every day at the same time to prevent problems. Also carry some syrup with you in a syringe so you can give her some if she needs it.

Natural Remedies For Dogs Are Helpful

Many herbs will help to regulate blood sugar naturally. Many pet owners have been able to reduce the amount of insulin their pet needs, or even eliminate it completely by using herbal pet remedies. These remedies are safe to use right along with the insulin prescribed by your vet. Always be sure to contact your vet before changing your pet’s treatment plan.

Don’t let canine diabetes cause complications for your pet. You may be able to manage it, and prevent hypoglycemia in dogs, by giving your pet a natural remedy for dogs. Why don’t you learn more right now?

If your canine companion has developed diabetes in dogs, he faces the threat of going blind. Cataracts in dogs are an unfortunate side effect for dogs with diabetes. Is there anything you can do to help him?

Why Are Cataracts In Dogs A Problem for Canine Diabetics?

This is only one of many problems that happen when glucose levels in your pet’s blood become too high. In a nutshell, this is what happens. The lens of your pet’s eye is a hard, clear structure that’s normally in a dehydrated state, compared to the rest of his body. Your pet’s body is 98 percent water, but the lens of his eye has a moisture level of only 66 percent.

When blood glucose levels get too high, there’s also excess sugar in the fluid inside your pet’s eyeball. Since the lens receives all its nutrients from this fluid, this means the sugar levels in the lens go up, as well. The lens absorbs more moisture to try to balance these levels.  

Unfortunately, as the lens absorbs extra moisture, it becomes cloudy and opaque, so your pet is no longer able to see through it. When this happens, your pet will go blind.

This can happen very quickly, often in a matter of weeks. Sometimes this is the first symptom of canine diabetes that a pet owner will notice.

Is There Any Hope?

After your pet’s blood sugar levels are stabilized, surgery can be performed on your pet’s eyes. Usually it takes about three months before the operation can be done. Cataract surgery in canines usually has a good outcome, as over three-quarters of dogs operated on regain their sight.  

This operation is quite expensive, though, and not everyone is able to afford it. It’s awful to realize that your beloved pet is blind, but don’t despair, as blind dogs adjust quickly. Usually the owner is more upset over it than the pet is. A blind dog can live happily for many years, although your vet will have to monitor his eyes to be sure no more complications develop.

Can Natural Remedies For Dogs Protect Your Pet’s Vision?

Pet owners often want to know if bilberry can protect their pet’s eyes. Bilberry has a reputation in folk medicine as an herb that can prevent the formation of cataracts. Some herbalists go so far as to say that bilberry not only slows down the progression of cataracts, but can reverse them as well.  

Studies have shown than bilberries contain anthocyanins, which are antioxidants which neutralize free radicals that damage the eyes. Bilberries are a close relative of blueberries, and they’re perfectly safe for your pet.

A natural pet remedy is now available that contains bilberry, combined with the herbs goat’s rue, fenugreek, and astragalus, and the mineral chromium. This remedy can help to regulate glucose levels in dogs with diabetes while protecting their eyes at the same time.  

Now that you know how natural remedies for dogs can be used to treat canine diabetes, you’ll want to learn more right away, so you can keep your pet healthy and maybe even preserve his vision as well.

If you’re like most dog owners, the thought of canine diabetes never crosses your mind. But it should. The number of dogs with diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate.  

This disease has many complications, including an increased risk of infections, cataracts, pancreatitis, and ketoacidosis. Left untreated, diabetes in dogs will be fatal. Is your canine companion at risk for this disease?

An Overweight Pet May Very Well Become A Diabetic Dog

Far and away, obesity in dogs is the biggest risk factor for becoming a diabetic canine. People think that they’re showing love to their pets by overfeeding them, and giving them lots of treats. Sadly, this isn’t true. All you’re doing is dooming your canine friend to many serious health problems.

Feed your pet a high-quality canned food that’s low in carbohydrates, and high in fiber. Cut out the table scraps, and limit the treats to special occasions.  

The best way to show your love for your pet is to play with her, or take her for a walk. Exercise will help to regulate blood glucose levels naturally. By following this advice, you’ll add years to her life, and possibly prevent her from developing diabetes in dogs.

Middle-Aged Females Are At A Higher Risk

Females are two to three times more likely to become diabetic than males. This is because estrogen can interfere with insulin production. Have your companion spayed to prevent this problem.

Diabetes can occur in a canine of any age, but it’s usually seen between the ages of seven and nine.

Some Drugs Are Linked To Diabetes In Dogs

Glucocortisones, which are a type of cortisone drug, and hormones used to control heat in females may cause this disease by interfering with insulin production, as mentioned above. The risk is small, but it is there.  

Certain Breeds Are Disposed To Developing Canine Diabetes

Any canine of any breed can develop this disease, but certain breeds do seem more prone to it:

German shepherds
Keeshonds
Golden retrievers
Poodles
Miniature pinchers
Schnauzers
Cairn terriers
Dachshunds
Cocker spaniels
Beagles

Is There A Cure For Canine Diabetes?

Some people wonder if natural remedies for dogs will cure diabetes in canines. The answer is no, but studies have shown that certain herbs and dietary supplements are both safe and effective for regulating blood glucose levels in diabetic pets. In fact, quite a few pet owners have used herbal pet remedies to reduce the amount of insulin their pets need. 

You’ll want to look for a natural pet remedy that contains goat’s rue, fenugreek, astragalus, and bilberry, along with the mineral chromium. It’s essential that the remedy for formulated especially for pets, not people. To protect your pet, deal only with a company that has an excellent reputation for producing only the highest-quality pet products.

Now that you know how natural remedies for dogs can help your diabetic dog, what are you waiting for? Why don’t you try one today?

Let’s face it; when you have a diabetic cat, you must pay more attention to your feline friend’s health. Although cat diabetes doesn’t lead to blindness or circulatory problems like it does in humans, there are certain problems that go with this disease that you must be aware of. Here are some complications that a kitty with feline diabetes may face.

Feline Ketoacidosis

Your kitty’s body normally breaks down glucose for energy. However, if your kitty is an untreated feline diabetic, glucose is not available for fuel, so his body will try to break down fat instead. When this happens, ketones are produced as a waste product. These ketones will build up in his body, leading to some very serious problems.  

Symptoms of feline ketoacidosis include:

Either drinking excessive amounts of water, OR not drinking any water at all Urinating often Not eating for more than twelve hours Lethargy and weakness Dehydration Breathing fast Vomiting Breath smells sweet, or like nail polish remover

This is a veterinary emergency, and your kitty needs immediate treatment, or he’ll die.

Feline Neuropathy

This may be the first symptom you’ll notice of diabetes in cats. Your pet may walk on his “wrists” on his front legs, or on his hocks (the “elbows”) on his back legs. This strange walk is due to nerve damage caused by high blood glucose levels.  

Diabetic neuropathy is sometimes reversed when your kitty’s blood sugar levels are regulated properly. It does take some time and patience, however, before this can happen.

Hepatic Lipidosis

Overweight kitties who suddenly stop eating are at risk for this problem. Like ketoacidosis, it’s a result of the body trying to use fat for fuel instead of glucose. In this condition, the fat builds up in your kitty’s liver, which causes swelling. The symptoms are similar to those of ketoacidosis, mentioned above, with the addition of jaundice. You’ll notice a yellowish cast to the whites of his eyes, his gums, and the insides of his ears.

This is an emergency situation. If your kitty won’t eat, your vet may have to tube feed him. Although hepatic lipidosis is fatal if not treated, most kitties get better after being fed by tube.

Hypoglycemia In Cats

If your feline diabetic gets too much insulin, or doesn’t eat on schedule, or has an unusually vigorous exercise session, his blood sugar levels can drop to dangerous levels. This affects the brain first, since it can’t store glucose like other organs can. Your pet may become dizzy, weak, listless, and uncoordinated. He can have seizures, and may go into a coma. This condition can be fatal very quickly.  

Keep some Karo syrup on hand so you can put some into a syringe (without a needle) and squirt it into his mouth. If he’s already unconscious, rub some syrup on his gums and under his tongue. Wrap him in a blanket and get him to the vet right away.

Can Complications In Cats With Diabetes Be Prevented?

The best way to avoid these complications in your kitty is to try to keep the glucose levels in his blood where they should be. Natural remedies for cats that include the herbs goat’s rue, astragalus, and fenugreek, along with the supplement chromium, have been shown to help regulate blood glucose levels naturally. In fact, many people who live with diabetic cats have been able to reduce or even eliminate insulin injections by treating their felines with herbal pet remedies.

If your kitty has diabetes, you’ll want to prevent these complications. Don’t wait for your kitty to become a victim. Discover how you can protect your feline companion now.