Management Of Canine Diabetes Mellitus

By Moses Wright

As diabetes is for humans, a diagnosis of canine diabetes mellitus calls for some lifestyle changes and proper management of the diabetes. Diabetes in dogs is caused by a lack of insulin produced by the pancreas.

Dogs that are middle age or older are at the highest risk for the diabetes mellitus. Obesity increases the risk. Younger dogs may also be affected by diabetes mellitus in which cases it is typically hereditary.

Insulin is necessary to utilize glucose from the diet for energy. Blood glucose levels can rise to unsafe amounts if insulin is not available to metabolize the glucose in the blood.

In dogs, diabetes mellitus may be controlled with insulin injections or oral medication, controlled diet, and regular exercise. If insulin injections are used to treat the diabetes, the dog may require one or two daily injections.

The insulin will need to be properly stored. Dog owners will also need to learn how to measure the correct dosage and administer the insulin injection under the dog's skin along its back. The veterinarian may need to adjust a dog's dosage of insulin.

The dog's urine may need to be tested with strips that indicate the level of glucose in the urine. The dog owner may be required to keep a log of the urine testing results, any changes in behavior, and the amount of insulin given.

Consistency is important when managing diabetes. A feeding and exercise routine should remain consistent. The feeding routine may include giving the dog part of its food in the morning and waiting up to ten hours to give the remainder of the food.

Extra food and snacks given to the dog can jeopardize the dog's health. A strict feeding routine is necessary for the proper management of the diabetes. A consistent level of exercise daily can make canine diabetes mellitus easier to manage.

The veterinarian may suggest a specific diet for the dog with canine diabetes mellitus. Dog food that is high in fiber and protein is often recommended. The dog owner may feel somewhat overwhelmed with all the necessary changes, but this feeling may subside as the diabetes management becomes part of the daily routine. - 29953

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