Diabetes in Dogs by JK McEnroe

Author:JK McEnroe
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: canine diabetes, diabetes in dogs
Publisher: Andale LLC

Chapter 7: Changes in Lifestyle

A few changes in lifestyle are recommended to best support the insulin treatment of your dog. Make sure that medication is administered regularly, that food is given consistently, and that your dog has a stable life free of stress.

Nutrition is probably the most important lifestyle factor in diabetes treatment. Special diets that are high in soluble fiber are recommended as fiber will slow down the absorption of glucose after a meal. In the case of overweight diabetic dogs, fiber will make them feel full and promote weight loss. In addition, low fat products are recommended as canine diabetes is often accompanied by high levels of fats in the blood, which can cause pancreatitis. It is also recommended to avoid soft, moist foods as they usually contain high amounts of sugary preservatives.

In addition to paying attention to what your dog eats, it is also essential to control the amount that they eat as well as their eating routine. It is recommended to feed your dog a fixed amount of food twice a day, prior to the insulin injections. It is also important to make sure that your dog maintains a healthy weight, which in some cases implies weight loss diets. Obesity hinders the regulation of blood sugar within a healthy range and can cause additional complications. Thus, overweight diabetic dogs must be placed on a weight loss diet once the blood sugar levels have stabilized. Fiber rich foods and low carbohydrate diets are recommended for weight loss. In the case of underweight dogs, it will be necessary to first stabilize their weight, raise their muscle mass, and normalize their metabolism and insulin requirements. Keep in mind that each dog will have different dietary needs and that these will need to be modified according to other conditions that may be present such as kidney disease, gastrointestinal infections, or pancreatitis.

In addition to taking care of your dog’s nutrition, it is recommended to start a moderate, daily exercise routine. This will help to lower blood glucose levels and will help in the weight loss process. Ideally, exercise twice a day after meals to minimize the rise in blood glucose after the ingestion of food. Additionally, it is recommended that your dog live indoors. That way, it will not be subject to external conditions that may affect or alter his regular lifestyle.

Your commitment will play a key role in the successful treatment of the diabetic dog. It is essential for the owner to maintain regular communication with veterinarian about the treatment, to learn about this condition in detail, to check on follow up appointments, and to take care of all associated costs and related home care. As long as you are committed, have a solid understanding of all the variables that are involved, and keep communication with the veterinarian open, canine diabetes is a treatable condition with good prognosis.

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