3/17/2013

Canine diabetes also referred to, as sugar diabetes is common in dogs. Some breeds are more prone to it than others but all dogs can get it. There are two types of diabetes.



Type 1 is caused because the body does not produce enough insulin.



Type 2 is the result of the body not being able to deal with the insulin it does produce.



Diabetes is a serious disease and must be monitored and treated. If not the dog could go blind; have kidney problems, liver disease just to mention a few and most likely die.



Canine diabetes symptom



Excessive drinking, frequent urination as a result from drinking more no doubt will be the first symptom you notice. Weight loss even though they maintain or even increase their appetite is another sign to take your dog to the vet. Weakness in the rear legs, vomiting are all signs you need to pay attention to and have your dog examined.



There is no know reason why one dog will get diabetes and another will not. Heredity, taking certain medications and obesity does increase their chances of getting it though.



Canine diabetes treatment



The dog will be examined and than monitored for a week or so. Each dogs insulin requirements will be different. It is not as easy as weighing them and deciding on the dosage. They have to go by the results of blood and urine tests.



When the glucose levels are in the normal range between 60 and 120 they know the dosage requirements. The insulin had to be given by shots because there is no oral medication that works on dogs.



This is going to be a huge commitment for the owner. Many people at this point decide to euthanize their pet.. If you are willing to keep your pet the vet will teach you how to monitor the disease and give the insulin.



Canine diabetes diet



Your vet will also give specific instructions on diet and feeding. The diet is equally as important as the medication. Obesity makes it very difficult for the medication to work so you must not allow the pet to get fat. The vet will decide on the calories needed per day. It is best to divide this up into two or three meals evenly spaced throughout the day. This way the glucose remains at the same levels at all times.



You will be instructed on the storage, preparation and administration of the insulin. The initial hospitalization, monitoring, regulating the diabetes will not come cheap. But once the dog is regulated on the proper dosage and given the correct diet the worst is over.



Most dogs can than live an active, happy and   long life. It will be up to you to monitor and administer his insulin but it will be well worth it for the health of your pet.
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