How Durham Pet Parents Can Lower Your Pets’ Diabetes Risk

In addition to celebrating Senior Pet Month and Adopt a Senior Pet Month, November is National Pet Diabetes Month, a time to spotlight the importance of prevention, early detection, and lifestyle habits that impact pets’ diabetes risk. Today, we’re breaking down how Durham pet parents can lower your pets’ diabetes risk with daily exercise, especially as dogs and cats age and become less active. At Bull City Pet Care, we’re passionate about helping you keep your furry friends moving, healthy, and happy. Let’s dig in!​

What Is National Pet Diabetes Month?

National Pet Diabetes Month is observed every November to raise awareness of diabetes in cats and dogs. The holiday aims to encourage prevention and early intervention. The idea for pet-focused diabetes education developed from human diabetes campaigns. The broader National Diabetes Month was proclaimed in 1982, and a pet-specific focus followed as more data emerged about the disease in our four-legged companions. The observation is a reminder that, with the right care, diabetes in pets can be prevented and, if diagnosed, pets can still live full and joyful lives.​

How Common Is Diabetes in Pets?

Diabetes is more prevalent in pets than many realize. About 1 in 300 dogs and 1 in 230 cats will develop diabetes during their lifetimes. Over the past decade, diagnosis rates in both dogs and cats have risen, with cases increasing by up to 80% in dogs and 18% in cats. Risk increases as pets get older, but weight, breed, and certain medications also play a role. More than half a million cats and dogs are diagnosed each year, making diabetes a leading health concern for pet parents.

According to this article by Merck Animal Health, “diabetes cannot be cured. Some cats have transient diabetes and can go into remission, but it is more likely that a cat will have diabetes for life.”

How Durham Pet Parents Can Lower Your Pets’ Diabetes Risk

Consistent physical activity is a cornerstone for preventing and managing diabetes in pets. Exercise helps regulate blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity and promoting more efficient glucose use. In dogs, daily walks (even short or moderate ones) burn energy, support joint health, and help maintain a healthy weight. For cats, especially seniors, engaging in playtime with toys, puzzle feeders, or even gentle movement around the house can provide crucial benefits. Regular exercise doesn’t need to be complicated; fetch, short walks, or even interactive play can help, as long as it’s consistent. As with humans, consistency is key. As much as we wish it would, going to the gym once a month won’t help us much, will it?​

No matter your pet’s age, but especially as they age, exercise can keep your pet from gaining weight and developing risk factors for diabetes and other chronic conditions.

How Bull City Pet Care Can Help

Keeping up with daily dog walks or playtime isn’t always easy, especially with busy schedules and other challenges. That’s where the Bull City Pet Care team can make all the difference!

Our experienced pet care professionals are here to support your goals, keep your pets active, and provide peace of mind when you need an extra hand. Whether your pet is a playful kitten, a senior dog, or anywhere in between, we’re committed to helping them thrive, one walk or play session at a time. We tailor our visits to your pet’s needs and your schedule because optimizing health is not a one-size-fits-all approach!

In addition, we will follow your feeding instructions to ensure that your pet is not over-indulging in your absence. We limit treats and will work with you on any special feeding instructions or guidelines you may want us to follow.

The Best Dog Walkers & Pet Sitters in Durham

Join the Bull City Pet Care family today! Contact us via bullcitypetsitting@gmail.com or 919-740-7481. We offer dog walking, dog sitting, and specialty services. You can also get started by clicking this link to schedule your meet and greet.

We proudly serve the following areas of Durham: Downtown, Lakewood, Tuscaloosa, Old West Durham, Old North Durham, Northgate Park, Watts-Hillandale, Trinity Park, Duke Park, Erwin/LaSalle, North Durham, Southside, Croasdaile, Walltown, Braggtown, Historic East Durham, Hope Valley, and Forest Hills.