How to Treat Diabetes in Dogs

Canine diabetes is a hormonal disorder that most often affects dogs between the ages of 5 and 9. Additionally, the large majority of dogs with diabetes are obese, with unspayed females being at the highest risk. The main symptoms, due to a high concentration of blood glucose (sugar), are excessive water consumption and urination often accompanied by increased appetite. There is no cure, however, there are several important measures to take and courses of treatment to keep your dog’s condition under control--so that he or she can live a normal life.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Administer a daily dose or doses of insulin as prescribed by your veterinarian at the recommended time(s). Some dogs will do better with a single injection and others will need two. Your veterinarian will show you how to give the injection. Dogs with diabetes almost always require insulin, however, most pet owners find administering it manageable.
2. Monitor how your dog responds to the insulin by testing the urine with strips that you can purchase at a drug store or pet supply store or with AlphaTRACK, a hand-held blood glucose measuring device. The glucose level will determine if the insulin dosage needs to be adjusted. Check with your vet on how to use the test strip kit or AlphaTRACK and what results to look for. AlphaTRACK also comes with an instructional DVD (see link in Resources below).
3. Keep a record of the test results along with the amount of insulin administered, your dog's eating habits and behavior. This will give both you and your vet a clearer picture for optimum treatment.
4. Feed your dog a higher fiber, premium quality dog food at the same times each day. Lower fats and carbohydrates have also been known to help diabetes. Ask your veterinarian to suggest a feeding schedule, as well as the amounts to feed.
5. Set up a consistent exercise program such as walks or games of fetch at the same time each day. Exercise effects sugar levels and it’s not good if levels are up and down. The more your dog exercises, the less insulin his body requires.
6. Ask your veterinarian to recommend vitamin and mineral supplements that are helpful in controlling diabetes. Vitamins B, C and the mineral chromium are often recommended.
7. Bring your dog back to your veterinarian for periodic blood tests so that her condition can be stabilized.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your dog for regular checkups including urine and blood screenings, because the earlier diabetes is detected, the better the chances of success.
• In case of an insulin reaction, always keep a source of sugar (such as corn syrup or honey) handy, especially when you take your dog for a walk or exercise. As soon as you see the signs, rub some on the gums, then get him to the vet as soon as symptoms subside, in case intravenous glucose is necessary.
• Spaying a female dog eliminates the interaction of female hormones with blood sugar levels, which helps stabilize insulin levels.
• Hill's Prescription Diet w/d is formulated for dogs with diabetes and other brands such as Royal Canine Waltham's Veterinary Diet have formulas for diabetes as well.
• Websites such as RXPETFOOD.com and animalhousemagazine.com (see links in Resources below) deliver prescription dog foods to your home. This is helpful for people who aren’t able to transport the food from their vet’s office or live in an area where the food isn’t available. RXPETFOOD.com requires confirmation that the food was recommended by your veterinarian.
• Stick to the time schedule prescribed by your veterinarian for administering insulin.
• Untreated diabetes can lead to weight loss, urinary tract infections, cataracts, loss of vision and listlessness.
• If your diabetic dog is obese or overweight, put her on diet for gradual weight loss. Too much weight loss, too fast can be harmful.
• Avoid fatty meats.
• Stress can lead to higher blood sugar levels due to the release of adrenaline (stress hormones) which in turn releases the body's stored sugar.