The Weekly Wag: winter is coming & November is pet diabetes awareness month!

NOVEMBER is pet diabetes awareness month.

 Here at Rockhall Veterinary, we understand that caring for your diabetic pet can be both worrying and demanding, but with ongoing support from our veterinary team your pet can have a happy and balanced life.

There are a number of factors that can result in your pet developing diabetes, these can include:

* Age – diabetes can occur at any age, however it is more commonly diagnosed in our senior patients. Most pets who are diagnosed are typically 5 years or older.

* Obesity – Obesity can play a part in the development of insulin resistance which can result in diabetes.

* Gender – Unspayed females are twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes in comparison to male dogs.

* Chronic or repeated pancreatitis –  the pancreas is the organ that makes insulin. Repeated inflammation of this organ can cause damage which can result in diabetes.

* Steroid medications – Patients on long-term steroids must be checked by their veterinary team regularly, as prolonged use of these medications can trigger diabetes.

* Cushing’s disease – This condition can trigger the body to overproduce steroids, as a result patients can develop diabetes.

Signs of Diabetes: increased thirst, dehydration, nausea, frequent urination, increased appetite, fatigue, sweet smelling breath and/or vomiting.

Is your pet showing any of these signs? Why not give us a call at 061 314203 and speak with a member of our team to schedule your free diabetes test?

Don't forget to check out our weekly wag next week for our follow up article: Taking care for your diabetic pet.

How do I care for my geriatric pet in the winter months?

* Limit your pet’s time outside in extreme weather conditions - our older pets can feel the cold more so than our younger animals, especially on sensitive tail tips and earflaps. In severe cold, it’s a good idea to keep your older pets inside the house.

* Stay indoors where possible during very cold spells; Short jaunts outside can help your pet’s body get used to the change in temperatures as the winter begins. Keep your pets occupied by indoor activities, such as puzzle feeders and snuffle matts. There are dozens of interactive pet toys that can provide your pet with plenty of mental and physical stimulation when the weather is too bad to go outside.

* Wrap Your Pet Up; Make sure that your older, small, delicate animals and short-haired dogs have a cosy winter wardrobe, these can include a waterproof jacket for chilly winter walks or a cosy jumper. Some pets may find putting on and off and the wearing of pet clothing stressful, so we need to treat them as individuals here and only use where appropriate.

* Consider Your Pet’s Age; Similar to humans, our very elderly animals can often struggle to regulate their body temperature and can have more extreme reactions to any changes in the weather. Outdoor play on very cold or rainy days can be too much for our geriatric pets.

* Invest in a Heated Pet Bed:  A heated pet bed can be a great option for animals that tend to feel the cold, particularly senior pets. Look for options that have an auto-turnoff switch that are made specifically for animals.

* Clean Your Pet’s Feet; In the frosty weather the streets can be covered with ice or with de-icing materials, such as calcium chloride and sodium chloride (rock salt), while these chemicals make the paths safe for pedestrians, they can harm our pets delicate paw pads. Make sure you clean your pet’s feet after walking in the wintertime. Use warm water to bathe your dog’s feet after their walk and make sure to reach spots between the toes and pads. Some pets may also need a moisturising balm for their paw pads in the colder months.

* Feeding your pet more regularly: small amounts more often and make sure free access to water, and that it is not frozen over