Canine Diabetes Mellitus Treatment

By Moses Wright

As diabetes is for humans, a diagnosis of canine diabetes mellitus calls for some lifestyle changes and proper management of the diabetes. Diabetes in dogs is caused by a lack of insulin produced by the pancreas.

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 insulin will need to be properly stored. Dog owners will also need to learn how to measure the correct dosage and administer the insulin injection under the dog's skin along its back. The veterinarian may need to adjust a dog's dosage of insulin.

The veterinarian may instruct the dog owner to use test strips to test the dog's urine for glucose. The veterinarian may have the dog owner keep a log of the dog's urine test results, the dog's diet, and the insulin injections.

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.

Dog owners need to refrain from feeding the dog extra food or snacks which can have an adverse effect on the dog's blood glucose levels. An ideal amount of exercise and feeding schedule is likely to be suggested by the veterinarian.

A dog with canine diabetes mellitus may be put on a special diet. The dog food for dogs with diabetes is typically high in fiber and protein. Diabetes management for canine diabetes mellitus may seem overwhelming at first, but once a routine has been established it may seem less stressful. - 29895

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