Diabetes and pets – advice from PDSA

PDSA, the UK’s largest vet charity, is raising awareness of diabetes in pets this week, as part of National Diabetes Week. As many as 1 in 300 dogs and 1 in 200 cats may be suffering from diabetes, like Peeko the Cocker Spaniel.

11-year-old Peeko is a typical cheeky Spaniel, but his owner Amy got concerned when she noticed he was drinking and weeing a lot more than usual, and had lost a lot of weight.

Amy said: “He was constantly tired and had lost his Cocker Spaniel charm. He managed to get through three to four bowls of water a day and was thirsty throughout the night, to the point I had to put puppy pads down for him.”

Worried Amy took Peeko into Leicester PDSA Pet Hospital, which provides free and low cost vet care for owners who are struggling financially. He was examined by a vet and tests revealed he had Diabetes Mellitus – a condition where a dog cannot produce enough insulin to control their blood sugar levels. Without treatment, it can be fatal.

PDSA Vet Sophie Cheklin explained: “Diabetes is a lifelong condition, but with the right treatment and management, Peeko should be able to continue to live a happy healthy life. Peeko will need twice-daily insulin injections, a strict feeding routine, plus regular check-ups to monitor his progress.”

Amy continued: “Once he started his insulin, he was like a different dog! He loves being out in the garden and going on his walks, but he does miss his treats. We had a couple of high blood sugar readings but after some tweaks to his medication and close monitoring he has continued to improve.

“I receive benefits and I can’t afford the ongoing treatment Peeko needs, so PDSA have been a life saver. Without them I wouldn’t be able to keep my best friend.”

This year the cost of insulin for PDSA pet patients eligible for free treatment is being supported thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, ensuring that pets like Peeko can continue to get their life-saving medication. Thanks to their support PDSA provided over 26,000 bottles of insulin to pets in need in 2021.

Amy added: “PDSA were absolutely brilliant! The whole team really have gone above and beyond for him. Everyone is so kind, friendly and understanding.”

PDSA wants owners to be aware of the signs of diabetes, and also know how to reduce the risk of their pets suffering from this disease. Signs of diabetes can include:

Drinking more than normal
Weeing more than normal (usually because they’re drinking so much)
Increased appetite, or going off their food
Weight loss (even though they are eating more)
Low energy
Vomiting (with other symptoms of diabetes)
Tips to reduce the risk of diabetes:

Cats – overweight cats are more prone to diabetes. So maintaining a healthy weight and feeding a balanced diet, suitable for their age and activity levels is very important.

Dogs – there are many risk factors for diabetes in dogs, including some that we can’t control like genetics and age. However, unneutered female dogs are more likely to develop diabetes, so it’s a good idea to speak to your vet about neutering to reduce this risk.

More information on diabetes in pets is available on the PDSA website – just visit the Pet Health Hub www.pdsa.org.uk/pethealthhub and search ‘diabetes’.

PDSA believes that everyone, no matter their financial circumstances, has the right to experience the love and companionship of a pet. And that every pet deserves to live a happy, healthy life. Players of People’s Postcode Lottery help us to achieve our mission by generously supporting the cost of certain vital medications, as well as the development of our Pet Health Hub of vet-approved advice and information.