HYDERABAD: Sedentary lifestyles and calorie-dense diets, long flagged as key drivers of diabetes among humans, are now increasingly affecting pet dogs, veterinarians in Hyderabad say. At least one in every few pet dogs is estimated to be living with diabetes in India and globally, with urban settings emerging as a major risk factor.
Veterinarians attribute the rise to indoor living, limited exercise and feeding patterns that include carbohydrate-heavy human food. The condition is reported more often among apartment-raised dogs, larger breeds and pets fed diets rich in rice and curd.
Hyderabad-based pet parent John Pinto said his eight-year-old Yorkshire terrier Daisy was diagnosed with diabetes six years ago after a sudden and sharp loss of weight. “She was around seven to eight kg earlier. Then she suddenly dropped to about three and a half kg. You could see her bones. That is when we knew something was very wrong,” he said.
Medical tests showed Daisy’s blood sugar levels were close to 490, far above the normal range. She has been on insulin since the diagnosis. Over the years, diabetes led to cataracts in both eyes. “She developed cataracts in both eyes because of diabetes. It happened gradually over the years,” Pinto said.
Daisy underwent cataract surgery earlier this year, restoring her vision. “After the surgery, she can see again. They have given her a second chance to see the world back. That is the happiest moment for our family,” he said.
Another pet parent, Lakshman Garud, said diabetes in his seven-year-old dog was detected after excessive urination became frequent. “The first sign was that she was peeing continuously. When I went to the hospital, the doctors told me it was because of diabetes,” he said.
Garud said his dog’s blood sugar readings were extremely high during the initial phase. “Earlier it used to be above 600. At one point it was 824,” he recalled. Cataracts developed in both eyes, leading to two surgeries last year, in June and December.
He continues to administer insulin twice a day and credits dietary changes for better control. “Before the diet plan, I used to feed curd rice and Pedigree. I feel diabetes came because of that diet, and then I changed it after the doctor suggested a plan,” Garud said. The revised diet included boiled chicken, eggs, lentils and vegetables. “After I followed the diet plan, it came down to around 200,” he added.
Veterinarians advise pet owners to ensure regular exercise, avoid feeding human food high in carbohydrates and seek early medical attention if symptoms such as weight loss, excessive thirst or frequent urination appear.
