To raise awareness of diabetes in pets, Merck Animal Health (known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada) has launched Care & Control of Pet Diabetes Featuring Sugar & Spike, a global educational programme to provide pet owners with the tools they need to help manage their pets’ diabetes. The initiative features an animated cat and dog duo, Sugar & Spike, who share information about the clinical signs of pet diabetes and how to work with a veterinarian to develop a treatment plan.

 “Recognizing the clinical signs of diabetes is the first step to successfully managing your pet’s condition,” said Mario Cabrera, executive director, US Marketing Companion Animal & Equine, Merck Animal Health. “If you notice excessive thirst, frequent urination or weight loss despite good appetite, speak with your veterinarian, who can test your pet for diabetes and, if diagnosed, provide you with an individualized plan to care for your pet. Depending on your pet’s needs, this may include a prescribed diet, exercise, blood sugar monitoring and an insulin injection routine.”

The Sugar & Spike website (www.SugarandSpike.com) features a short quiz to educate pet owners about the signs of diabetes, as well as a downloadable checklist to bring to veterinarian appointments.

Diabetes is one of the most common endocrine conditions found in dogs and cats, and the prevalence is rising. Since 2006, the number of cats and dogs diagnosed with diabetes in the United States has grown by an average of 49 per cent. If left untreated, pet diabetes can result in serious complications, including hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, diabetic ketoacidosis, cataracts (dogs) and nerve damage in the hind legs (cats). In addition to recognizing signs of diabetes and managing high blood sugar, it is important to avoid low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Common causes of low blood sugar in diabetics include giving too much insulin and missing or delaying meals.

“As pet owners ourselves, we at Merck Animal Health understand that dogs and cats are an important part of our families. Their health and welfare is our top priority, and we are committed to providing pet owners with resources to properly care for their four-legged family members, especially those living with chronic health conditions like diabetes,” said Madeleine Stahl, DVM, Associate Director, Scientific Marketing Affairs, Merck Animal Health. “With the right veterinary care and a diabetes management plan that fits their needs, pets with diabetes can live happy, healthy lives.”