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Canine Diabetes; is Your Dog at Risk?
Author: Lori S. Anton
The classic early warning signs of diabetes were all present when I brought my canine
companion of twelve years into the Veterinarian's clinic. Muffy was lethargic, unsteady on her feet, drinking large amounts of
water, and experiencing incontinence for the first time in her life.
I knew something was seriously wrong.
After blood work and a physical examination, the veterinarian said that Muffy had developed type-two canine
diabetes. After a brief discussion, we decided to try and regulate her blood sugar level with diet modification and insulin twice
daily.
At first, it was rough going. Weekly checkups revealed Muffy's sugar levels continued to bounce from one
extreme to the other. Determined not give up, I monitored her urine samples at home for sugar content and adjusted insulin
injections as necessary. Gradually, we began to see improvement.
After just a few months Muffy was once again her frisky self. You would never know by watching her race about
that she had a serious health problem. A special diet, proper amounts of insulin and regular exercise have worked together with
Muffy\'s routine veterinary care to turn the tide. As a result, I can look forward to many more happy years with my little
dog.
Wyoming veterinarian Mary Flitner, who recently moved her practice to New Mexico, received her D.V.M. degree at
Colorado State University and an award for excellence in large animal surgery in 1997. Flitner states that diabetes in dogs and
cats is more common than most people realize. According to Flitner, a pet's chance of developing diabetes will increase with
age.
"This is especially true in overweight, less active dogs."
Besides weight and age, diet is another significant factor. Dogs given table scraps without discrimination are
particularly at risk. The importance of diet cannot be over emphasized, warns Flitner.
"A high fiber diet, low in fat and sugar, is vital. And an annual checkup by a qualified professional is also
an important part of proper pet care, as early detection of health complications increase successful management of the problem
and helps prolong the quality of life for that pet."
Flitner notes many pet owners mistakenly feel caring for a diabetic pet would be too difficult for them, an
assumption that complicates the decision making process at a critical time.
"A diagnosis of diabetes in a family pet is hard enough to handle without misconceptions compounding the
problem," said Flitner thoughtfully.
For instance, a pet owner might opt to euthanize a pet diagnosed with diabetes because they feel incapable of
managing the problem. However, with proper instruction and guidance, that same pet owner could gain the confidence necessary to
properly follow the care plan developed by the veterinarian, and enjoy many more quality years together with their
pet.
"People need to know by regulating their pet's diabetes, that pet can still live to their full potential," said
Flitner, acknowledging most care givers consider their pet an important part the family and struggle to make right health care
decisions for them.
Flitner notes grocery store quality pet foods are not good choices for diabetic pets because of added fillers
and sugars used to improve the taste.
"Some grocery store brands of cat food actually have trace elements of antifreeze in them, because cats are
attracted to it. These type foods often have a high content of sodium, which is also unhealthy for the pet.
"A healthy well-balanced diet is important for any pet, but especially for those diagnosed with
diabetes."
Early warning signs that might indicate diabetes in your pet include: an unusually high consumption of water,
increase in appetite, incontinence, lethargy, extreme changes in eyes (i.e. cataracts), lack of coordination, and vomiting. Care
givers who note such changes in their dog should promptly call a qualified professional, because examination by a veterinarian is
important and necessary for proper diagnosis.
Flitner also acknowledges the temptation to remove the water bowl from the pet\'s reach if incontinence is a
problem.
"But, this is not the correct thing to do," instructs Flitner.
In the case of diabetic canines, drinking large amounts of water is the dog's attempt to flush glucose out of
the kidneys which has spilled over from the blood. If the glucose doesn't get flushed out, serious damage to the kidneys and
other organs can develop.
The best preventative measures against serious health problems in the family pet remain simple and practical:
regular veterinary check ups, and a healthy diet. Exercise is also very important. Among other benefits, exercise helps increase
the body\'s effective use of insulin.
For more canine health information, information on a special dog food formulated specifically for diabetic
dogs, or other dog products, visit the http://www.savvy-dog-lovers.com
© Lori S. Anton Savvy Pet Editor
About the author:
Published writer and dog lover, Lori Anton, has been
writing for nearly 30 years. Lori is Savvy Pet Editor. Savvy Dog Lover web site offers valuable information on pet health, care,
and training, as well as top pet products. Visit http://www.savvy-dog-lovers.com/category/dog-supplies/health-care. Savvy Dog Lover - where the best
bones are buried!
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