Diabetic Dog Diets
A disease that can affect dogs and be potentially fatal if not properly managed is diabetes mellitus. As it does in humans, diabetes in dogs causes uncontrolled blood glucose levels. Diabetes in dogs is managed through diet, exercise, and medication if necessary.
Diabetes management and dogs should include proper diet and exercise. A diabetic dog may continue to be happy and healthy for a considerably long time if the diabetes is properly managed.
The dog owner may or may not notice the initial symptoms of diabetes. Often, a dog will experience more frequent urination and increased thirst when the dog develops diabetes.
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.
Fiber and complex carbohydrates are key ingredients for diabetic dog diets. If the dog should lose weight, the veterinarian may recommend dog food that is low in fat.
Consistency is also considered an important factor for diabetic dog diets. For this reason, it is generally recommended that the dog owner use one type of dog food and not switch dog foods or make their own dog food.
Drastic changes in the dog’s weight should be avoided. Managing diabetes in dogs can be easier if the dog maintains an ideal weight. Any necessary weight loss should be done gradually.
Routine veterinary visits are important for a dog with diabetes. Questions concerning the dog’s diet, the care of the dog, or the administration of insulin can be answered by the veterinarian.
The dog owner may be instructed by the veterinarian to test the dog’s ear and periodically for sugar. The veterinarian may show the dog owner how to use dog urine testing strips.
Daily exercise is considered very helpful in diabetes management. Again, consistency is important. The dog owner should set a daily routine of exercising for a specific amount of time such as walking or playing catch for half an hour a day.
