Protecting Pets from Diabetes #Interview

JUST LIKE IN HUMANS, DIABETES IS A SERIOUS ISSUE FOR YOUR PETS

November is Pet Diabetes Awareness Month

What pet parents need to know to keep their furry family members healthy

Is your dog suddenly not as excited to see you when you walk through the door? Or maybe you notice that he or she is drinking much more water than usual?  If it seems like every time you turn around you are filling up the dog bowl, or your cat or dog doesn’t want to snuggle in your lap, there may be cause for concern. Your pet’s change of attitude and habits may be a serious sign of pet diabetes!

Diabetes is one of the most common endocrine diseases affecting cats and dogs. One contributing factor is a cat or dog’s breed, as certain types are more prone to the disease. Another factor is weight gain – and with the holidays around the corner, it’s easier than ever for man and man’s best friends to splurge on sweet treats and leftovers. Keeping pets on a balanced diet year-round can help ensure a healthy weight.

Luckily, like people with diabetes, pets with this disease can live relatively healthy lives once diagnosed and treated.

Join me in a recent interview with Dr. Kathryn Sarpong, veterinarian at Metro Paws Animal Hospital, who was able to  discuss pet diabetes and what pet parents should be aware of to protect the health of their dog or cat. She also discusses the signs and symptoms, common treatments and tips on maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle for your pet.

Listen to the entire interview here:  https://youtu.be/McBcG3pKAX4

For more information, go to www.petdiabetesmonth.com.

Kathryn Junkins Sarpong, DVM, DABVP Bio

Kathryn Junkins Sarpong, DVM, DABVP, is a 2001 graduate of Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine.  After graduation, she completed a rotating small animal internship with Dr. Stephen Ettinger in Los Angeles. She then moved to Dallas, Texas and spent several years practicing emergency medicine.

Starting in 2006, she co-founded three new veterinary practices. Two of the practices included overseeing new hospital construction.  Her daily tasks include a heavy caseload of medicine and surgery, mentoring new veterinarians, and the business essentials of three busy practices.  She achieved board certification in canine and feline medicine as a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in 2011.  In 2017, she published a ground-breaking study on parvovirus in the Journal of American Veterinary Medicine Association.

Prior to becoming a veterinarian, Dr. Sarpong worked on a new HIV medicine as a chemical engineer for Merck &Co., Inc.

When not working, Dr. Sarpong enjoys finding adventures with her family which includes two spirited daughters, a fun-loving husband, two dogs, two guinea pigs, and a rotation of foster animals.

*Bio Photo and Interview courtesy: Merck Animal Health