Humans aren’t the only creatures that get diabetes. Dogs can develop diabetes too. This is especially prevalent in older dogs. There are many things you can do to care for a diabetic dog.
Medicating With Insulin
If you have a diabetic dog, they’ll need regular insulin injections. It’s important that you’re drawing and injecting the insulin correctly.
- First, remove the needle cap. Then pull pack the needle plunger until you have the correct dose.
- Stick the needle into the insulin bottle top. Push down on the plunger, releasing air into the bottle and creating a vacuum that lets you draw insulin from the bottle in an easier way.
- Again, pull the plunger back until you’ve drawn the right amount of insulin. Make sure there aren’t any air bubbles in the syringe before injecting your dog.
- Inject your dog carefully. Insulin is usually injected into the dog’s back by pulling up and folding their skin. Talk with your vet about the best spot to inject your dog. At about a 45 degree angle, push the needle into their skin quickly so they feel as little pain as possible.
Lifestyle Changes
Talk to your vet about a diet and nutrition plan for your diabetic dog. If your dog is overweight, the plan will be aimed at weight loss. Therefore, you’ll also develop a specific feeding schedule for your dog.
Additionally, increased exercise helps your dog avoid complications associated with diabetes. A moderate and consistent exercise routine will work wonders for your dog’s health. However, the exact amount of exercise needed varies by your dog’s breed and size. Therefore, speak to your vet about the right exercise plan for your dog.
Home Monitoring
Careful home monitoring is crucial for caring for a diabetic dog. It’s especially helpful for catching complications early on. You may use a glucose monitor for testing glucose levels and making sure they’re not too high or too low. Any changes or extremes should be discussed with your vet.
Caring for a diabetic dog may be stressful at first, but the disease is manageable with proper diet and nutrition, insulin and exercise. At Regal Animal Hospital, we’re always here with support and advice for caring for your pet with this incurable disease. If you notice your dog experiencing any symptoms like frequent urination, diabetic seizures, excessive thirst, change in appetite or lethargy, contact us today for an appointment.