Pet cancer and diabetes awareness month
Pet Cancer and Diabetes Awareness Month
November is pet cancer and diabetes awareness month. Here, we want to shed some light on the signs and symptoms to look out for in your pet, how to reduce the chances of your pet getting either of these illnesses and how to manage if your pet is diagnosed with diabetes.
Ways to reduce the risk of diabetes in your pet:
- Follow a healthy diet and exercise routine
- Maintain regular checkups with your vet
- Don’t overfeed your pet.
Diabetes signs to look for:
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive urination
- Excessive hunger while losing weight
- Lethargy
- Cloudy eyes (in dogs)
- Stops grooming (in cats)
- Thinning, dry, and dull hair.
So your pet has diabetes, what now?
It’s best to stay away from foods that contain artificial flavours, colours, and preservatives and follow a tailored feeding schedule (ideally avoiding the free feeding method). Diabetic pets should have a meat-based, high protein diet, and shouldn’t be given treats throughout the day as this peak in blood sugar can be difficult for them to control.
Ways to reduce the risk of cancer in your pet:
- Spaying or neutering your pet can potentially reduce the risk of testicular or mammary gland cancer
- Following a healthy diet and exercise routine can help reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cancer
- Regular brushing and oral hygiene can make a huge difference in the longevity of your pet’s life.
Cancer signs to look for:
- Abnormal swelling
- Wounds that won’t heal
- Unexplained weight loss
- Lack of appetite
- Difficulty breathing or urinating
- Bleeding or discharge
- Stiffness and lethargy
- Persistent odor
If you have any concerns or questions regarding diabetes and cancer in relation to your pet, it’s best to consult your vet first and as soon as possible. If you would like some advice on diet and nutrition, you can also speak to our in-house nutritionist Sam – click here for ways to contact her:
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