D. Williams
I just had to share this information that was brought to my attention by Dr. Becker’s Healthy Pets newsletter of October 8. I have only hit on some highlights and urge you to read more and discuss this with your vet. This issue highlights the need for owners to have pet health insurance for their beloved animals. I have dealt with this health issue in one of my personal rescue dogs and it is heartbreaking. If this kind of illness ever effects one of your pets, then you’d be grateful if you had a helpline that you could contact at any time such as https://www.petsbest.com/24-7-pet-helpline that could potentially save the life of your pet.
The complete article can be found at http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2016/10/08/diabetes-in-pets.aspx?utm_source=petsnl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=art1&utm_campaign=20161008Z1&et_cid=DM122695&et_rid=1701176813.
In the last five years there has been a 900 percent increase in diabetes in pets in the U.K. The U.S. is close with obesity. Common breeds are cats – British Shorthair; Burmese; Maine Coon; Foreign Shorthair and Abyssinian; dogs – Westies; Labs; King Charles Spaniels; Huskies; and Miniature Schnauzers. Over the last 10 years it has increased 80 percent in dogs and 18 percent in cats.
Type 2 Diabetes (adult onset) generally occurs about middle age or in the senior years as a result of lifestyle. Obesity is the biggest reason. Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst; urination; increased appetite; fatigue; vision problems and urinary tract infections.
Obesity and food go hand-in-hand as the largest reason. Pets have no biological requirement for eating grains or starches (carbohydrates) yet we find processed food has as much as 80 percent carbohydrates which turn to sugar. Even grain-free foods contain sugar in the form of tapioca, potato, peas and other legumes that stress the pancreas. Hand-in-hand with poor nutrition is lack of activity – I am a huge proponent of exercise for my kids.
Help your pet avoid diabetes by good species appropriate nutrition; regular heart thumping/muscle toning/calorie burning exercise. My recommendation is at a minimum two 30-45 minute power walks; these won’t hurt you either. If your pet has other health issues including autoimmune disorders be mindful of repetitive vaccinations.
Rover’s Rest Stop and Ranch is very thankful for all your support! Thank you, Linda Caton, for having a heart for the kids! Hope to see everyone in Cottonwood November 12 for our meet/greet. We are having a grand opening November 19 – more to come. See you under the blue sky at the Ranch, partners!