We love our furry friends so much that they become part of our families. So we can be easily thrown into a loop when they are diagnosed with chronic conditions such as diabetes. Although canine diabetes requires regular monitoring, this does not necessarily mean that they should miss out on living a long, healthy life.
Just like in humans, dogs with diabetes have insulin deficiency. Insulin is mainly responsible for regulating blood sugar. Therefore, even the best dog chews or dog treats with high levels of sugar are a no-no for dogs from diabetes. Diabetic dog treats are low in sugar and high in complex carbs which get absorbed into the dog’s bloodstream and help regulate blood sugar levels.
Symptoms and treatment of canine diabetes
Symptoms of canine diabetes are typically the same as signs and symptoms of diabetes in humans. Some of the symptoms most pet parents notice are urinating more and drinking excessively. Other common symptoms include:
- Recurrent infections
- Increased appetite in some
- Lethargic behavior
- Cataracts
For effective treatment of canine diabetes, it is important that your pooch be put under the care of a veterinarian.
Their vet will provide a specific diet and treatment plan for your pet. In some cases, treatment for canine diabetes is as simple as changes in diet to limit sugar changes, while others may require insulin to be administered via injection or orally.
Treats for diabetic dogs
Vegetables and fruits are some of the best treats for diabetic dogs. However, it is essential to keep in mind that some fruits have high starch contents, and it’s best to offer fruit treats in moderation. Some of the best fruits you can offer your diabetic pooch are:
- Raspberries
- Pears
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Apples
Vegetables are also a great choice mainly because they are low in calories and high in fiber.
Some of the best vegetable choices for your diabetic dog include:
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Green beans
- Cabbage
- Lettuce
- Zucchini
- Spinach
It is best to stay away from some commercial diabetic dog treats as many include fillers such as corn syrup, soy and/or corn, and molasses or fructose, which are all high in sugar.
Homemade diabetic dog treats are often the best option and a great way to monitor exactly what your dog eats. If you’re planning to make diabetic dog treats at home you should opt for ingredients such as whole grain and oats. Moreover, you can consider adding chicken broth (low-sodium) to your dog’s food for some variety.
It is important to pay keen attention to the ingredients in your pooch’s food, especially if they have been diagnosed with diabetes. Although managing diabetes in dogs can be a challenge, monitoring his diet carefully while working closely with their vet regularly can go a long way in helping your pet live a long, healthy life, even with his condition.
If your pooch is overweight, your doctor may recommend losing some weight to help cells better absorb and use insulin.
Food is fuel for the body
Your dogs’ vet will examine your dog and determine the number of calories they need per day, depending on their activity level and weight. Once you know how many calories your pooch needs, it is vital to closely monitor what they consume and how much.
Most veterinarians recommend a low-fat, high-fiber diet. A high-fiber diet helps keep your dog feeling full and slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. On the other hand, a diet low in fat has fewer calories. Therefore, in addition to helping your pooch eat less, this diet can also help them lose weight.
It is also essential to make sure your dog drinks lots of water to replace the water used up by fiber and prevent problems such as constipation. Although most pooches do fine with diabetic dog treats and food that is available at the store, your veterinary may recommend a homemade diet or prescription dog food.
However, it is important to keep in mind that even the best diabetic dog treats and food will be of no help if your pooch does not eat it. Moreover, you shouldn’t administer insulin to a pooch on an empty stomach as it can easily make them sick or even lead to serious complications. Talk with your vet to understand why your dog isn’t eating.
Balance food and insulin
Timing is very important because the body is constantly processing insulin and food between injections and meals. In most cases, it’s recommended that you maintain a regular meal schedule of 2 to 3 meals per day, whereas insulin should be administered every 12 hours. However, you should consult your pooch’s pet about how to best establish the right schedule.
Regular exercise
Exercise helps lower your dog’s blood sugar levels and lose weight. Be sure to maintain a regular exercise schedule in terms of intensity and duration to prevent blood sugar levels from dropping too low.
Although caring for a diabetic dog can seem daunting at first, the changes will gradually become ingrained in your daily life and you may even create a stronger bond with your pooch.
