Care Solution for a Diabetic Dog

Dogs quickly become members of our families, so it’s important to make sure their health is being looked after. There are some chances that dogs, especially certain breeds, may develop diabetes, thus needing insulin and proper veterinary care. If your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes, most likely Type-1 diabetes, there are some things you can do to make sure its quality of life isn’t drastically altered and that your lifestyle doesn’t also drastically change in caring for your dog. Breeds and Causes While the exact cause of diabetes is not known, there are several key factors in its development. In dogs, the factors include autoimmune diseases, weight, abnormal pancreas function and medication intake. There are some breeds of dogs that are more prone to developing diabetes than others. Breeds that have a greater risk of Type 1 diabetes include Schnauzers, Poodles, Samoyeds, Australian Terriers, Dachshunds and Keeshonds. Juvenile diabetes is also more common in Golden Retrievers. A dog’s age and gender also play a role in the development of diabetes. Older dogs, between the ages of six and nine year old, have an increased risk, as well as obese dogs and female dogs. Symptoms To Watch Out For If you are concerned that your pup may have developed diabetes, there are some warning signs to watch for and that may cause concern. Here is a list of some of the symptoms a diabetic dog may experience:

• Weight loss
• Increased urination
• Excessive thirst
• Sweet-smelling breath
• Dehydration
• Vomiting
• Urinary tract infections
• Blindness
• Skin Infections

To determine whether your dog does have diabetes, schedule a full checkup by your veterinarian, who will perform various tests including blood and urine analysis. Treatments of Diabetes in Dogs The treatment of diabetic dogs depends on the severity and progress of the disease in their bodies. If the disease is advanced, a hospital stay may be required in order to get their symptoms and the diabetes regulated. In order to ensure their blood sugar is being regulated accurately, most diabetic dogs do require insulin injections. Their dose of insulin will be determined by their veterinarian and most often can be injected by you at home. When your dog is diagnosed as diabetic, your veterinarian will walk you through the treatment plan. Here are some factors to keep in mind when caring for a diabetic dog:

• Give your dog’s insulin at the same time every day
• Keep meal times at the same time during the day
• Beware of the glucose levels in the dog treats you buy
• Regularly check your dog’s blood glucose levels

It’s important to make sure your dog is getting adequate exercise and eating a healthy diet. If your dog hasn’t been diagnosed with diabetes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your pet can help prevent type-1 diabetes development as they age. If your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes, MedLabSupply.com has equipment and supplies to help make their treatment plan easier. From veterinary specific blood glucose monitors and strips, to veterinary insulin syringes, we have your pet’s needs covered! Your dog’s diabetes doesn’t have to be a death sentence, nor a complete lifestyle change for you. The disease can be managed and fit into your every day schedule. Consult your veterinarian to determine your animal’s treatment plan and then visit MedLabSupply.com to stock up on the necessary equipment and supplies to make your pet’s treatment as pain free as possible.