Diabetes in Dogs
We dread the thought of our beloved pet suffering from any sort of disease but unfortunately, Diabetes in dogs is becoming more and more common. It is said that 1 out of 500 dogs suffer from diabetes mellitus. While diabetes in dogs may of itself not be quite as serious as some other diseases, if it is not detected and addressed appropriately, it can lead to heart disease, liver disease and kidney complications. In the more serious cases, the Diabetes in dogs may induce coma and eventually death in a dog.
Diabetes in Dogs Defined
Before we define canine diabetes, let us take a short side trip to how food is processed in the canine’s system. The pancreas is responsible for producing a hormone called insulin. Insulin regulates glucose production and makes sure that unneeded glucose is stored away in the body.
Dog Diabetes, as with human Diabetes, is a deficiency of insulin which means glucose production cannot be controlled or stored properly. It can also mean that the body cells are insensitive in its response to insulin. The result of this is that blood glucose concentration increases and your dog’s system will attempt to flush this out through urination.
You will notice that diabetic dogs will urinate more. Because of this, they will be thirstier so aside from excessive urination, increased consumption of water is also indicative of canine diabetes. Also, because the food is not being converted properly, your dog will be losing weight in spite of all your efforts to feed him hearty meals. While this may be a reason for concern for the worried pet owner, a dog diabetes treatment is easily accessible to help you deal with this efficiently.
Diagnosis of Diabetes in Dogs
Once your dog is correctly diagnosed with canine diabetes, consult with the vet on the best dog diabetes treatment to give your pet. He will most likely recommend that you proceed with insulin therapy right away. Be aware that insulin must never be ingested in tablet form as this will only go straight to the intestines. Allow your vet to monitor your pet regularly to determine the right dosage to administer to him.
There are also natural supplements available that will improve the insulin production of the animal. Take this in conjunction with a diet that is high in fiber and complex carbohydrates. This will help regulate glucose levels in the blood. Avoid food that are rich in fat and sugar; it will complicate the already unstable sugar level condition. Remember to ask your vet before you include the supplements in your dog’s diet.
Regular Exercise Can Improve Diabetes in Dogs
It is also very important that the dog has regular, consistent exercise. This will greatly enhance the ability of the cells to absorb insulin – and this lowers the concentration of glucose in the blood. The consistency of the exercise regimen of the dog cannot be stressed enough; alterations on his program may possibly induce hypoglycemic coma. Ask an expert to plan the exercise program around the age, condition and stage of diabetes he is in.
Diabetes in dogs is unfortunate, but it is manageable. Stay in regular contact with your vet and report any changes in his condition. And make an informed decision on whether to treat your dog’s diabetes with natural remedies or with insulin.
– Click Here! for more on natural remedies for Diabetes in dogs.