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 : Treatments

The main component in treating diabetes in dogs is their diet. A high-fiber, carb-moderate diet can put dog diabetes into remission. This means time to stop the table scraps and talk to your vet about the best dog food. Watch for foods that are advertised as light, as they tend to be higher in carbs than you want. Some vets will also prescribe insulin supplements for mealtimes, or a fat-restricted diet for dogs that also have pancreatitis. Occasionally, oral medications may be prescribed .

After your pet's diet has been regulated, you may have to give your dog regular insulin injections. There are many animal and synthetic insulin brands used to treat diabetes in dogs. The most common is probably Caninsulin or Vetsulin, but don't be surprised if your veterinarian prescribes a human insulin instead.

Treatment for diabetes in dogs should start slowly and conservatively, largely because an overdose of insulin can kill your dog in just minutes. You should buy a blood glucose meter for your dog and test him yourself, as urine strips aren't accurate enough to monitor glucose levels. Follow your vet's advice; they will probably tell you that your pet's glucose level should remain between 100-180 mg/dL, preferably toward the lower end. Readings over 250 should be called in to the veterinarian, as that is where serious damage can result. It takes experience to maintain your dog's glucose levels.

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), marked by lethargy, confusion, loss of bladder and bowel control, vomiting, and seizures, can be treated by rubbing honey or corn syrup on your pet's gums and rushing them to the vet. Continue rubbing the sweets on their gums on the way; this could be a lifesaving treatment. Low blood glucose (40 mg/dL) without symptoms should be treated by giving your pet treats right away. Allow your dog to drink as much water as they want, and don't worry that their drinking too much.

With the proper care, your diabetic dog can have a normal and healthy life.