Management Of Canine Diabetes Mellitus

Dogs diagnosed with canine diabetes mellitus must begin medical treatment to manage the diabetes. Diabetes management includes lifestyle changes which require regular routines.

Most dogs that are diagnosed with canine diabetes mellitus are middle age or older. Diabetes mellitus can be hereditary and affect younger dogs. Dogs that are overweight have a higher risk of developing diabetes mellitus.

Insulin is necessary to metabolize glucose. If the insulin produced by the pancreas is not enough to use glucose in the blood for energy, the blood glucose levels rise to unsafe levels.

Insulin injections, controlled diet, and regular exercise are used to manage diabetes in dogs. Dogs may require one or two daily insulin 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 owner may need to frequently test the dog’s urine with a test strip that indicates the level of glucose in the urine. The veterinarian may have the dog owner keep a log of the dog’s diet, insulin injections, any changes in behavior, and urine test results.

Consistency is the key factor in managing diabetes. A routine of exercise and eating needs to be followed. Changes in diet or exercise can impact blood glucose levels in the amount of insulin needed. Dogs with diabetes also need to be fed part of the dog food early in the day and the rest of food up to ten hours later.

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 recommend a specific diet for the dog. Dogs with canine diabetes mellitus often do best with dog food that is high in protein and fiber. The change is required for proper diabetes management may seem overwhelming at first, but often the dog owner feels more at ease once diabetes management becomes part of the daily routine.