Key Things to Know About Pet Diabetes from Avenues Vets
October 20, 2025
With Pet Diabetes Month on the horizon this November, it’s a great time to raise awareness of this increasingly common condition in cats and dogs. Our vets in Glasgow want to help you recognise the signs early and feel confident about supporting a diabetic pet.
To help you, our team at Avenues Vets have prepared some guidance on how to recognise the signs of pet diabetes and manage treatment. If you notice changes in your pet, don’t wait – book a check-up so we can test for diabetes and start any necessary treatment.
What is diabetes and how does it happen in pets?
Diabetes mellitus occurs when your pet’s body can’t produce enough insulin (or use it properly), meaning sugar builds up in the bloodstream instead of being used as energy. Dogs tend to develop insulin-dependent diabetes, while in cats, it’s often linked to obesity and insulin resistance.
Key signs to watch for:
Pet diabetes often creeps in gradually, so spotting it early is vital. Our vets at Avenues Vets advise to look out for:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Increased appetite with weight loss
- Lethargy
- Sweet-smelling breath
- Cloudy eyes (more common in diabetic dogs)
How is it managed?
Pet diabetes isn’t curable, but it is manageable with the right care. Many pets will need daily insulin injections (there are non-injection options for cats), a tailored diet and regular check-ins with our vets in Glasgow. Many diabetic cats and dogs live happy, active lives once stabilised.
Can pet diabetes be prevented?
Not all cases are preventable, but our team at Avenues Vets explain that maintaining a healthy weight plays a major role – especially in cats. Feeding measured, balanced meals, keeping your pet active, and coming in for annual health checks can all help reduce the risk. Call us on 0141 643 0404 to book your next check-up.
The support you need
Managing diabetes might sound overwhelming, but our vets in Glasgow are here to support you every step of the way. From showing you how to give injections to giving advice on diet choices, we’ll help you build a routine that works for your pet and for you. If you’d like to read more information about looking after your pet’s health and wellbeing, you’ll find further articles in our pet care news.
Worried your pet might have diabetes or be at risk? Book a diabetes check-up with our friendly team at Avenues Vets.
