If left untreated, diabetes and dogs can be potentially fatal. Diabetes mellitus and inhibits the body’s natural ability to control blood sugar levels. Through diet, medication, and exercise, the dog owner can manage the dog’s diabetes. Diet and exercise are essential components of the management of diabetes in dogs. If the diabetes is managed effectively, the dog can continue to live an active lifestyle for a relatively long time.
There may be initial signs that a dog has developed diabetes. Those with diabetes often experience an increase in thirst and drinking as well as urination.
A veterinarian must diagnose diabetes mellitus in dogs. Blood or urine tests when the dog is fasting may be the method the veterinarian uses to diagnose diabetes in the dog.
Routine is a critically important characteristic of diabetic dog diets. The veterinarian may instruct the dog owner to feed the dog and administer insulin injections according to a strict schedule.
Ideal diabetic dog diets are generally high in fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates. The dog food may need to be low in fat if the dog should lose weight.
Diabetic dog diets need to be consistent. Feeding a dog treats, table scraps, or making homemade dog food are considered potentially dangerous for dogs with diabetes since these can cause too much variation in the contents of the dog’s diet.
The dog should not have drastic changes in weight. If the dog is overweight, losing weight can help the management of diabetes. Any necessary weight loss should be done gradually.
Regular checkups by a veterinarian are necessary for dogs with diabetes. The dog owner may have a number of questions regarding the management of diabetes in dogs. The dog owner should feel comfortable asking the veterinarian any questions they may have.
The veterinarian may recommend that the dog owner to use testing strips to test the dog’s urine for sugar. If the veterinarian wants the dog owner to test the dog’s urine, the veterinarian will show the dog owner how to use and read the testing strips.
Routine exercise is beneficial in the management of diabetes in dogs. Consistency in an exercise routine is considered important. A daily routine of 20 to 30 minutes of exercise is often considered ideal.
