Diabetes in Dogs : Care

It is important to regulate food intake when a dog has diabetes. You need to monitor the amount, plus how often they are fed,and the amount of sugar they consume. 2 to 3 smaller meals throughout the day is preferable to one large meal.

Smaller meals help stabilize blood sugar levels, while one large meal can cause insulin levels to peak then fall later in the day. When blood sugar drops too low, your dog could begin to suffer from low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), a serious condition. If this should happen, you need provide immediate sugar to your dog (honey rubbed on the dog's gums will work) and get your pet to the vet's office immediately.

Keeping insulin levels normalized and in control is a direct result of what you feed your dog with diabetes.

Avoid Foods which Contain Sugar

Most dog owners really have no idea just how much sugar and carbohydrates are contained in manufactured dog food. Carbohydrates are converted into glucose (sugar), by the body. Dry dog food, as well as those soft-moist foods are the worst choices. If you continue to feed your dog commercial dog food, switch to a high-quality canned food instead - and read the ingredients.

Choose Foods Low in Fat

The pancreas regulates insulin and blood sugar levels, it also produces enzymes in the process of breaking down fat. Since you don't want to over-stress the pancreas, choose meats that are low in fat. Avoid ground beef and other red meats and trim extra fat from chicken and turkey. Some fat is necessary for good health...but keep it to a minimum.

Homemade Dogfood with Certain Grains

A homemade diet doesn't have to be hard or expensive. This way, you will know exactly what your dog is eating and how much sugar and carbohydrates they are consuming. Rice, millet and oats are usually the preferable choices to help regulate insulin levels and provide fiber. Remember, animals don't digest grains as well as humans due to their shorter digestive tract so keep it to a minimum.

Raw Fruit and Vegetables

Raw fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and nutrients while helping stabilize blood sugars. The natural occurring sugars shouldn't throw insulin levels out of sync like refined processed sugar.

Fruits are a great idea for a treat between meals; however don't include them with the main meals as the fruit could ferment in your dog's stomach when combined with meats, grains and vegetables.

Most vegetables can be served raw; however a few should be cooked, such as winter squash (good for dogs with diabetes), dandelion greens, and potatoes. Raw foods such as alpha sprouts, parsley and garlic (capsule or fresh) are good choices for this disease since garlic helps stimulate the digestive tract - regardless if the dog has diabetes. Carrots can be either raw or cooked.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a natural supplement that reduces the need for insulin in the body. Providing your dog with a Vitamin E capsule once per day is suggested. Recommended dosage is between 25UI and 200 UI, depending on the size of your dog.

GlucoBalance

GlucoBalance is a supplement to improve insulin production and to protect your pet against illness and the harmful effects of diabetes on the body. This product contains no animal products, gluten, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Also, my neighbour highly recommends GlucoBalance, that's why I've mentioned it here.

It's important that you speak with your vet about diabetes in dogs, and serve the foods that your dog can tolerate.

Additional information regarding GlucoBalance is available here.

Diabetes in Dogs : Symptoms

The symptoms of diabetes in dogs occur gradually, and often go unnoticed until the disease has become quite advanced. There are tell-tale signs you should watch for, and take your dog to be tested if you suspect they may have diabetes.

Drinking More Water

Excessive drinking throughout the day that continues for several days can be a sign of diabetes. If you're having to fill the water bowl more often, you may want to have your dog tested for canine diabetes. Having a veterinarian check your pet is a good idea since other diseases may also cause an increase in thirst.

Increased Urination

Although you may not notice the increased water intake (it can be very gradual), you'll be made aware of the increased need to urinate. If your dog is drinking more, then they're going to be wanting to go outside more.

Weakness and Tiredness

Your dog may appear weak and very tired most days. If your dog is normally active and suddenly develops these symptoms over the course of a few days, consider having them tested for diabetes.

Shaking

A subtle shaking and shivering . If this symptom appears, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately as it is a symptom of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and is very serious.

A Sweet Breath

The typical “dog breath” so familiar too us all, may become a "sweet" smell. This is a sign that your dog's blood sugar levels have risen too high and need to be brought under control.

Loss of Weight

Being overweight can bring on diabetes in dogs, but sometimes a dog will begin to steadily lose weight instead. Whether from the onset of diabetes or not, you need to take your dog to the Vet right away for tests to rule out any other type of serious disease.

Diabetes in Dogs : Complications

The long-term complications of diabetes in dogs are a result of prolonged high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).

Due to their shorter life span, diabetic dogs will develop fewer long-term complications than human diabetics. Maintaining control of blood sugar levels will help minimize the long-term complications of diabetes.

Diabetic cataracts

This is the most common complication of diabetes in dogs.

A cataract is when the lens of the eye becomes opaque, leading to blindness in the affected eye or eyes. Cataracts in dogs with diabetes are seen far more often than in cats with diabetes.

Diabetic cataracts is caused when high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) cause changes in the lens of the eye. Water diffuses into the lens causing swelling and disruption of the lens structure. This results in the opacity that is seen.

Treatment

To treat diabetic cataracts, the lens of the eye can be removed surgically to restore vision. Control of high blood glucose levels should help prevent or delay the onset of diabetic cataracts.

This is why it is important to continue to monitor your diabetic dog's blood sugar levels - even after months or years of treatment - and consult your vet if there are sudden changes or if anything unusual happens.

When your dog with diabetes has been stabilized on insulin treatment, it is usually able to lead a happy, healthy life. The life expectancy of your diabetic dog stabilized on insulin is similar to that of other healthy pets of the same breed. Good communication between you and your vet, and a consistent treatment regimen, will help keep your pet healthy. Allowing you to enjoy life together for many years.

Diabetes in Dogs : Quick Tips

Diabetes in dogs is on the increase. There little difference between diabetes in humans and in dogs. What can you do to protect your pet regarding diabetes? Here are some helpful tips.

Take a quick look at how and what you feed your dog. Are they being fed the proper diet? Are they drinking excessive amounts of water? Has your dog been gaining a great deal of weight suddenly, or likewise, losing a lot of weight for no reason? Do you notice them urinating more than normal? These could all be symptoms or an early warning sign of diabetes in dogs. I would suggest an annual medical check up for your pet to be sure.

If the results confirm your dog has diabetes remember it is a manageable disease. There are steps you can take in treating the disease. Have a vet check your dog's insulin. They will take a blood sample from your dog's body and test it. The first step is to get the glucose (blood sugar), level to normal.

If your dog requires insulin shots, it may seem extremely difficult, and your dog may not want to give you cooperation, but as time goes on, it will get better. Animals have a way of getting in routines just as humans do.

You also want to prepare yourself in the event your pet has a health emergency. See if some other members of your family will get some training with you in case you're not there. Of course, the main responsibility of the day to day treatment will be yours, but if you are not there it should be left to one particular individual in the family.

A record of your dog's day-to-day health is necessary. Make notes on anything unusual. It's also a good idea to record other important information such as: the vet's emergency phone number, steps to follow in case of too much insulin, precautions to be taken if the needle breaks and possibly what to do in the event of a seizure.

The biggest issue with diabetes in dogs is to be sure and monitor their blood glucose level. Your vet may recommend bringing your pet in periodically to check these levels.

Things can seem overwhelming at first with canine diabetes, but everything will be routine in time. Dogs are wonderful, and your pet is certainly worth the effort to protect their health and allow them to lead a happy and healthy life. Keep an eye on the early warning signs of diabetes and take action if you see anything unusual.