Canine Diabetes Mellitus Treatment
Dogs diagnosed with canine diabetes mellitus must begin medical treatment to manage the diabetes. Diabetes management includes lifestyle changes which require regular routines.
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.
Insulin is necessary to utilize glucose from the diet for energy. Blood glucose levels can rise to unsafe amounts if insulin is not available to metabolize the glucose in the blood.
The treatment for canine diabetes mellitus usually includes a control diet, regular exercise, and insulin injections. The size of the dog in the dog’s breed can affect the frequency and dosage of insulin necessary to control canine diabetes mellitus.
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.
Managing diabetes includes a consistent routine of eating and exercise. Often, the dog with diabetes mellitus is given part of its daily food early in the day with the rest given up to ten hours later.
It is important for a dog with diabetes to not be fed extra food or snacks. The veterinarian is likely to help the dog owner determine the feeding and exercise schedule that will work best for the dog owner and effectively manage the diabetes.
The veterinarian may suggest a specific diet for the dog with canine diabetes mellitus. Dog food that is high in fiber and protein is often recommended. The dog owner may feel somewhat overwhelmed with all the necessary changes, but this feeling may subside as the diabetes management becomes part of the daily routine.
Posted: October 10th, 2009 under Dogs.
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