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How to Protect a Dog from Diabetes

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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When a dog doesn’t produce enough insulin, they develop canine diabetes. Although some dogs may be genetically predisposed to diabetes, there are measures we can take for prevention. Simple changes in diet, exercise and awareness makes a big difference. Here’s how to protect your dog from canine diabetes.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • A leash for walks
  1. Step 1

    Reduce fat intake. If you have an overweight dog, it’s important to get him to a healthy weight. Ask your vet about switching to a weight control food. These are often lower in fat and will help your canine shed some pounds. You could also switch to feeding raw or home-cooked meals for your dog. There are many benefits to feeding raw--and one of the biggest benefits is that you know exactly what goes into your dog's food.

  2. Step 2

    Resist sharing your food if it's high in fat and calories. It’s no secret that dogs love table food. But human food isn’t always good for dogs. And if it’s high in fat, it can pack pounds on your canine which increase diabetes risk.

  3. Step 3

    Increase fiber intake. We all know a diet high in fiber is good for humans, but it’s also good for dogs. A diet high in fiber can help dogs shed pounds and stay healthy. Making the switch is easy. Just look for a dog food that contains high fiber content. Your vet may be able to assist with this. If you are feeding a raw diet, green beans are lower in carbohydrates and make a great fiber filler.

  4. Step 4

    Increase exercise. Giving your dog regular exercise will help ward off diabetes in dogs. This will help your dog get to a healthy weight and stay fit. Plus regular exercise is good for dog and owner alike.

  5. Step 5

    Look for the symptoms. Some canine diabetes can be controlled with lifestyle changes. If you catch diabetes early, you may be able to make some changes that will help your dog’s health. Signs include increase thirst, urination and loss of energy.

Tips & Warnings
  • Start good nutrition and exercise early. If you give your dog proper nutrition and exercise from the start, you’ll reduce risk of canine diabetes and other common health concerns.
  • Pay attention to any changes in your dog. Since canine diabetes can come on slow or quickly, always monitor your dog’s behavior. If you notice any unusual changes, contact your vet.
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