Is Your Dog Diabetic?

Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in dogs. Unfortunately, too many pet owners don't even realize that their dogs even have diabetes. There are a few signs that any pet owner can look out for in order to recognize when they do, and be able to take action to counter the effects of the dog diabetes.



Before we start discussing the dog's diabetic needs, we should go over what it takes for a human being to come off diabetes. Usually an owner can relate better to a successful case of human diabetic transformation than with pets. Normally, when a person is found to be diabetic, their doctor immediately recommends a diet change. They take the heavy sugars out of their diet and steer them down a path of homeopathic remedies. In about 60% of the cases, the diabetes is cured simply by doing this.



The case is no different for pets. The symptoms that may pop up include a lack of energy in your dog, frequent urination, or a tendency to not eat all of their food. While there are a few other symptoms, these are the most common. If you spot these symptoms, you should bring your dog to the veterinarian to have them checked. In the mean time, you can start your pup on a diet.



Unfortunately, most commercial food is what will cause the diabetes. One of the first thing a vet will tell an owner is to change their diet and take the puppy off the commercial dog food. Instead, feed your dog organic food, preferably made from home.

Treating a Canine Stroke

Introduction



Stroke in dogs is a condition that requires immediate veterinarian treatment. Once a stroke has been diagnosed the treatments will begin as soon as possible. The treatment protocol for stroke in dogs depends on what type of stroke has occurred, and why the dog has experienced a stroke. Early diagnosis and treatment will drastically increase the outlook for a full recovery. If your dog displays any signs of symptoms of stroke, take your dog to a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately.



There are two types of strokes that can occur in dogs: ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic strokes. Ischemic strokes occur when the blood supply to the brain has been reduced and the brain becomes oxygen starved. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a vessel in the brain bursts and bleeding in the brain occurs. While strokes in dogs are not common, there are a variety of disorders and conditions that can cause a stroke to occur.



Treating a Stroke in Dogs



Treatment for a stroke in dogs focuses on supportive care, and addressing the cause of the stroke. If the stroke has been caused by an underlying medical condition such as diabetes or Cushing's disease, the underlying medical condition must be brought under control in order for the stroke to be treated. If the stroke has been caused by an injury to the brain, or inflammation of the brain, supportive care and medications are administered.



Medications which may help to reduce any permanent effects of a stroke include anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids to control the swelling in the brain and anti-seizure medications. Intravenous fluid therapies are also provided to help combat shock.



Recovery from a stroke can take days, to weeks, to months. It all depends on how much damaged occurred and how quickly treatments were begun. Pet owners may also need to provide supportive care at home for the recovery period. Fortunately, most dogs that have experienced a stroke have a good prognosis.

Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs - Symptoms

Here recently your life has been a buzz with activity leaving little time for your Golden Retriever Sadie. Not having been able to spend as much time at home as usually, Sadie hasn't been getting to go out as often as she normally would, and the number of bathroom breaks daily has been reduced dramatically. Her behavior seems to be changing and she even had an accident in the house a few days ago.



On you last trip the dentist office you noticed a magazine about pets and decided the perhaps reading might make the waiting more tolerable. One of the articles had to do with pets, specifically urinary tract infection in dogs symptoms. It talked about how female dogs are much more likely to acquire one of these bacterial infections and that about fifteen percent of dogs will be victimized by a urinary tract infection or as they called it a UTI. Even more troubling was that one out of every ten dogs will face a health issue directly linked to UTI. Your thoughts flashed back to Sadie. Could she have a UTI, you asked?



On the way home you started to put the pieces of the puzzle together. That smelly concentrated urine when she had her accident, her lethargic behavior, and even that tiny bit of blood in her urine, all seemed to make more sense now. Once arriving at home you decided to go online to find more answers. You learned that the common signs of urinary tract infection in dogs are: frequent urination, painful urination, incontinence, cloudy urine, smelly urine, blood in the urine, straining to void, and depression. You also learned that canines experiencing UTI tend to be a little older, are female and tend to have a weakened or damaged immune system. These all applied to Sadie, she is ten year old and recently she has been sick a lot. In fact your vet told you she is on the verge of becoming a diabetic.



What Next? You now are pretty sure your dog has a urinary tract infection or at the very least is showing symptoms that would make you believe that. There are two choices; a veterinary visit which will likely include a number of tests followed by treatment with antibiotics or a natural home remedy approach. In the case of mild to moderate urinary tract infection symptoms many dog owners are opting for the later. Treating this type of infection at home should consist of a six step approach including plenty of fresh water, adding cranberry or blueberry juice to Sadie's water, increased bathroom breaks, moderate exercise, a homeopathic remedy for pet UTI, and last but not least lots of love. Additionally, if you implement the above steps and no improvement is seen a veterinary visit should be considered.

A Diabetic Rash - Identifying the Signs of Diabetes

Did you know there are a number of symptoms that show you may have diabetes? If you've developed a rash that is raised or darkened you may have what's referred to as a diabetes rash, a precursor to diabetes that should be looked at right away. If you discover this rash it may actually help you discover a risk of diabetes before it can develop, you may even be able to stop the disease's development before it can take root.



There are a number of types of rashes that can be caused by diabetes and all of them have different symptoms you should look out for. Eczema is one type of skin rash that can occur with diabetes. Another type is referred to as diabetes dermopathy, and shows up in one third of people with diabetes. This type of rash occurs as depressed, dark spots on the body--usually on the legs. This can also be mixed with eczema.



Scleroderma diabeticorum is another type of skin condition that can occur with the disease and will show up as thickening on the skin of the back and neck. Many rashes that show up before diabetes appear as rings or arc shapes and often appear on the fingers, ears, chest and abdomen. Blisters may also be common on the fingers and toes.



While some of these conditions may have causes unrelated to diabetes--such as a reaction to an allergen or insulin--a sudden appearance of any unexplained rash should be checked out by a doctor. Rashes that are raised or darkened are particularly worrisome if you're concerned about developing diabetes. If you have high-risk factors for diabetes--such as high blood pressure or a family history--you should always take rashes and blisters on your body as a serious sign that the disease could be developing.

Common Diabetes Symptoms

It seems that the number of people getting inflicted with diabetes increases year by year. This is indeed an alarming phenomenon and if no one heeds the call to regulate and control diabetes, many people will be in a precariously unhealthy situation.



Diabetes knows no barrier and it can attack anyone irrespective of color, gender or age. Despite campaigns worldwide on the dangers of diabetes and the insistence of controlled sugar consumption, the occurrence of diabetes goes unabated.



There are many natural remedies to combat and eliminate diabetes but doctors sadly still go for the prescription pad to combat the disease. Imagine the effect of treating diabetes using, say, an anti diabetic drug that has an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality as one of its side effects? How ironic.



Simply, it is what you consume that can cause diabetes. So we must be very selective in the type of foods that we take everyday. You have to practise wise eating. Only then will you be able to keep diabetes at bay. The range of food that you can eat without is enormous. You can consume, without restriction, any amount of fish, fowl, vegetables, and meat (with restraint). These foods can be prepared for feast fit for a king.



Enjoy your meals if you must but if you sort of having the symptoms below, then it is better that you go for a health screening to eliminate diabetes:



1 You have the tendency to urinate very frequently and you always feel hungry and thirsty.



2. You tend to lose weight very easily without any effort. Again you would feel lethargic and tires easily.



3. You will experience blurred vision



4. There is numbness and tingling sensation in your limbs



5. Your skin tends to be very dry and there is itchiness.

Early Signs of Dog Illness Symptoms

Dogs can have fevers just like us human beings. It is sometime hard to detect their illness because all dogs has instincts which is passed down from generation to generation by their ancestor to hide their weakness. You will have to learn your pet behaviours under normal conditions and need to have good observation skills to catch some clues on your dog sickness.



Here are some of the early signs of dog illness symptoms:



Loss of appetite



If your dog skips their food for more than once then you can suspect that their is something is not right. Your dog might have some kind of diseases so you should call your vet right away and do the check up to know the real causes of decrease in appetite.



Excessive drinking



Your dog will be producing more urine and you can notice your pet extra water consumption easily. This is usually the cause of diabetes or kidney disease.



Dull coat



A healthy dog always has a thick and shiny coat. A rough and dry dull coat indicate that something wrong. The problems could be allergy from food, tick or flea bite and another skin problems.



Lethargy



Your dog has no interest to go for a walk, play or do other activities. It is quiet hard to diagnose lethargy symptoms because there are many causes such as having fever, infected with parvo virus, poisoning and many more so it is better to talk to your vet for accurate diagnosis.



Vomiting



Vomiting in dog is not as serious as human. They usually vomit to get rid of something that they has eaten earlier for example grass and some other stuffs in the garbage. Call your vet immediately if your dog vomits frequently, depressed, having a fever, vomit contain blood because this is the signs of diseases.



Stool



For healthy dog their stool will be firm, small, and moist. If your pet have hard and dry stool mean that your pet need to drink more water. If the feces contain rice-shape object indicate that your dog is having worms in their intestine.



The early signs mentioned above is only the beginning that can lead to other types of dog illness symptoms so if your pet is not feeling well then you should talk with your veterinarian to get the accurate diagnosis and effective treatments.

Is My Dog Showing Signs Of Dog Bladder Infection Symptoms?

Recognizing dog bladder infection symptoms early could not only save you a boat load of money by avoiding seemingly endless veterinary visits, tests and more tests, and medications but could also save your dog's life. It is also important to point out that while dog bladder infection symptoms are generally predictable there is a certain degree of unpredictability involved as well.



What are the most common dog bladder infection symptoms?



A dog bladder infection is also known as cystitis and if you were to do hours of tireless research on dog bladder infection symptoms there would a number of symptoms which are routinely listed. These would include blood in the urine, a low grade fever, relieving themselves in unexpected and inappropriate places, sensitivity to touch in the back hind quarter, straining to urinate, and foul smelling cloudy urine due to the bacteria and blood cells included.



These are pretty standard dog bladder infection symptoms but there may be others. I only say this because my dogs, after becoming infected, showed a couple of others somewhat subtle symptoms just before the major symptoms made it obvious that something was terribly wrong.



These were excessive water consumption and antisocial depressive behavior. Antisocial depressive behavior with my dogs was all about them not wanting to play, go outside, and not showing up at the door when I arrived home for work. Additionally, one of my dogs loves to watch television and he was missing in action when he normally would be front and center.



The excessive water consumption part of the equation was a little bit harder to pin point with much of the water consumption occurring during the night. What I have learned since then is that drinking excessive quantities of water is an animal's natural defense against bacterial bladder infections.



While a topic for another day, you should know that an outbreak of cystitis can be triggered by a number of conditions including urethral infections, diabetes, or increasing age which may be the cause of poor bladder function and/or immune system weakness.



If I notice dog bladder infection symptoms what should I do?



Procrastinating is really not a very good idea due to the possibility that the bacteria engulfing the urinary system will spread upwards to the kidneys.



If diagnosed and treated early generally a full dose of oral antibiotics will wipe it out in a few weeks. Nevertheless, your veterinarian will probably suggest a follow-up urinalysis to insure that the infection has been completely eradicated.



Once cured don't let your guard down



These types of infections recur an astounding 50 percent of the time. For this reason it is especially important to take some preventative steps to minimize the chances of recurrence. These would include regular bathing especially around the backside, daily exercise, regular bathroom breaks, plenty of clean filtered water containing a few drops of cranberry juice, and one of the many widely available herbal or homeopathic urinary tract conditioning supplements.



In conclusion, there is a one in five chance that your pet will exhibit dog bladder infection symptoms at some point in their lives, regardless of what you do. But by knowing what to look for, and how to best minimize the risk of reoccurrence, you will doing your part to keep an unwelcome cystitis surprise from occurring.

Facts About Diabetes in Dogs

If you think dogs can't get the same illnesses and diseases as humans, then you are barking up the wrong tree because your dog can get any illness that you can. Diabetes is not different in dogs than it is in humans because your dog can still suffer.



This can be a life threatening disease in dogs and if you don't catch the symptoms right away you could be putting your pet at risk. Here are a few facts that you need to know about diabetes in dogs.



In dogs, diabetes is a disease that attacks the endocrine glands and makes them not function properly. As in the human world, there are two types of diabetes in dogs and they are diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus. Diabetes insipidus is the lack of vasopressin in your dog. Vasopressin is a hormone that controls the way your dog's kidneys take in water. Diabetes mellitus is when the dog's body can not produce insulin.



Now that you have a slight understanding about on the difference about the two types of diabetes in dogs, let's take the other type now. Diabetes mellitus is one of the most deadly diseases that your dog can get if you don't know the symptoms to catch it right away but it can be handled. There are 2 types of diabetes mellitus. Just like human disease of diabetes, you have type 1 and type 2. They are very similar to the affects that humans are dealing with every day.



Type 1 diabetes in dogs is also known as juvenile dog diabetes. It gets its name because this form of diabetes usually shows up when the dog is a younger dog, puppy to age 2 roughly.



Type 2 diabetes is about the same as humans because this disease usually comes into play when the dog gets older and their body can no longer produce the insulin that the dog needs to make its internal organs function. If your dog has this type of diabetes you have to give your dog insulin shots and make sure you check your pets blood sugar level so that your dogs insulin is low you can give them a shot.



No matter if your dog has type 1 or type 2 diabetes, your dog is worth the money and the time you spend on your dog because of the happiness that a pet brings to you and your family. A dog is a pet that is irreplaceable because of the loyalty and the companionship that a dog brings to your family. Take your time and try to understand about diabetes in dogs because it can make a world of difference in your dog's life.

Canine Bladder Infection Treatment - A Non-Prescription Treatment That is 100% Safe and Effective

Are you plain fed up with taking your dog to the vet for canine bladder infection treatment? You might be pleasantly surprised to learn that bladder infections in your dog can be effectively and safely treated right in the comfort of your own home.



Canine bladder infection is usually caused by E. Coli bacteria and it can become fatal if it is not treated in time. When left untreated, bladder infections can travel up to your dog's kidneys and put his life at risk. For that reason it's important to keep a close eye on your dog's potty habits.



If you notice your dog urinating more or less than normal or he looks like he is straining to urinate, you can be almost sure that a bladder infection is the cause. If you take your dog to the vet, the vet is certainly going to want to prescribe antibiotics.



The problem with antibiotics for treating a canine bladder infection is that they cause many negative side effects. When antibiotics are used too often, they lead to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.



Antibiotics can actually aggravate canine bladder infection because they have to be taken in such high concentrations for long periods in order to be effective. They may be helpful in treating the symptoms of the problem but if you want to actually get to the root of the underlying cause, you need to try to treat the problem with homeopathy.



Homeopathic remedies can get rid of your dog's infection gently yet effectively. A basic rule of homeopathy is the elimination of unnatural side effects that often come with synthetic medications. They are proven to be a completely safe canine bladder infection treatment. When combined with a healthy diet, lifestyle, and sufficient intake of clean water, homeopathy is extremely effective.



Conventional treatment with antibiotics may be necessary if your dog's bladder infection is in its late stages but you should look to it as a last resort because it can have harsh side effects. Homeopathy can be helpful in treating many cases of canine bladder infection and it is completely safe.



If you want to help your dog maintain a healthy urine flow, healthy bladder, healthy urinary tract, and strong immune system, give your dog a homeopathic remedy. Homeopathic remedies actually help to both treat and prevent bladder problems in dogs and can be safely administered every day.



Believe me. You can save yourself and your dog a lot of trouble by trying a natural remedy for a canine bladder infection treatment. You can avoid paying for expensive medications and visits to the vet while helping your dog achieve permanent recovery.

Lymphoma in Dogs: Prednisone Treatment

Lymphoma in dogs is a cancer of lymphoid cells. As these cells circulate throughout the body via the lymphatic system, lymphoma can develop on any part of the body. Tumors can occur in the lymph nodes, gastrointestinal tract, chest, skin, spleen, liver and bone marrow.



The condition can be found in dogs of various breeds and ages. It is however most common in certain breeds such as Airedale Terrier, Basset Hound, Boxer, German Shepherd and Rottweiler. Lymphoma tends to occur in middle aged or older dogs.



Treatment for Lymphoma in Dogs



Chemotherapy is the main treatment for lymphoma in dogs.



Prednisone therapy is the other dog lymphoma treatment. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can kill tumor cells. However, it is not as effective as chemotherapy for treating lymphoma in dogs. Prednisone is primarily used to manage symptoms of the disease.



When to Use Prednisone as Treatment for Lymphoma in Dogs



The decision to use prednisone for treating lymphoma in dogs depends on a number of factors. The main one is cost as it tends to be less expensive than chemotherapy.



Some pet owners are not in favor of chemotherapy due to its toxicity. They may opt for prednisone therapy as it can help to relieve symptoms and make their dogs more comfortable in the short term.



Side Effects of Prednisone



Like most drugs, there are some side effects to using prednisone for treating lymphoma in dogs. Interestingly, some of these side effects are similar to those experienced by humans who also use the drug.



The side effects of prednisone include:



- Increased thirst and hunger: Dogs will eat more than usual and urinate more frequently due to increased water intake.



- Diabetes: Prednisone can cause insulin resistance. This results in high glucose levels in the blood that can eventually cause diabetes.



- Loss of hair and changes in coat: Hair loss is a frequent side effect of using prednisone on dogs. In some cases, not only does the dog's coat become thinner, the healthy sheen also disappears. Some dogs will also develop hard to heal skin infections.



- Gastrointestinal problems: These include diarrhea, stomach ulcers and even vomiting.



- Cushing's disease: This condition can be quite serious. Canine Cushing's disease results in an overproduction of cortisone. This hormonal imbalance has a number of symptoms, such as an impaired immune system, weight gain or loss and increased thirst.



- Changes in behavior: Prednisone use also results in dogs becoming restless and even aggressive.



Dogs treated with prednisone alone usually live for 2-3 months only. When prednisone is given in combination with other chemotherapy drugs, the expected lifespan is about a year.

Dog Diabetes Treatment Options

Are you worried that your dog may have diabetes? Do you feel overwhelmed at the idea of caring for your pet while he suffers from this incurable illness? It's totally normal to feel a little helpless if you suspect that your dog is suffering from dog diabetes. After all, you didn't go to veterinary school.



I remember long ago when I first learned that one of my dogs suffered from diabetes. I thought euthanizing my dog, Murphy, would be my only option. Thankfully, I was wrong. In fact there are millions of dogs that live long, happy lives with diabetes. You just need to know what your treatment options are.



That's where I come in. This article will detail three primary dog diabetes treatments so you'll know what to expect and go into the situation a whole lot more prepared. Take a deep breath. The situation isn't as bad as you may initially think...



Dog diabetes IS unfortunately incurable. But that doesn't mean it's a death sentence for your dog. As I said, many dogs live relatively normal and VERY happy lives with diabetes. Don't be mistaken though. It's not a carefree kind of problem. It does take some hard word on your part.



Keeping a dog with diabetes will take some commitment on your part and it may be a bit more work than you realize. That said, the benefit of your dog's love is immeasurable - so take a moment to hear these dog diabetes treatment options and then weigh out your course of action.



The most common type of Diabetes found in dogs is Diabetes Mellitus. It's a disease of the endocrine system and it's caused by a deficiency of insulin. You may notice your dog starting to go to the bathroom more or perhaps lose weight. Those are the most common symptoms.



Insulin Injections: Having a set schedule where you give your dog insulin injections is one option. There are no oral medications available to treat dog diabetes. Your vet will show you how to perform this treatment. Stick with the schedule he or she provides.



Monitoring Blood Sugar: Everyday you'll need to monitor your dog's blood sugar. This will take place once a day. You'll use urine strips that you can buy from the drugstore. Again, stick to a scheduled time of day. The strips will indicate if your dog is getting too much or too little insulin so you can adjust accordingly. His diet should stay fairly stable so once you've got the proper insulin dosage down, these strips should give you the same results everyday.



Diet & Exercise: Your dog will need to get a moderate amount of diet and exercise to stay fit and use the food that he does ingest. It's possible that obesity led him to diabetes in the first place. For this reason, monitoring his weight is a must. His diet will consist of a high protein, low fat mix. Your vet will recommend a specific formula.

Herbal Treatment for Canine Cushing's Disease

If your dog's blood has too much cortisol in it, it's called canine Cushings disease. While having cortisol in your dog's blood is normal, the adrenal glands will produce cortisol when it becomes stressed, and having too much produced all the time is a health risk for your beloved pet.



While there are multiple symptoms that can occur with your dog having Cushings disease, the most commonly known symptoms is unusual fur loss. Some of the other symptoms include lethargy, excessive urination, and over drinking.



The main cause of Cushings in dogs is from tumors growing on the adrenal glands. These tumors will force the adrenal glands to overproduce too much cortisol for its system to handle. Your dog can be treated with surgery or medications for this, but these usually leave unwanted after affects and can actually cause a slew of other problems as well.



For some people, they want their dog's quality of life to be higher than it would be if it was to go through surgery or taking medications on a daily basis. Because of this, these pet owners choose to go an all-natural route with herbal treatments. When it comes to herbal treatments for Cushings, the herbs are given in combinations to help treat all the symptoms and not just one.



For example, you might give your dog an herb that helps with liver function as Cushings can cause liver issues as well. This will also help boost your dog's immune system to help fight off the cortisol attack as well.



Although you should consult with your vet about your dog's particular case of Cushings, you can complement its treatment with things such as burdock, licorice, and wild rose. You can also give it Dandelion, scleranthus, and Borage to help with its persistent cortisol affliction. Make sure that your dog doesn't have an adverse reaction by giving it small amounts to start out with.

Diabetic Diets Helps Diabetes Symptoms and Help You to Lose Weight!

Have you been trying to lose extra weight, but the fad diets and diet pills just make things worse? You may never have been told this, not even by your doctor, but a diabetic diet can help you lose up to thirty pounds in sixty days, if followed and planned properly!



Overweight people run a statistically higher risk of contracting Type II diabetes. This disease is controllable and even potentially curable with proper dieting and regimenting of caloric intake. It in no way needs to be a lethal disease, but it is by far no laughing matter either. Many documented cases of limb loss due to this illness occur. The diabetes epidemic in our modern age has forced the hand of many private pharmaceutical and nutritional companies to release more strictly planned diabetic diet plans to prevent, control, and help eliminate this terrible disease afflicting so many people.



It is a fact that all major diet and weight loss plans are based around diabetic dieting plans, and medication is not enough to prevent, control, or cure it. Diet is absolutely key, and the value of it can in no way be overlooked. Medication alone is merely a band-aid that will never cure the symptoms, and your doctor may never volunteer this information to you.



This is why knowing the symptoms, causes, and treatment plans for diabetes, especially Type II, is crucial. In a world that has plunged into the information age, information is crucial in all aspects of life, and this is truly no exception to the rule.



Fortunately for all, many places offer strictly planned diabetic diets at no cost to you. If you want to prevent this disease from making your life miserable, costing you limbs, and potentially killing you, then it is a wise idea to research professionals near you who can provide this information. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, especially Type II, this is even more tantamount. A lot of free information abounds on the internet that can direct you to help right away.



This disease does not need to afflict you, cripple you, or kill you. Find out what a proper diabetic diet plan can do for your quality of life, health, and longevity today.

Yorkshire Terrier Health Problems - The Most Common Diseases And Illnesses In Yorkies

A Yorkie has a life expectancy of fourteen to sixteen years. They don't suffer any major health problems if they maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, this breed of dog can suffer from the following health issues:



Canine Diabetes in Yorkies



Just like humans, Yorkies can become diabetic. In most cases this is the result of a lack of exercise or a poor diet. The main symptoms of canine diabetes include excessive drinking and urinating. This disease has the potential to shorten your dog's life and lower its quality of life.



However, if Yorkshire Terrier diabetes is diagnosed early, it can be treated successfully with the proper medication and help from your veterinarian. Once this health problem is addressed, your pet stands a much better chance of living a relatively normal life when this disease is treated in time.



Yorkie Eye problems



A number of Yorkie eye problems are common amongst this breed of canine. A Yorkie can suffer from a range of eye disorders including cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) degeneration, Keratoconjuctivitis Sicca and Entropion. Some of these problems are hereditary, while others can be acquired as your dog gets older. In most cases blindness can be prevented, so long as the problem is treated early.



If your pet develops diabetes, this can also cause loss of vision because of cataracts. When this condition is left untreated, it eventually leads to blindness.



Liver Shunt



This illness is also known as Portosystemic Shunt (PSS) and is a disorder associated with the blood flow in a Yorkshire Terrier. Your pets blood gets diverted away from its liver. This leads to a build-up of toxins in the blood, and can result in serious illness for your dog. Liver Shunt is a canine health problem that can be acquired or present in Yorkies when they are born.



Luxated Patella



Many Yorkies suffer from a kneecap problem called Luxated Patella or Trick Knee. You're pet may have this health issue, and you as an owner, may not realize it exists. If you believe your dog has this health problem, you should pay a visit to your veterinarian as soon as possible. It does not sound like a serious condition, but Yorkshire Terrier Luxated Patella can become a serious health problem and restriction to you dog, if it's not treated early.



These are just some of the Yorkshire Terrier health problems that can occur, but most can be treated and even avoided by keeping an eye on, and taking care of your Yorkies health.

Dog Worms: Understand Dog Worms Symptoms and Infestation

Until a very recent period, dog worms were thought to be of a spontaneous origin, brought about by the influence of heat upon decaying vegetable matter, and it was and still is freely asserted that puppies are born with dog worms inherited from the mother in some mysterious manner while still in uterus. This has been conclusively proven an error and in the minds of all scientists there is no question about dog worms springing from individual eggs and having a complete life history of their own.



The principal worm species with which dog owners have to contend are round worms and tape worms. The first named commonly infest puppies and consequently are most dreaded by breeders. In shape and size these worms resemble common angle worms, but in color are lighter, being almost white or only a pale pink.



In adult dogs these worms, when full grown, are from three to seven inches long. In puppies they are about half that length, and as thick as common white string. Round worms live in the small intestines, sometimes coiled in such masses as to obstruct the passage, and occasionally they wander into the stomach or are passed by the bowels.



It is easy to understand that when one dog in a kennel is infected with worms, millions of eggs will be passed with the feces. These are scattered all over the floors, bedding, feeding and drinking pans. They get on the dog's coat, are licked off and swallowed and in numbers of ways gain entrance to the digestive tracts of other dogs, where they soon hatch out and in ten days are fully developed.



This rapid development account for the popular belief that puppies are born with worms, for breeders who have held post-mortems on puppies scarcely ten days old and have found in their stomachs fully developed round worms could account for their presence in no other way. They overlooked the fact that the prospective mother, confined in a kennel infested with worms, would get these eggs attached to her coat, belly and breasts, and the young, as soon as born, would take these eggs into their stomachs with the first mouthfuls of milk.



Symptoms Of Dog Worms Attack



Dog worms are responsible for so much sickness and so many symptoms that it is practically impossible to mention all of them, but their presence can safely be suspected in all dogs which have not been recently treated for them, as well as in cases where the patient is run down, unthrifty and out of sorts.



Other symptoms are a hot, dry nose, weak, watery eyes, pale lips and gums, foul breath, mean hacking cough and a red, scurfy, pimply or irritated condition of the skin and harsh, dry, staring coat that is constantly being shed.



Wormy dogs sometimes have a depraved appetite and will eat dirt and rubbish. Some days they are ravenously hungry, the next day they will not eat at all; their sleep is disturbed by dreams and intestinal rumbling, the urine is high colored and frequently passed, bowels irregular, stomach easily unsettled, watery mucus is frequently vomited and the mouth is hot, sticky and full of ropy saliva.



Puppies which are full of worms bloat easily and are pot-bellied. After feeding their stomachs distend disproportionately to the amount of food consumed. Their bodies are also subject to scaly eruptions and their bowels to colicky pains; they do not grow as rapidly as healthy puppies should and instead of playing with each other they curl up and sleep hour after hour; they get thinner, weaker and more lifeless from day to day and if they do not waste away or die in fits and convulsions with frothing at the mouth and champing of the jaws, grow up coarse-jointed, rickety and misshapen. Puppies with worms are also liable to paralysis of their rear limbs and on removal of the worms the puppies regain control of the affected parts.



A wormy dog is usually an unhealthy and unhappy dog who leads a miserable life. It could even be deadly, especially so for young puppies. Bring your dog to a veterinarian if you are unsure. Your dog will certainly thank you for that.

Symptoms and Signs of Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is a medical term used to describe low sugar levels in the blood. Just as a high sugar level is life threatening, so is the low sugar level, hypoglycemia.



The symptoms and seriousness of Hypoglycemia can vary from one individual to the other. This condition could be caused by severe hunger, excessive activity, over dose of anti- diabetic pills or insulin injection. Therefore, the subject of Hypoglycemia should be well understood by all diabetic patients because the drugs sometimes bring them into this state. Hypoglycemia signs occur when the blood sugar level is less than 3mmol/L.



Signs and Symptoms of Hypoglycemia



If you are on anti-diabetic drugs or insulin injection, the following signs and symptoms should hint you that your blood sugar level is quite below normal;



- If your body begins to shake
- If you start sweating profusely
- If it seems as if your eyes are turning
- If you feel as if you want to faint
- If your heart start to beat faster
- If you have sudden blackout
- If you develop sudden headache
- The last sign is loss of consciousness (coma)
- If you long for sweets
- If you are always having cold hands and feet



Hypoglycemia is one condition people rarely talk about. Researchers say that 70% of alcoholics were hypoglycemic. True Hypoglycemia most times is prevalent in people being treated for type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. People with insulin resistance can also develop Hypoglycemia if their high circulating insulin level is adversely affected by fasting for a long period of time.



Since Hypoglycemia is prevalent in patients being treated for diabetes 1 and 2, one needs to be aware of the simple natural ways of managing diabetes condition to the barest harmless minimum.

Dog Separation Anxiety: Symptoms And Cure

If you are noticing that your dog has of late started to behave abnormally, or has been destroying your home furnishings or more, then probably your pet is suffering from dog separation anxiety. This can be experienced when your pet starts to whine, chew, tear and destroy things after you leave him alone. Well, there's a solution to this problem which will definitely prove to be of immense help for all pet owners suffering from dog separation anxiety.



Reasons For Dog Separation Anxiety



At first let's understand the primary reasons associated with dog separation anxiety. A major cause of such behavior is because certain pets are afraid to be left alone. Since owners are extremely affectionate towards their pets, it's likely for them to miss being pampered and loved when abandoned. Their emotions are more like a child who requires constant care and love. However it's important that your dog should be corrected or else he will have no clue about his sudden change in behavior. Some of the worst dog behaviors are enlisted below:



Destructive Behavior



Your dog may indulge into terrible activities like tearing or even chewing household things like home decor, furnishings and more after you leave him alone in the house. If this behavior has emerged of late, then your pet is probably angry on you or maybe even depressed about something. If his behavior is aggressive then as the owner of your pet make sure that he does not repeat it again. If the cause of anxiety comes up again, chances are that he may yet again indulge in such activities.



Whining and Crying



If your pet constantly keeps whining and crying after being abandoned at home then he's probably sad and depressed. This symptom is usually associated with small puppies who feel afraid of being alone inside a closed room. Ensure that your dog does not feel being left alone so that it heals his depression and fear at the same time.



But this alone does not solve the problem. Include certain methods in your lifestyle to ensure that your pet is happy and disciplined at all times.



Strategies To Cure Dog Separation Anxiety



• Teach your pet to sit calmly at a place while increasing your distance from him gradually. Do this a number of times till you leave your house. Bring some thing for him on returning from outside. So he will know that if behaves well you might give him a reward.



• Ignore your dog completely on coming back home. After sometime, slowly caress and pet him.



Ensure that you teach him to stay calm while you are away. Your aim should be to make him learn to stay in position till you return. Make him understand that he should be at ease even without your presence. Taking these methods into consideration can cure your dog separation anxiety problems quite easily. Once he realizes this, chances are low that he'd suffer from depression ever again because of your absence. However, your pet needs affection, which he should receive always.

A Golden Retriever Health Problem No Dog Wants To Get

There are a number of Golden Retriever health problems that you should be aware of when raising and breeding this breed of dog, including allergies, infections, hip dysplasia, cataracts, and obesity, but there is one in particular I wanted to focus on today - Diabetes. I think everyone has some idea of what diabetes does to people, but until you own a dog it never really hits home that the condition can affect dogs in much the same way.



Diabetes is caused by either a lack of insulin or when your dog cannot utilize insulin properly, diabetes in your Golden Retriever is, thankfully, a manageable condition. If left untreated, however, it can cause other complications and lead to many other health problems.



There are two types of diabetes that your dog can get:



Type I: A lack of insulin production.



Type II: Your dog isn't producing enough insulin, and doesn't respond properly to what it does produce.



Typically we see only Type I in Golden Retrievers.



How Can I Tell if my Golden Retriever Has Diabetes?



Many of the symptoms of diabetes either go unnoticed, or are thought to be the result of other conditions; it's important to be aware of the symptoms and look into them more if your dog shows any signs of them. These symptoms include a change in your dogs appetite, a noticeable increase in water consumption, weight loss, fruity (or very sweet) smelling breath, dehydration, excessive vomiting, your dog is urinating more often than usual, Urinary tract infections, the dog appears very lethargic, develops cataracts, or has signs of skin infections.



It's quite a long list of symptoms and many of them also appear from other conditions such as allergies and infections. Nevertheless, it's worth investigating these symptoms as not managing diabetes can lead to many, even more serious, health issues for your Golden.



Diabetes is more common in older dogs over the age of six years, females, and obese dogs. Obviously there is nothing you can do about the age or sex of your dog, but obesity is definitely a condition you can prevent to reduce the risk.



In the event your dog does develop diabetes, your local vet will help you determine appropriate treatment. In addition to whatever treatment is prescribed for your dog, a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise are essential to help treat and control diabetes.



If left untreated, diabetes can lead to severe conditions such as cataracts, urinary tract infections, and eventually to coma and death.



As you can see, diabetes is a serious condition that requires the owner to pay close attention to the health of their dog, regardless of the breed.

What Causes Diabetes?

Diabetes Mellitus is a disease which affects millions of people all over the world and is a leading cause of death. Diabetes is caused when the body fails to produce and use insulin which is incredibly valuable for the human body. The body uses insulin to convert sugar, starches and food byproducts into energy. There are three main forms of the diabetes which can affect everyone at any time in their life.



Type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes are all on the increase, and unfortunately, more children than ever before are suffering with some form of diabetes. The exact cause of diabetes is still un-known; however, there are typical symptoms, which will point, towards this disease. If you are suffering from fatigue, weight loss, extreme thirst and hunger and frequent urination it may be an idea to check that you are not suffering from some form of diabetes.



Pancreas transplants have been attempted in the past; however, they have proved to be unsuccessful, and for some people, they will need to be treated with insulin for the rest of their lives. Your diet and lifestyle may be affecting your diabetes. Often doctors will advise losing weight, giving up smoking, alcohol and eating a healthy diet to improve the diabetes. You will need to learn how to monitor your blood sugar levels and alter your diet to ensure that you are receiving the right amounts of sugar.



People who suffer from Type 1 diabetes will need to take insulin every day, and this will need to be injected. Children who suffer from this form of diabetes will soon learn how to administer the insulin themselves, and it will become a part of everyday life. Type 2 diabetes is often easier to control and will fluctuate depending on your diet and lifestyle.



Obesity is often the largest cause of Type 2 diabetes and losing weight and keeping fit will help you to keep the disease under control. Although some people will need to have insulin every day, other people will only need it when their blood sugar is low. Pregnant women with often suffer from diabetes during their pregnancy and this form is known as gestational diabetes. If the diabetes is monitored well, and a healthy diet and lifestyle remains the diabetes should go away once the baby is born.



Some people feel that diabetes is genetic, and you are more likely to suffer from diabetes if there is a family history of the disease. However, some children and family members never suffer from the disease at all; therefore, it is still unknown if there is a connection. Diabetes is an extremely serious disease which can lead to a huge number of other health problems and conditions. In severe cases, people have lost limbs due to poor circulation, suffered from strokes and heart disease.



If you are suffering from any of the symptoms relating to diabetes, you must ensure that you seek professional medical assistance. The sooner you can be diagnosed and a treatment found the more likely you are to remain as healthy as possible. You should ensure that you eat well and exercise daily, both of which will help your body to deal with any illness or disease.

Canine Renal Failure - A Complete Guide

Canine Renal Failure



Canine renal failure refers to when your dog's kidneys are starting to fail. There are two types of the disease - one called Acute and the other Chronic. Both forms of the disease are extremely serious and both will need urgent medical attention. The signs and symptoms of the disease can be very debilitating for your dog, however just because your dog has developed the disease does not mean that your dog is definitely going to die. Yes the prognosis is not positive but it really depends on how much damage has already taken place internally - consequently the earlier you spot the symptoms the better the chances your pooch will have in leading a relatively long life.



The causes of Acute and Chronic Kidney disease may differ so we will explain both. Acute:



* Heart disease can cause this condition



* Foreign poisons including ingestion of antifreeze can also be a contributory factor.



* It is also thought that some antibiotics can cause the disease



* If your dog has had a sudden impact like being hit by a car - this can also cause the kidneys to fail.



Chronic:



* Heart disease is a cause



* If your dog has developed diabetes it is worth getting your dog regularly checked



* Poison is another cause



* Again a sudden impact can also trigger the disease.



The symptoms of Chronic renal failure may include:



* Sudden and very extreme weight loss



* Your dog may start being sick and vomit on occasions



* You may notice behavioral changes in your dog and he may appear quite depressed



* Although constipation is a symptom of the disease, diarrhea can also be a symptom too.



* You may notice that your dog seems weaker than before



* Get close to your dog and smell his breath as their may be a smell of ammonia to it.



* Your dog may have pain that is specifically around your dog;s kidneys



* Watch your dog's water bowl - how much is he drinking - extreme thirst is a very common symptom.



The symptoms of Acute Canine Renal Failure can include:



* Pain may occur around the kidneys



* You may notice that your dog will either urinate more often or not go at all.



* Your dog may be extremely thirsty and drink lots of water.

Cushings Disease in Dogs - Herbal Treatment

If your dog has hypercortisolism, or hyperadrenocorticism, it may sound scary. So, you should learn all you can about it, in order to understand it better. For a start, you should know that it's commonly called Cushings Disease and that Cushings Disease in dogs can present itself in lots of different ways.



On a physical level, Cushings Disease could cause your dog to urinate frequently or seem extremely thirsty, for example. He or she might also pant more than a normal dog would and could even lose patches of fur for no apparent reason.



Cushings can also affect your pet's mood. Since they don't feel well they could become very lethargic and low-energy. They might not seem to care at all that you are even there, when they used to jump at the chance to do things with you.



What is Cushings Disease Exactly?



Well, Cushings Disease in dogs is a disease that affects the dog's adrenal glands. It's an endocrine disease, which affects the levels of cortisol and cortisone that your dog's body produces. Cortisol and cortisone are steroids that your dog's body produces naturally but, when over-produced, they can lead to some major health problems for your pet.



Tumors in the pituitary gland or adrenal glands are the main causes of Cushings Disease in dogs. Modern medical intervention can also cause it, though. For example, if your dog has a different health condition and is taking prednisone, it can cause them to develop Cushings, as can other medications.



Treatment of Cushings:



Since your dog's liver is very susceptible to damage from over production of cortisol and cortisone, untreated Cushings Disease really puts their liver at risk for disease and, possibly, total shut down. Cushings can affect your dog in other ways, too, though. For example, it can cause heart trouble for your pet, as well as an increased risk of diabetes.



Luckily, there are treatments for Cushings Disease in dogs. Before you consider traditional medication as a treatment, though, remember that many of them have harsh side-effects. In fact, your dog's Cushings might have been caused by medication that he or she was taking in the first place, as mentioned earlier.



Instead, you might want to consider some natural alternatives. First, you should talk to your vet about changing your dog's diet. A lot of processed foods are not good for your pet. So, you may need to take a natural approach to feeding, as well as Cushings treatment. You could also discuss herbal remedies and supplements. There are lots of supplements and herbs that are designed to support a dog's adrenal glands.



When it comes to herbal treatments, you have a lot of options. Some, such as hepar or arsenicum, are designed to treat certain symptoms of your dog's cusings. Some, though, are designed for more of an over all effect. burdock, dandelion and astragalus are among some ofthe most common homeopathic options for treating Cushings Disease in dogs, but be sure to talk to your dog's vet about the best treatment for your furry friend's individual case.

Canine Diabetes Herbal Treatment For Dog Diabetes

Diabetes in canines is pretty much the same as with human diabetes-it is inconvenient and potentially crippling. While most diabetes mellitus cases are caused by inherited abnormalities in the dog's system-there are ways wherein you can manage the dog's condition well. When you do, you are bestowing on him the great gift of a normal and happy life despite the disease.



The main proponents of an effective dog diabetes treatment are: regular insulin therapy, monitored exercise and maintaining a healthy diet. Insulin injections are needed because the very nature of this disease is the deficiency of insulin production in the body. Find out the proper way of handling and storing these medications if you're planning to do it yourself. Exercise aids in the better absorption of insulin-thus improving the blood sugar levels of the canine.



A healthy diet ensures that the animal receives all the nutrients it can get to boost his immune system-equipping the canine to keep infections and other diseases that can aggravate his condition at bay. An overweight dog is more prone to diabetes so careful monitoring of substances and calories is vital to the canine's health.



Because diabetes is so prevalent in the dog communities, studies are constantly being made to improve the way we deal with this ailment. An effective canine diabetes herbal treatment can actually be available for the responsible pet owner that will further improve the diabetic canine's chances of having a better quality of life.



What are some of the natural ingredients that are helpful to this particular disease? Chromium successfully balances cholesterol and blood sugar levels in the body. Karela is renowned for helping stimulate insulin production-an ability shared by the herbs Gurmar and Bilberry. Bilberry is also attributed to improving circulatory systems-an important factor in diabetes maintenance.



Bejak is a common ingredient found in natural diabetes supplements. It reduces glucose in the blood and aids various urinary problems. A healthy urinating habit as well as a strong bladder is valuable to the diabetic animal. Cinnamon is found to be an excellent substitute for insulin. You can dust this over his meals but be careful not to add too much or the smell might turn the dog off.



Vinegar is said to help in improving medications and the dog diabetes treatment. Include a few drops of apple cider vinegar to the dog's water dish regularly. As mentioned earlier, dogs that exceed their healthy weight are more susceptible to diabetes. Mix in a few teaspoons of grapefruit juice to your dog's water to help him reduce weight. Grapefruit is known as an effective weight management ingredient that can be used for diabetic dogs.



When you are planning to administer a canine diabetes herbal treatment, you must first consult the vet. Sometimes particular pets have underlying conditions that need to be addressed first otherwise any overriding treatment or medication may prove futile, if not harmful. When he clears your dog, carefully read the instructions as to the correct dosage and frequency the treatment requires.

What to Feed a Diabetic Dog

If you have ever wondered "What do I feed a diabetic dog?" this article will cover the topics you are looking for. What to feed a diabetic dog is a very important point to learn on so that your dog will have a happy, enjoyable and productive life.



The food to feed a diabetic dog relates to the original problem of what caused the diabetes in the first place. The problem with diabetes is one of not being able to use the energy, called sugar or glucose that enters the bloodstream. This is caused by lack or total loss of insulin production by your dog's pancreas. Overeating combined with a lethargic lifestyle causes an obese dog and then contributes to the cause of diabetes in dogs.



What to feed a diabetic dog in this case is just as important as making sure they start becoming more active. Do not let the dog lay around after a meal. It is also a good idea to give the dog two or three smaller meals instead of only one or two larger meals.



The food to feed a diabetic dog should be one of significantly low sugar content. The juicy or moist packages of dog food should be closely examined for high sugar content if you can. These are usually a prime source of too much sugar for your dog. The dry dog foods are better than the packaged moist ones for a diabetic dog.



The diet of a dog that you want to keep lean, healthy and active is one that you would normally use to prevent diabetes. This means that high-protein, slow-digesting foods are good for your dog, as they will not "shock" the dog's body with a high dose of sugar all at one time. The food to feed a diabetic dog will be those that have a "slow burn" metabolically speaking.



A food not to feed to a diabetic dog is table scraps. If you do feed them from your own table, it is wise to avoid the spicy foods. A dog is not a person. Although feeding your dog "people food" may make you feel like you are including it as one of the family, the truth is that the fatty foods we eat can cause health problems for the dog. Commercial businesses have spent a lot of money creating a diet for your dog that is tailored to what it needs. Take advantage of their experience and your diabetic dog will have an easier life.



What to feed a diabetic dog should be seen in the light of the statistics. In the USA, as much as fifty percent of dogs are obese. This is a terrible statistic and can be improved easily by a simple lifestyle change for the dog. Keep in mind that as you would go ahead and eat less and exercise more if you had a weight problem, your dog is not going to be any different.



Some dog food companies make a special blend just for diabetic dogs. They have a high amount of dietary fiber, are low fat content and have none of what is called "simple sugars". Your diabetic dog's diet can be improved with these types of dry dog foods.

Chronic UTI in Dogs

One of the most common questions I am asked is about chronic/recurring urinary tract infections in dogs. Most dog owners feel they have taken excellent care of their dog but yet the infection continues to come back, time and time again. In some cases there are no good answers. In this informational article covering chronic UTI in dogs I will give a general overview of urinary tract infections and explore a few reasons why urinary tract infections become chronic.
 
When it comes to UTIs in dogs bacteria is the most likely cause with only a small percentage being fungal in nature. The bacterium makes its way into the urinary system through the urethra and makes it way to the bladder, and possibly to the kidneys. There are a number of factors which increase the chances of urinary infection. Among the possible contributing factors are diabetes, high sugar levels in the urine (possibly diabetes related), failure to empty the bladder, urine flow problems (obstructions), and a weak or damaged immune system. Female dogs and older dogs are at the highest risk of dog urinary tract infections.
 
As you probably realize chronic UTI in dogs is a serious, costly, and potentially deadly condition. If you are a pet owner who is going through this you know the frustration and helplessness that recurring urinary tract infections can present. So, let's explore this condition and see if we can't find you some answers.
 
The bacterial that is often responsible is difficult to treat and comes in many different forms including staphylococci, streptococci, and enterococci; just to name a few. This bacterium can become resistant to antibiotics if the infection goes untreated or misdiagnosed. Misdiagnosis may initially seem like an unlikely outcome but with the number of possible offending bacterium combined the necessity to match the appropriate antibiotic the changes of misdiagnosis greatly increase. Once the condition has been mistreated the bacterium can become resistant to antibiotics, thus leading to chronic UTI in dogs. In other cases, an untreated or inadequately treated bladder or prostate infection can be the cause of an infection in the kidneys, which worsens the chances of a cure.
 
Once the condition has turned chronic there are few good choices. Your veterinarian will suggest low dose antibiotic treatment for the foreseeable future to keep the infection from getting worse. You should make sure your dog drinks plenty of water (to keep the urinary system flushed), monitor diet, and make sure your gets plenty of exercise. Increased water consumption will shrink the chances of an obstruction (stone formation) and reduce the likelihood of further infection.  
 
Many frustrated pet owners dealing with chronic UTI in dogs have opted for an alternative UTI treatment option, homeopathy. This type of natural treatment for urinary tract infections in dogs is definitely worth considering due to the lack of practical options.

Canine Chronic Bladder Infections - Help Your Dog Now to Prevent Problems Later

Canine chronic bladder infections refer to those ailments that keep coming back time after time. This is not the same as those classified as acute. An acute infection comes and then goes away after proper treatment has been given. When the problem returns, even after treatment has been given, the ailment becomes known as a chronic bladder infection. These chronic bladder infection in canines can run from simply annoying to the serious.



In many cases the reasons for the return of the problem is due to the urinary tract not being able to fight off harmful bacteria. Once the bacteria sets-up in the tract, and this means anywhere along the entire urinary system, it can produce irritation which leads to inflammation, and this inflammation is one of the main symptoms in chronic bladder infection in canines.



There can be other causes as well for the canine chronic bladder infections. Some of the more common causes include bladder stones, diabetes, physical defects in the urinary tract that allow urine to pool, kidney infection, cancer, and tumors. All of these, as you might imagine, require a diagnosis from your vet.



Another cause of canine chronic bladder infections is when pets are prescribed antibiotics and the owner does not continue with the medications until the prescribed end of treatment. This often happens when an ill dog begins to look and act better and the owner assumes the problem is resolved. It is important to always continue the antibiotics until the full course has been reached, regardless of how well your dog begins to look.



Canine chronic bladder infections can also be a result of the dog being overweight. Excessive weight can also be linked to diabetes and joint pain or arthritis. As you can see,chronic bladder infection in canines requires a visit to your vet to determine the underlying cause.



While all of this may sound disheartening, the good news is most causes of canine chronic bladder infections can be diagnosed with some simple lab tests. A complete urine test will identify what types of bacteria are present, if any. Blood tests may also be called for, and in some cases, X-rays may be needed. X-rays can be especially useful if the problem is associated with stones. In some cases, stones may be too large to pass naturally, and the vet may need to schedule surgery in order to get them out. Stone large enough to block the urinary passage can be very dangerous, even life-threatening.



If your dog has a past history of urinary tract problems that never seem to go away, you should consider the possibility that he or she has canine chronic bladder infection issues. Assuming your veterinarian doesn't find any structural issues such as a blockage or narrowing of any of the tubes that carry urine, you might want to consider changes in diet and supplementation with natural remedies. Special urinary diets such as Hill's Prescription Diet u/d are formulated to help the body generate urine with the PH balance needed to naturally fight bacteria. You might also might consider a switch to a canned dog food. These foods have 80% more moisture than dry and should cause an increase in urination. A dog's stomach is sensitive, and your dog may not like dietary change, so gradually introduce any new food by mixing new and old together until the transition is complete. This should take approximately 7 days.



Natural remedies are also something that can't hurt and possibly worth a try. Chronic bladder infection in canines can be prevented if the bacteria never gets to take hold in the first place. Like dietary approaches, several herbs are known to support the urinary system. Several products on the market combine many of these ingredients such as Arctostaphylos uva urs. Discuss natural remedies for canine chronic bladder infections with your veterinarian who can help you track progress and let you know if other patients have had success with this approach.



Beyond all else, make sure your dog that is suffering from canine chronic bladder infections is getting enough fresh water. By drinking more often, your dog will urinate more, which will help to keep the urinary tract free of canine bladder stone causing crystals, bacteria and fungus.

Treatment For Diabetes That Are Proven to Work

What exactly is diabetes and why is it such a dreaded disease so much so that it is often referred to as the "silent killer"? Diabetes occurs when there are high levels of blood sugar cause due to the levels of insulin. When this becomes too low, a condition known as diabetes forms. There are three main kinds of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2 and a condition that is often caused by pregnancy called gestational diabetes. This type usually resolves on its own after the baby is born.



The basic treatment for diabetes is following healthy eating habits, keeping up with physical activity and using insulin by injection, pen, or an insulin pump. One must monitor his blood sugar readings often throughout the day. A person with Type 2 diabetes may need oral medication as well as the insulin to control blood glucose levels.



If the blood sugar level drops too low, then a person develops hypoglycemia. This is characterized by nervousness, shakiness, and confusion. A person can even faint if the level drops too low.



What if you don't want to take insulin and subject yourself to the needle multiple times a day? Then you have to look at some of the natural cures for diabetes. Here are some treatments for diabetes that you may want to look into.



#1 Massage



The masseuse massages the muscles so that they become relaxed and manipulated. This is done to improve the patient's health conditions. Did you know that getting a massage is really a form of passive exercise? In the treatment for diabetes, it helps to relieve the tension in our muscles and helps to reduce stress by calming down your nervous system.



There are different varieties of massaging techniques that are used on diabetics to make massaging of the most popular natural ways to heal diabetes. With the advanced massaging techniques that are used today, it improves the diabetic's conditions by getting rid of unwanted toxins from the body and improving the circulation of the blood.



#2 Mud Therapy



In the treatment for diabetes, mudpacks are widely used. Diabetes is linked to an over-accumulation of toxins in one certain organ, usually within the endocrine system or the digestive system. Mud packs help to eliminate these toxins. The mud has the ability to cool down the nervous system.



An alternative to using mudpacks is to take a mud bath. The patient shall sit in disinfected mud just like he was taking a bath. This shall be done for 30 to 90 minutes. This method is much more costly than mudpacks, however.



#3 Detoxification



Another treatment for diabetes is detoxification. You must get a controlled diet plan from your physician or health agency. It may be necessary to use supplements along with the diet in order to eliminate the toxins in your body. There are many of detoxification diet plans available. However, in order to recover from your diabetes, you must follow these diet plans to the letter.



#4 Acupressure



People who have undergone acupressure have reported that they have been cured of many illnesses. Acupressure involves the stimulation of different pressure points in a person's body to normalize and improve a person's health.



While this seems to be a good treatment for diabetes, you should still speak to your doctor about undertaking this kind of unconventional healing program. The one thing you must remember is that you are in charge of your own wellness.



Acupressure should only be done by a certified practitioner. Set up an appointment with him or her and discuss exactly what you want to see happen from your acupressure visits. Also ask him or her if they have had any success in using acupressure in the treatment for diabetes.

Diabetes Mellitus - An Introduction To This Common Chronic Disease

Diabetes has been known for centuries, although it has not been fully understood, and the disease takes its name from the Greek for "passing through" because of one of its main symptoms - excessive urine production. During the fifteenth century the word Mellitus was from the Latin for "honey" when it was noted that many patients with diabetes had high levels of sugar in their blood and urine.



Diabetes mellitus, which is simply referred to as diabetes these days, is a metabolic disorder which in particular affects the metabolism of carbohydrates. The condition requires medical treatment and, more often than not, a number of lifestyle changes.



To function properly the human body requires a source of energy and derives this from the food that we eat. A normal diet comprises of a mixture of carbohydrates, proteins and fats with carbohydrates accounting for up to three-quarters of this mix. There are a wide variety of high carbohydrate (sometimes referred to as high starch) foods and these include bread, bran, cereal, beans, rice and pasta.



Food is broken down by the digestive process into a variety of organic compounds and one of these, which forms the body's prime source of energy, is glucose. Glucose is then carried to various parts of the body by the blood and is transferred to the cells of the body to fuel both cell growth and cell repair.



An essential element in the transfer process is the presence of insulin in the bloodstream. Insulin is produced by specialized cells (known as beta-cells) which are located in an area of the pancreas called the Islets of Langerhans.



Diabetes sufferers fall into two broad categories - those with type 1 diabetes (formerly known as "juvenile" or "childhood" diabetes) and those with type 2 (or adult) diabetes. There is also said to be a third form of diabetes known as type 3 or gestational diabetes but, despite the fact that there are a few differences, this is basically nothing more than type 2 diabetes which occurs during, and because of, pregnancy.



In type 1 diabetes sufferers develop a problem with the insulin producing beta-cells of the pancreas and are unable to produce sufficient insulin to transfer glucose from the bloodstream to the cells of the body. This means that it is necessary to closely monitor levels in the blood and to administer insulin so that glucose can be transferred and the glucose levels in the blood returned to normal.



In type 2 diabetes the body usually continues to produce insulin normally but the body's cells develop a resistant to it and insulin levels begin to increase in the blood. In the early stages of type 2 diabetes this can often be counteracted by reducing the intake of glucose producing carbohydrates, exercising and losing weight, particularly when weight loss is aimed at removing fat from the area of the abdomen. If this approach does not do the trick then the condition can usually be controlled through the use of medication.



There is currently no cure for either type 1 or type 2 diabetes and, while treatment can usually reduce the symptoms of both considerably, most sufferers will require ongoing treatment throughout life.

Common Diabetes Symptoms to Beware Of

Since diabetes has become such a widespread disease, you really should take the time to familiarize yourself with some of the most common diabetes symptoms. Letting a condition like diabetes go untreated can result in serious consequences and can even be life threatening if you don't get proper treatment. So by learning what types of diabetes symptoms to look for, you will be able to see your doctor right away should you start experiencing any of them.



Diabetes is a disease in which the sooner you start to get treatment, the better off you are. The good news is that there are many early symptoms that you can watch for that can allow you to catch the disease in its early stages.



The first and one of the most common symptoms is having extreme thirst. So if you all of sudden start feeling thirsty all the time and this is not normal for you, then you may want to tested for diabetes.



Another common diabetes symptom is having dry or itchy skin. Since anyone can have dry skin from time to time, this diabetes symptom can sometimes be overlooked as just a normal condition. But now that you are aware that it can be a symptom of diabetes, don't overlook it in the future.



Several other diabetic symptoms you should be aware of include unusual weight loss, drowsiness, frequent urination, increased fatigue, and blurry vision. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take them seriously by seeing your doctor and getting tested for diabetes.



Once you have confirmed that the symptoms you have been experiencing have been caused by diabetes, you may be wondering what kind of treatment options are out there. Treatment for diabetes will often depend on several personal factors including the severity of your condition and your weight.  The next step you will need to take is to consult with your doctor so you can work with them to come up with the best diabetes treatment plan.

Symptoms of Pain and Illness in Dogs

Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and symptoms of illness or pain in their dogs, will not only relieve their loved one's suffering but may also be able to save themselves an expensive trip to the veterinarian. Not only is it important to recognize these signs early to relieve pain and suffering, but it is much more effective to treat an illness when it is detected early.



The dog owner should keep an accurate and detailed account of their dog's symptoms to help the veterinarian correctly diagnose and effectively treat the dog's illness or condition. Most canine illnesses are detected through a combination of various signs and symptoms:



Temperature, Respiratory Rate and Heart Rate



A newborn puppy will have a temperature of 94-97º F. which will eventually reach the normal adult body temperature of 101.5º F. at the age of 4 weeks old. Take care when trying to take your dog or puppies temperature as the thermometer can easily be broken off in the canine's rectum. Also any form of excitement can cause the temperature to rise by 2-3º when the dog is actually in normal health. If your dog's temperature reaches 105º or above OR 96º or below please take him/her to the emergency vet immediately!



An adult dog will have a respiratory rate of 15-20 breaths per minute (depending on such variables as size and weight) and a heart rate of 80-120 beats per minute. You can feel for your dog's heartbeat by placing your hand on his/her lower ribcage just behind the elbow. Don't be alarmed if the heartbeat seems irregular compared to a human's heartbeat, it is irregular in many dogs. Have your vet check it out and get used to how it feels when it is normal.



Behavior Changes



Any behavior changes that are not associated with a change in the household atmosphere, such as jealousy over a new pet or child may be an indication of an illness. Signs of behavioral changes may be:



o Depression



o Anxiety



o Fatigue



o Sleepiness



o Trembling



o Falling/Stumbling



If your dog shows any of these signs, he/she needs to be kept under close watch for a few hours, or even a few days, until positive signs develop or he/she has returned to normal. Do not try to exercise the dog or put him/her in any situation that may cause stress. Most veterinarians will want for you to keep track of when the symptoms first appeared, whether they are getting better or worse, and also whether the symptoms are intermittent, continuous, or increasing in frequency.



Pain



Dogs that are in pain will likely indicate that they are suffering by giving you clues as to where the area of discomfort is. For instance, a dog that has abdominal pain will continually glance toward their belly, bite or lick the area, and will not want to leave his/her bed. The dog may stand hunched over, or take the 'prayer position' which is when a dog gets down on it's forelegs with the hind legs still standing, because of the pain in her abdomen area.



Dogs can not tell you that they are hurting or cry real tears but a dog may vocalize their pain in a different way. A dog that is hurt suddenly (such as being stepped on) will cry out or wimper in pain. This also happens when an external injury or internal injury (such as an organ) is touched. Whining or vocalization that is unprovoked may be caused from an internal injury as well. Some breeds of dogs (such as the American Pit Bull Terrier) have a higher pain threshold and need to be watched more closely for signs of pain. Breeds with a high pain tolerance are more likely to endure the pain without vocalization.



Another clue to pain is a change in temperament. A dog that is in pain may show signs of aggression. Please take note of this before concluding that a dog has become vicious and let your veterinarian know so that the correct treatment can be administered. Also females in general (even humans!) have days when they are just in a bad mood for no obvious reason. Take note of days of times that these mood swings occur as well as any events that might have triggered them.



Other signs that your dog may be sick:



o Ears: discharge, debris, odor, scratching, crusted tips, twitching or shaking.



o Eyes: redness, swelling or discharge.



o Nose: runny, thickened or colored discharge, crusty.



o Coughing, sneezing, vomiting or gagging.



o Shortness of breath, irregular breathing or prolonged/heavy panting



o Evidence of parasites in the dog's stool, strange color, blood in the stool, or lack of a bowel movement (constipation).



o Loss of appetite or not drinking as much water as normally would.



o Weight Loss.



o Strange color of urine, small amount of urine, straining, dribbling, or not going as frequently as normal.



o Bad odor coming from mouth, ears, or skin.



o Hair loss, wounds, tumors, dander or change of the skin's color.



o Biting of the skin, parasites, scratching or licking the skin frequently.



The preceding article was meant to help educate you to the signs and symptoms of probable pain or sickness in your dog. If any of these symptoms occur over a prolonged period of time, please seek the help of a veterinarian. I hope that this article will help stress the importance of keeping watch over your dog's health patterns and the importance of keeping an accurate, detailed health record for your veterinarian's convenience.

Five Reasons For Frequent Urination in Dogs

Are you sick and tired of having to drop everything to let your dog outside every five minutes? There can be several reasons for a dog urinating frequently.



Canine Urinary Tract Infections



Canine cystitis is the most common cause of frequent urination in dogs, especially in females. Your dog's bladder becomes inflamed from the infection, which causes her to need to empty her bladder often.



The problem is that the urethra in female dogs is much shorter and broader than it is in male dogs, which makes it easier for bacteria to get in and make their way to your dog's bladder.



Younger pups, about a year old, are also more susceptible to bladder infections in dogs, simply because their immune systems haven't been challenged much yet. Older dogs usually build up some immunity to this problem.



Bladder Stones In Dogs



Canine bladder stones form when high mineral levels in the urine crystallize and form stones. These stones can range from pea gravel size down to the size of a grain of sand. These stones irritate your dog's bladder, which can lead to urinary problems in dogs.



Hormonal Imbalance In Older Female Dogs



If your dog is older, your vet may suspect a hormonal imbalance, which affects how your dog's kidneys function. Her kidneys aren't able to concentrate urine properly, which would cause her to have to urinate more often. This is a serious health issue, and your dog can become dehydrated if this isn't treated.



Canine Diabetes



Diabetes is on the rise, and unfortunately, dogs are no exception. A dog with diabetes will have high levels of sugar in her blood. In an effort to get rid of the extra sugar, a dog will instinctively drink more water. Of course, this leads to your dog urinating frequently.



Canine diabetes is a serious disease, so if you suspect your dog has it, don't delay treatment.



Cushing's Disease In Dogs



Since older dogs are more prone to this condition, owners often think their dog's symptoms are just due to old age. Along with hair loss and weight gain, you'll notice your canine friend drinking more water, which leads to frequent urination in dogs. This condition is treatable, so don't give up hope if your dog develops it.



How Your Vet Diagnoses Urinary Problems In Dogs



You'll be asked to bring a urine sample from your dog so your vet can run tests on it. The easiest way to do this is to hold an old soup ladle under her as she urinates. Don't let the sample sit for more than a couple of hours, or the test results may not be accurate.



Your vet will want to examine your dog and may want to take some x-rays too, in order to diagnose the reason for your dog urinating frequently.



Natural Remedies For Pets Can Prevent Urinary Problems In Dogs



Can homeopathic and herbal remedies for pets prevent and treat bladder problems in dogs? The answer is yes. You'll need to find a remedy that's safe and gentle enough to give to your dog every day. It's also essential that you purchase the remedy from a company known for producing only the highest quality natural products for pets.



Do your dog a favor and learn more about how natural remedies for pets can prevent the stress and pain of canine bladder infections. Your dog will be glad you did.

Treatment of Diabetes - Proper Diagnosis Will Determine the Proper Treatment

Before any treatment of diabetes can be administered by an endocrinologist or diabetologist, the sugar content in the blood will have to be analyzed. Treatment of diabetes will be done the conventional way by a doctor, after evaluating the symptoms and the results of the laboratory test.



The 2 common laboratory tests include the Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG) and the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). In FPG, the patient will undergo an 8 hour fast before the blood glucose level is measured. While in OGTT, patient will fast before the blood sugar level is determined and will be repeated again 2 hours after allowing a large dosage of glucose from a beverage drink.



Generally, the normal blood sugar level is 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl). When the sugar level reaches from 100 mg/dl to 125 mg/dl, there is already the presence of impaired fasting glucose or pre-diabetes. People with diabetes have 126 mg/dl or higher. However, the sugar levels may differ per laboratory.



Diabetes may either be type 1, type 2 or gestational. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is no longer producing enough insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body is not reacting sensitively to the insulin from the pancreas brought by poor diet or lack of exercise, or both.



In gestational diabetes, pregnant women are affected in the later period of their pregnancy. This is usually carried away after birth but makes them vulnerable to type 2 diabetes in the years ahead.



After determining the type of diabetes to be treated, conventional treatments available are the following:



1. Injections of insulin. At least two insulin shots a day are needed by people with type 1 diabetes in order to have a good blood sugar level. Oral medications are not applicable because the stomach will only digest it before it goes to the blood. Injections for longer lasting insulin should be made 30 minutes before a meal while rapid-acting insulin should be taken before eating.



2. Insulin pumps- This is a battery-operated gadget, about the size of a cigarette pack, placed outside the body usually fastened to a waistband or belt. The device pumps insulin to a catheter needle injected in the skin just under the walls of the abdomen.



3. Oral drugs- The oral medications are applicable only to type 2 diabetes. This is effective to diabetics with normal weight but with high blood sugar levels for a period of ten years or less. However, it was noted that after a certain period of time, oral medication is preceded by insulin injection.



Just like some conventional drugs, the side-effects usually affect the kidneys and the liver due to toxicity in the bloodstream. As the treatment goes on, the patient is not only fighting the diabetes but also the ill-effects of the medications.



On the other hand, diabetics have an alternative treatment in the form of herbal products like Banaba Leaf, Cinnamon, Momordica, Fernugreek and Gymnema Sylvestre. The recommendation of these herbal products are said to be supported by medical studies.



In all cases, treatment of diabetes whether conventional way or by the use of herbs require prior consultation and medical advice, to avoid any complications.

Are Insulin Injections the Only Answer For Your Diabetic Dog?

There are natural ways to treat and help your diabetic dog but the fact still remains, if they need insulin, then insulin they must have. But even if this is the only answer you can still considerably reduce the amount of insulin to be administered along with improving your dog's health and well being.



Diet.



It goes without saying that sugar needs to be reduced or cut out completely. But although it is pretty easy to recognize sugar or glucose within foodstuffs, it isn't so obvious to recognize the other big culprit for diabetic mayhem - carbohydrates. Most dry dog foods, including the prescription diets your vet sells, are predominately made from grains. The problem with grains is that they're usually very high in carbohydrates, which you and your dog's body quickly turns into glucose thus producing a spike in blood sugar levels.



If you think of the principle of the Atkins diet with the cutting out of carbs, you can begin to understand what happens when you or your dog consumes carbs. Carbs = sugar = weight gain (sometimes diabetes). Both simple and complex carbs produce glucose but they are released into the blood stream at different speeds. Simple being quick, complex being slow. Generally they are OK for your energy levels but the over-consumption of carbs has probably been the leading cause of obesity and diabetes in both humans and dogs. In times gone by before the modern medical marvels of treating diabetes if someone became diabetic it was unlikely they would live past 30. But the doctors of old recommended a diet of protein and fat with no carbs or sugar (fruit), perhaps you could say those doctors of a couple of hundred years ago began the Atkins diet! The best way to regulate the glucose being released into the bloodstream is to prolong the digestion process with a diet higher in protein and fat. In the case of your diabetic dog perhaps try a good quality canned food or better still a homemade diet.



Exercise.



Any good diabetic will tell you that exercise does wonders for their condition. Getting the blood pumping helps shift that excess weight and helps regulate your blood sugar levels. The fatter you are, the more difficult it is to keep good sugar levels and control. Diabetes is all about good control. The only thing to be mindful of is that exercise will burn your sugar up so beware of the hypo. The same applies to your dog, give him as much exercise as possible but have something on hand should he show symptoms of a hypo. With this in mind perhaps you should work out an exercise plan with your vet.



Your vet will tell you that consistency is the key and will probably suggest that you exercise your pet at the same time every day keeping the sessions the same length without being over-vigorous; you do not want your dog getting out of breath as he could be on the way to having a hypo. If your dog goes dizzy or weak or starts to act in an unusual way, give him something sweet and get to the vet quickly.



Natural Remedies



Many studies have shown that certain herbs, vitamins, nutrients and minerals can be helpful in regulating blood glucose levels in a diabetic dog. These include:



Fenugreek: helps to slow down carbohydrate absorption and may stimulate insulin production.



Astragalus: is often used in Chinese Medicine. Clinical research has proven its effectiveness to regulate glucose levels and it can also prevent or slow the formation of cataracts, which are almost a guaranteed effect of canine diabetes.



Goat's rue can lower glucose levels without causing hypoglycaemia (hypo) and may also reduce your dog's risk of cataracts, and may also prevent kidney damage.



Bilberry is another cataract preventing favourite with herbalists with some even believing Bilberry can reverse them.



Chromium is an essential mineral for glucose regulation in the blood. Popular with humans in supplement form, it is also an excellent product for your diabetic dog. It can prevent insulin resistance, which is usually a precursor of type 2 diabetes which is the most common form of this disease among canines and humans.



All the above are fine to use along with insulin but some owners wish to pursue this herbal direction to a point where their pet is no longer insulin dependent. This is a great goal but consult with your vet before making any major changes. Remember mainstream vets are not champions of any alternative remedies or medicines, so make sure your vet is forward rather than backward thinking.



Diabetes is a horrible aging disease but with good blood sugar control for you or your dog it will mean a virtually normal and happy existence.

Treatment For Dog Diabetes

What is canine diabetes? Diabetes mellitus is the condition where in there is a deficiency of insulin to keep the body in its regular functioning. In the average dog, food is ingested and converted to glucose which serves to give energy to the body. Glucose is only accessed through insulin and the lack of insulin is the culprit behind dog diabetes.



If the pancreatic gland is not secreting sufficient insulin; or it the dog's cells fails to respond to the insulin-the animal has diabetes. Diabetes is not fatal. In fact, treatments are made easily available in stores and online shops that will ensure a long and fairly healthy life for your pet.



What are the symptoms of a diabetic dog? Excessive urination (or polydipsia) and unusually high consumption of water (or polyuria) is to be expected. You will also notice a loss of weight in him. This is because the body takes fat and protein from its reserves to counteract the lack of glucose produced.



When symptoms of diabetes arise, take your pet and have him diagnosed as soon as you are able. The vet will first get a urine test to see if traces of glucose are found in the urine. The results will be verified by a blood test that will or will not show a higher level of glucose than the normal dog. If it is confirmed that he has diabetes, get a thorough check-up for your dog to see if there are other health issues that might complicate his present condition further.



The treatment for dog diabetes will vary depending on the results as well as factors like age, weight and current condition of the animal. Generally, the recommended and primary method used will be injections of insulin-the dosage will again vary for every canine. Monitor him for a few days and get another check-up. If there is an improvement, maintain the dosage and establish a healthy routine the dog can follow.



It is very important that your dog is provided with good food and adequate exercise. A diet high in complex carbohydrates and fiber will help regulate the glucose in your dog's body better. Do not give food that have a lot of fat and sugar content in it. Read up on nutritional and appropriate meals and snacks you can serve your dog.



Exercise improves insulin production because it promotes better blood flow. Be very careful if you have never engaged the diabetic dog in physical activity before. Sudden exercise or any change in his exercise routine will cause blood sugar levels to decrease and may trigger hypoglycemic coma.



A common offshoot of diabetes is cataracts. High blood glucose levels, or hyperglycaemia disrupts the lens of the eyes. Neuropathy is also another possible complication of diabetes. Check the back legs of the dog for weakening. More than all that though, diabetes ketoacidosis is the most dangerous. The vital organs break down because of high hyperglycaemia that has been untreated for too long. Look out for the symptoms to avoid the more progressive complications that your diabetic dog may suffer if the condition is not kept appropriately under control.

Treatments For Diabetes Mellitus

Are you familiar with the metabolic disorder called diabetes mellitus?



Way back in 2005, diabetics in the US have already reached a total of 20.8 million. At present, the number has extremely increased. Among the prevalent diabetic cases, diabetes mellitus makes up about 90-95%.



Pre-diabetic cases are also increasing and if these people don't employ preventive measures, their condition can get worse and become full-blown diabetes.



Diabetes mellitus is characterized by lack of insulin secretion and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is already evident at a very young age because it can be inherited.



The condition can be triggered by several environmental factors like obesity and sedentary lifestyle. Aside from that, insulin resistance is also associated with hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. If you have diabetes mellitus, you're likely to develop cardiovascular diseases as well.



The treatments for diabetes mellitus usually involves the intake of drugs, education, exercise, and dietary changes.



Multiple drugs are usually given; otherwise known as combination therapy. The efficiency of some older drugs and the new drugs introduced in the medical industry has brought about confusion and so the current diabetes mellitus treatments have become extremely complex.



Currently, the newest class of incretin-acting medications has been released. These are anti-diabetic medications exclusively designed for treating diabetes mellitus. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide) and DPP-4 (dipeptidyl-peptidase) are already available in the market. Clinical trails are still being conducted with the use of GLP-1 analog or liraglutide.



A medical association in the US published that the drugs mentioned earlier are just as effective as the older diabetic drugs used. Besides, the older diabetic drugs are far cheaper because the new drugs are extremely expensive.



Some diabetic patients are questioning the experts - why should they pay for expensive new treatments when the older treatments are also effective?



Well, the choice of diabetes mellitus treatments depends on the individual. If you can't afford expensive treatments for diabetes mellitus, you can always choose the cheaper alternatives. But before taking any medication, it is still best to consult a physician. Only the physician knows the best medication for you. By talking to your physician and providing him with your medical history, you can effectively treat diabetes mellitus.



Diabetes is a life-long disease and all you can do is to manage and control it, before it controls your life. If you don't treat diabetes upon diagnosis, it could lead to complications like heart diseases and kidney failure. Immediate treatments are required for you to overcome this disease. Make it a point to visit your doctor regularly so that you can discuss any new development or if you experience certain side effects from the current medications you're taking.



The treatment for diabetes mellitus is more of a personal choice because it involves cost. Since not all diabetics can afford conventional medications, many choose alternative medicines like the use of herbs and other natural remedies.



You must be prepared to make the necessary changes in your life if you want to live normally because diabetes will stay with you forever.



Are you overweight or is there a relative and family member with diabetes? If your answer is yes, you're at risk, so be extra careful.



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