- weight loss with a pet that has a hardy appetite
- a pet that day in and day out drinks an unusually large amount of water
There is good news for cats with diabetes. A new food has just come on the market that can reduce the need for the amount of insulin and in a large number of cats stop the need for insulin at all. The name of this food is Purina DM and at this time it works only for cats. If your cat, or you have a friend with a diabetic cat, I recommend consulting the vet for more information.
If your older dog or cat is eating more but losing weight, plus they are drinking lots of water, it’s time for this pet to see the vet.
With increased eating and water intake, the first problem in our older pets that I look for is diabetes. This type of diabetes is caused by reduced insulin production causing high blood glucose.
I have seen the glucose levels high enough in some pets that when they go to the bathroom, the urine is sweet enough to attract honey bees. It’s true! The treatment for diabetes is the same for people as for animals – daily insulin injections.
I realize daily insulin sounds like a big hassle for you and the pet, but most diabetic dogs and cats don’t notice the shot and the insulin injection makes a world of difference in the way the pet feels and acts.
