The Implications of a Diabetic Dog
It's shocking to hear that your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes, but it doesn't mean an end to her life.
Proper diet and insulin treatment can ensure her several more years with a good quality of life.
Follow these steps when your family finds itself caring for a diabetic dog.
Step 1: Enlist the help of a qualified veterinarian who has experience working with dogs that suffer from diabetes.
Unfortunately, the battle with diabetes can be long and trying and requires the expertise and patience of a worthy vet.
Step 2: Become familiar with injecting insulin into your dog's scruff.
Your vet will help you in determining the right amount of insulin, but as the pet owner, you will be responsible for administering the insulin at least once a day.
Step 3: Become adept at chasing your dog around with a pie pan in order to intercept her stream of urine.
On a very frequent basis you will need to collect her urine sample and dip a glucose strip into the urine in order to perform the glucose strip test, which determines glucose levels.
Step 4: Feed your dog a high fiber quality dog food that your vet recommends.
Diet is of utmost importance to a diabetic dog and it's vital that you are strict about your dog's food intake.
Also eliminate all treats from your dog's diet.
This is not negotiable.
Take care not to leave any food on counters or in accessible trashcans as diabetic dogs will become very clever at finding foods they are not allowed to eat.
Step 5: Initiate an exercise program immediately.
In order to improve the quality of her life, your dog should walk at least 5 days a week.
Step 6: Research dietary supplements (such as vitamins or minerals) that your pup might benefit from.
Consult with your vet before introducing supplements into your dog's health routine.
Step 7: Pay attention to any changes in your dog's urination, water intake, behavior, etc.
Report these changes to your vet and be willing to have your dog participate in regular urine and blood tests.
Step 8: Always have corn syrup on hand.
If your diabetic dog goes into shock, just a few drops of this sticky substance on her tongue should stabilize her for the time being.
Proper diet and insulin treatment can ensure her several more years with a good quality of life.
Follow these steps when your family finds itself caring for a diabetic dog.
Step 1: Enlist the help of a qualified veterinarian who has experience working with dogs that suffer from diabetes.
Unfortunately, the battle with diabetes can be long and trying and requires the expertise and patience of a worthy vet.
Step 2: Become familiar with injecting insulin into your dog's scruff.
Your vet will help you in determining the right amount of insulin, but as the pet owner, you will be responsible for administering the insulin at least once a day.
Step 3: Become adept at chasing your dog around with a pie pan in order to intercept her stream of urine.
On a very frequent basis you will need to collect her urine sample and dip a glucose strip into the urine in order to perform the glucose strip test, which determines glucose levels.
Step 4: Feed your dog a high fiber quality dog food that your vet recommends.
Diet is of utmost importance to a diabetic dog and it's vital that you are strict about your dog's food intake.
Also eliminate all treats from your dog's diet.
This is not negotiable.
Take care not to leave any food on counters or in accessible trashcans as diabetic dogs will become very clever at finding foods they are not allowed to eat.
Step 5: Initiate an exercise program immediately.
In order to improve the quality of her life, your dog should walk at least 5 days a week.
Step 6: Research dietary supplements (such as vitamins or minerals) that your pup might benefit from.
Consult with your vet before introducing supplements into your dog's health routine.
Step 7: Pay attention to any changes in your dog's urination, water intake, behavior, etc.
Report these changes to your vet and be willing to have your dog participate in regular urine and blood tests.
Step 8: Always have corn syrup on hand.
If your diabetic dog goes into shock, just a few drops of this sticky substance on her tongue should stabilize her for the time being.
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