Know your Dog’s Health
Diabetes in dogs is manageable by the administration of insulin on a regular basis. Re-regulation of insulin in the dog will allow them to return a active healthy life. Insulin need for each individual dog is determined by treating the dog and then regular testing of the urine to monitor glucose levels. Usually treatment starts at home and after several days the dog is returned to a clinic for further blood tests and then adjustments are made in the amount and timing of insulin administered to the dog.
As with humans, diet also plays a part in regulating blood sugar levels. Obesity makes diabetes harder to control, so an overweight diabetic dog would be put on a high-fiber, high-carbohydrate diet until it reaches a realistic weight. Several smaller feeding during day to make up a days worth of calories is better than only one feeding a day. This helps prevent hyperglycemia and assists in controlling diabetes. Dogs do best on a tight schedule of feedings and insulin injections occurring at the same time everyday.
Signs of diabetes in dogs that require treatment are drinking a lot and needing to urinate frequently. An extremely large appetite and yet an unexplained weight loss are further symptoms. Tests reporting high glucose levels in the blood and urine confirm the diagnosis. Advanced, un-diagnosed cases often have symptoms of vomiting, dehydration, lethargy and even coma. Diabetes will affect all organs sooner or later and diabetic dogs have enlarged livers and can develop neurological issues if left untreated.
Proper diet and exercise for dogs is vital in maintaining a healthy pet. If you suspect your pet of developing any of the initial symptoms of diabetes an initial visit with a veterinarian is recommended and blood glucose tests and urine tests are indicated to either confirm or deny your suspicions. Keep your pet healthy by monitoring their behaviors closely.
Category: Dog Health, General Dog Information