How to Care for a Diabetic Dog
Dogs who suffer from canine diabetes require a special level of care. However, that doesn't mean your pet will be high maintenance. Follow these simple steps to make your dog's life more comfortable.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Find a trustworthy veterinarian because the early stages of diabetes are the most complicated. Dogs newly diagnosed with diabetes generally undergo a period in which their blood sugar must be tested often. The also must receive insulin shots in varying doses to stabilize blood sugar.
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2
Learn to give an insulin injection. Giving a dog a shot is as easy as pinching the skin around the neck, down the dog's side or around the base of the tail. The needle is inserted just under the skin. Most dogs barely feel the injection and don't yelp.
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3
Maintain a schedule. Diabetic dogs require feeding around the same time every day to maintain proper blood sugar and insulin levels. Often, diabetic dogs eat a specially formulated pet food and take shots about an hour after eating.
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4
Keep an emergency kit on hand, especially early in the diagnosis stage. Dogs with erratic insulin and blood sugar levels can sometimes suffer seizures if their blood sugar falls. By keeping a container of corn syrup on hand, you can quickly raise a dog's blood sugar with just a few drops on the tongue.
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5
Stay alert to changes in your dog's behavior. Increased urination, water intake, lethargy and other symptoms are a sign that your dog's blood sugar and insulin levels are down. Paying close attention to your dog ensures his safety and well-being.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If it takes more than a few months to stabilize your dog's blood sugar and insulin levels, consider a second opinion. Other illnesses, like Cushing's Disease, present symptoms similar to canine diabetes.
