The latest PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report revealed that diabetes is one of the most common weight-related health issues in both dogs and cats identified by vets and nurses across the UK.

Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of diabetes and other serious medical conditions for our pets and has been consistently identified as one of the main concerns of the veterinary profession.

PDSA is highlighting the signs and symptoms of pet diabetes during National Diabetes Week 2019.

The best prevention for diabetes is keeping pets at a healthy weight by ensuring they are getting the right amounts of food and exercise.

Diabetes can affect cats and dogs, but sometimes has subtle signs. These can include:

• Drinking more than normal

• Weeing more than normal (usually because they're drinking so much)

• Increased appetite

• Weight loss (even though they seem to eat more)

• Seeming under the weather or depressed

• Being off their food

• Vomiting (with other symptoms of diabetes).

If you spot any of these signs or think your pet may have diabetes, contact your vet as soon as possible.

Although prevention is far better than cure, there will always be some pets that get this disease. Luckily, with the right treatment many diabetic pets can continue to have a good quality of life. If your vet diagnoses your pet with diabetes, they will give them a tailored treatment and management plan, which usually includes insulin injections plus a strict diet and exercise routine.

PDSA is the UK’s leading vet charity. We’re on a mission to improve pet wellbeing through prevention, education and treatment.

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