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The most common form of diabetes is diabetes mellitus which means that the pancreas has either stopped producing or has significantly reduced its production of a hormone called insulin. It is this hormone that regulates the sugar levels in our blood.
Reviewed by Dr Linda Kenwell BVM BVSCertAVP GPCertOphal MRCVS
Published: 26 October 2026
We all want to keep our pets healthy and happy, do you spot the signs if something is wrong? Here at The Pet Vet we recommend giving your pet a nose-to-tail check (MOT) and if you notice anything listed below marked in red, give us a call to book an appointment for a check-up with a vet; if you do find something don’t worry, in most cases, conditions are easily treatable. Make your pet’s check a happy, positive experience for both of you by giving them lots of fuss, attention and a fun game afterwards. Remember white points are good, red points may need further investigation.
Nose
Moist and soft, free from any discharge, able to breathe freely and sounds congested.
Eyes
Open, bright, clear, Free from any tears, discharge or tear staining, the area around the eyeball (conjunctiva) should be pale pink and closed/squinting.
Ears
Fleshy pink colour inside, free of any unpleasant smells, no excessive hair, no build-up of wax or discharge, the ear flap should be flat, holding their ear down or tilting their head to one side and scratching or shaking their head a lot.
Teeth
Clean and white, free of cracks or breaks, free of staining (a plaque or tartar build-up will look like dark staining around their teeth) and remember to check for any missing teeth.
Gums
Fleshy pink colour (although some pets will have darker pigments in their mouths, making their gums look darker; have a chat with our vets about what’s normal for them), free of any lumps and bumps around their teeth, swollen around the teeth and pale or dry (this could indicate an urgent problem, so call the vet straight away.) The Pet Vet tip: visit our vets if your pet isn’t used to having their gums checked.
Coat
Free of knots, free of dandruff and Evidence of any ticks, fleas, flea dirt or other parasites.
Skin
Free of any rashes, free of bald patches, have no bad smells, have no wounds, discharge or infections and moist/wet in areas and lumps or bumps. The Pet Vet tip: If you do notice any lumps and bumps, take your pet to the vet straightaway so they can make sure they aren’t harmful tumours.
Legs
Able to comfortably support your pet getting up and sitting down, nails are strong, not too long and not growing into their pads, wounds; struggling to get up and down; can’t support their own weight; limping, stiffness; claws are broken or too long and lumps and bumps. The Pet Vet tip: if you do notice any lumps and bumps, take your pet to the vet straightaway so they can make sure they aren’t harmful tumours.
Tail
In a normal position for your pet, able to move freely, clean and free of any poo underneath, have no sores on or around it, hanging limp and not moving as it normally does, build-up of poo underneath, scooting their bottom, chewing at their back or tail and evidence of worms
Reviewed by: Lizzie Hunt
Whether you already have some rabbits or thinking about introducing a new addition, there are several important things you’ll have to remember to keep them healthy and hopping happily!
There are so many different dog and cat foods available, a trip to the pet shop can be overwhelming! Should I give them wet or dry food? Will they prefer chicken or fish? Do I have to pay premium prices or should I just choose something cheap and cheerful?
Reviewed by: Olivia Stofbergh – RVN
To keep our pets enjoying a healthy, happy, active summer, there are a few things to look out for which may help to avoid unnecessary harm from some of nature’s more toxic by-products.
