Tips to Manage Diabetes in Dogs
Like humans, dogs can be affected by Diabetes as well. About 0.2% to 1.2% of dogs tend to get affected, especially the breeds like Tibetan Terriers and Samoyeds that could be predisposed. If your dog has been diagnosed with Diabetes recently, it could be difficult to come to terms with without knowing they would require treatment.
What is Diabetes in dogs?
Diabetes is an endocrine disorder caused by problems with insulin. Insulin is one important hormone that is responsible for processing food energy. Diabetes in dogs is related to type 1 diabetes in humans, with no insulin production. Few dogs may be prone to type 2 diabetes caused by hormonal or obesity changes. It may also result in needing more insulin production. Unfortunately, Diabetes is not easy to cure. However, you can manage it in a dog with an appropriate insulin treatment option.
Symptoms and Signs of Diabetes in Dogs
Symptoms and signs of Diabetes in dogs are similar to the ones found in humans. The signs and symptoms may include the following:
- Fatigue
- Change in vision
- Decreased muscle mass
- Weight loss
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Increased appetite
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
If you leave it untreated, the signs may become serious complications. Therefore, you should monitor your dog for these symptoms and signs to ensure it gets the right treatment. Dog Rx discount card lets you purchase medications at low prices.
Tips to Manage Diabetes
Here are the top tips for managing Diabetes in dogs:
Exercise
While exercise is a good way to keep your dog healthy, activity levels may need the right monitoring. If your dog uses more glucose and energy while exercising on insulin, it could be at a high risk of hypoglycemia. It would help if you talked to your vet about your dog’s potential activity levels, especially before you engage or hike in another strenuous exercise.
Diet
Your vet may recommend a prescription diet for your dog suffering from Diabetes. You may need to track what you are feeding the dog regarding the type of food and caloric intake. You should pick dog foods with low carbohydrates and high protein. A low-carb diet may help you manage your dog’s blood sugar levels. It also helps you in ensuring that they are healthy and nourished.
Medications
Dogs with type 1 diabetes need insulin treatment and are rarely given oral medicines. However, in a few cases, dogs may be given oral medicines, especially in the case of type 2 diabetes. Oral medicines may also include antidiabetic medicine like Glucobay.
Insulin
Many dogs would need treatment with insulin after the diagnosis. Your vet will help you determine your dog’s best dose and insulin. They will also discuss the best ways to monitor the dog’s blood sugar levels while you are taking insulin. You should monitor blood sugar levels, and you can keep track of the dog’s blood sugar levels. It helps to ensure you do not experience hypoglycemia or dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Regular checkups
It is essential to get regular dog checkups. It helps make sure that the dog is being treated adequately. In addition, the vet may help you determine whether the insulin is working and making adjustments correctly. Your dog may need to see the vet each month or at least once a year, depending on diabetes severity.
Keep up with your dog’s treatment
Insulin is often essential as it helps in managing Diabetes in dogs. However, depending on the kind of prescribed insulin, prescription costs could be quite high. Pet insurance may also help you cover insulin costs and other antidiabetic medicines. Other saving options are also available for pets that are underinsured or uninsured.
Pet Rx discount card, like the WiseRx cards, can help lower medication prices.
