Canine Diabetes Mellitus

Canine diabetes mellitus is a lack of insulin produced by the body. Proper management of the canine diabetes mellitus is necessary to prevent dangerous complications. Diabetes management includes lifestyle changes and veterinary treatment.

Most dogs that are diagnosed with canine diabetes mellitus are middle age or older. Diabetes mellitus can be hereditary and affect younger dogs. Dogs that are overweight have a higher risk of developing diabetes mellitus.

The body uses insulin produced by the pancreas to metabolize glucose. Without enough insulin, of glucose in the blood cannot be used for energy and blood glucose levels can rise to unsafe amounts.

In dogs, diabetes mellitus may be controlled with insulin injections or oral medication, controlled diet, and regular exercise. If insulin injections are used to treat the diabetes, the dog may require one or two daily injections.

The veterinarian will instruct the dog owner about the proper storage and administration of the insulin. The dosage of insulin varies between dogs. The injections are given below the skin along the dog's back. The veterinarian may change the dosage until the ideal dosage is found.

The dog owner may need to frequently test the dog's urine with a test strip that indicates the level of glucose in the urine. The veterinarian may have the dog owner keep a log of the dog's diet, insulin injections, any changes in behavior, and urine test results.

Consistency is important when managing diabetes. A feeding and exercise routine should remain consistent. The feeding routine may include giving the dog part of its food in the morning and waiting up to ten hours to give the remainder of the food.

Extra food and snacks given to the dog can jeopardize the dog's health. A strict feeding routine is necessary for the proper management of the diabetes. A consistent level of exercise daily can make canine diabetes mellitus easier to manage.

A dog with canine diabetes mellitus may be put on a special diet. The dog food for dogs with diabetes is typically high in fiber and protein. Diabetes management for canine diabetes mellitus may seem overwhelming at first, but once a routine has been established it may seem less stressful.

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