Looking After Pets

The rate of canine diabetes is skyrocketing.But the sad fact remains that many pet owners just don’t know that symptoms of diabetes in dogs. 

Diabetes leads to cataracts in dogs, along with sudden blindness.  Your pet can also go into a diabetic coma and die.  Prevent this tragic scenario by being alert for the following symptoms.

1.  He’s Always Thirsty

One of the hallmarks of diabetic dogs is that they drink a lot of water.  This is the body’s attempt to rid itself of the excess sugar in the bloodstream. 

2.  Is Your Pet Always Asking To Go Out?

Or worse yet, is he having accidents in the house because he can’t make it outside in time?  Having to urinate often can be a sign of a bladder infection, too, but it’s best to take him to the vet for a check-up to rule out diabetes in dogs.

3.  Sudden Weight Gain Or Loss

If your companion’s weight suddenly goes up or down, pay attention.A vet should be consulted if he’s always hungry but he’s still losing weighty.

4.  Sweet Smelling Dog Breath

Your dog’s breath should smell like, well, dog breath.  If it smells sweet, something is amiss.  And that something is probably blood sugar levels that are too high.You’ll need to get him to the vet quickly.

5.  No Pep

If a formerly active pup is spending all his time just lying around the house, this may not be a symptom of old age.  It could indicate that he is a diabetic dog.

6.  An Infection He Just Can’t Get Rid Of

Your buddy has a urinary tract infection he can’t seem to shake.Or the problem may be a long-standing fungal or gum infection.A decreased resistance to infection is one of the symptoms of diabetes.

7.  Shaking or Shivering

He may not be cold.  This could be a symptom of hypoglycemia in dogs.  Low blood sugar levels can also cause him to become uncoordinated and weak.  He may even have a seizure, or pass out.  Don’t wait around.You’ll need to get him to the vet quickly, as this is a life-threatening condition.

Or You May Not Notice Any Symptoms At All

Sometimes your pet changes so slowly that you may not notice anything at all.  This is the reason why diabetes in dogs is called the “silent killer.” It’s important to keep up with gradual changes in your pet.

How Can You Help A Dog With Canine Diabetes?

Keeping your dog’s weight under control, along with regular exercise, will go a long way towards keeping him healthy.  Feeding a high-quality canned food that’s low in fat and high in fiber is also recommended.

You may also want to consider giving your dog a natural pet remedy that contains herbs known to regulate blood sugar levels naturally.  Always check with your vet first.Your vet will more than likely be interested in trying a natural pet remedy.

If you have a pet with diabetes, take action.  Just click on any link in this article now to learn how a safe and effective natural pet remedy may help your companion.

Has your pet been diagnosed with canine diabetes?One of the most important things you can do when managing diabetes in dogs is keeping your pet’s blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible.Have questions? Here are answers.

Why Are Blood Sugar Levels Important?

Blood sugar is also known as blood glucose.  The food your dog eats is broken down into glucose during digestion.Your pet’s body runs on this glucose.  It’s normal for blood sugar levels to rise after a meal, but they should come down again reasonably quickly.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas.  This hormone keeps blood sugar levels in the blood from getting too high.If your dog’s body stops producing insulin, or if her body can’t use the insulin that’s there, problems will arise.

High blood sugar levels are hard on all your dog’s organs, but her eyes and her kidneys are especially prone to damage.  Diabetic ketoacidosis is a life-threatening condition that results when diabetic dogs go untreated.

You want blood sugar levels to be lower, but be aware that if they get too low, it can result in hypoglycemia in dogs.This is an emergency, so take your pet to the vet as soon as possible.

How Are Blood Sugar Levels Monitored in Diabetic Dogs?

Your vet will help you decide how to do this.  You may use a glucose monitor like the ones people use.  Or you may use urine strips to check how much sugar is present in your pet’s urine.

When To Give Insulin?

The shots are usually given at mealtimes.Mealtimes for your pet will be about twelve hours apart.The best course of action is to feed her first, and then give her the injection.  If you give it before you feed her, and then she doesn’t eat, she’ll be at risk for hypoglycemia. 

Insulin is stored in the refrigerator.  Warming the vial in your hand will make the shot more comfortable for your companion.

Will It Take Long To Regulate Blood Sugar Levels?

Sometimes it can take several months to learn how to balance her food intake and her insulin.  Your goal is to try to keep her blood sugar at normal levels as much as possible.You’ll need to keep her blood sugar levels from dipping too low, or rising too high.

Will My Canine Diabetic Need Insulin For The Rest Of Her Life?

Unfortunately, yes.  But as time goes on, it will get easier for both of you.  Checking her blood sugar and giving her shots will become routine.

What About Natural Pet Remedies?

You’ll be interested to know that research has shown that certains herbs and dietary supplements are very effective for regulating blood sugar levels in diabetic animals.  Many pet owners have used natural pet remedies for diabetic dogs with great success.  The key is to find a remedy that’s formulated especially for pets, not for people.

If you have a diabetic pet in your home, you’ll want to provide the best care possible for your friend.  Click on any link in this article now to learn how these natural remedies may help your pet.

Canine diabetes is reaching epidemic levels among our pets.Why are our pets at risk?  Can you prevent your pet from becoming a diabetic dog?Here are the steps you need to take to prevent this devastating disease from striking your pet.

What Do You Feed Your Dog?

Most people just grab a bag of dry dog food at the grocery store.  This may not be the best choice for your dog.  Right now you’re probably asking, “How is feeding my pet dry food related to diabetes?”

Start reading pet food labels.  You’ll find that most dry pet foods are made from grains.  These grains are very high in carbohydrates.Those extra pounds your pet may be carrying are probably the result of eating too many carbs. 

Take a look at your pet.  Does he look like a barrel with legs?Canine diabetes is probably in his future.

A second problem is that trace minerals your pet needs to maintain good health are lost during refining.One of the important minerals lost during refining is chromium, which your pet’s body need to keep blood sugar levels normal.

But the biggest problem?All that glucose from carb digestion goes into your dog’s bloodstream at the same time.  This leads to a spike in blood sugar levels after meals. 

Fats and proteins, however, are digested more slowly.  The glucose produced is fed into your pet’s bloodstream over a much longer period of time, which prevents spikes.

What kind of pet food should you be feeding to prevent the possibility of diabetes in dogs?  A high-quality canned food that’s high in protein and low in fat is recommended.

Exercise Is A Natural Way To Control Blood Sugar Levels

It’s been said that if you don’t want to get diabetes, you should walk for a half hour every day.  Well, guess what?  This is true for your dog, too.  Regular exercise is a great way for both of you to keep your blood sugar levels where they belong. 

So get out of that chair, grab your dog’s leash, and start walking!Investing a few minutes every day into exercise will pay big dividends in good health for you and your pet.

Should You Be Giving Your Dog A Supplement?

Many dog owners are using natural pet remedies, both to prevent and treat illnesses in their pets.Researchers have found that blood sugar levels can be regulated naturally by these herbs.Herbs are effective and safe for people, and for pets as well.

• Astragalus – boosts immune system, prevents cataracts, lowers blood sugar levels
• Fenugreek – slows down carb absorption, stimulates insulin production
• Goat’s rue – lowers blood sugar levels, may prevent cataracts
• Bilberry – promotes eye health

You should also be supplementing with chromium as well, since it’s lacking in many commercial pet foods.

These herbs, along with chromium, have been carefully blended into a natural supplement you can give your pet every day, both to prevent canine diabetes, and to treat it. 

Diabetes in dogs is a real threat for too many of our pets.  Take action now to prevent your canine companion from becoming a victim.  Learn more about this natural supplement by clicking on any link in this article.

Has your pet been diagnosed with canine diabetes?  Is so, you need to know about these complications that often go along with diabetes in canines.  Diabetes is a complex disease, and the more information you have, the better you’ll be able to care for your companion.

1. Cataracts In Dogs

It’s a sad fact that the vast majority of canine diabetics will develop cataracts within a year of being diagnosed.As the lenses in the eyes gradually become cloudy and opaque, he’ll lose his vision.  This is due to high glucose blood levels that affect every organ in his body.  

Once your pet’s blood sugar levels are stablized, which usually takes at least three months, cataract surgery is an option.Most dogs weather the surgery successfully and regain their sight.  

2. Uveitis And Glaucoma

Uveitis is caused when the lenses in the eyes leak protein into the eyeball, which causes severe inflammation.  This is a complication of cataracts.  It must be treated right away, or it can progress into glaucoma, which causes permanent vision loss.  A detached retina can occur, too.

Unfortunately, if a pet develops uveitis, cataract surgery isn’t an option any more, since there is a much higher chance of complications.

3. Increased Susceptibility To Infections

Your pet may be subject to recurring infections.A vicious cycle results; as blood sugar levels rise, so do bactera levels. More bacteria, in turn, cause higher blood glucose levels.

Urinary tract infections, prostrate infections, pneumonia, and skin conditions are commonly seen in dogs with diabetes.  It’s essential to monitor your pet’s health to keep an infection from gaining a foothold.

4. Diabetic Neuropathy

This complication is a lot more common in cats, but it can happen in dogs with diabetes, too.  In fact, this is sometimes the first symptom of a diabetic canine that the owner notices.Weakness in your dog’s back legs may be a normal part of getting older.  He could have diabetes in dogs.  

The good news is that, in dogs, this condition is usually reversible once the glucose sugar levels are normalized.

5. Diabetic Ketoacidosis In Dogs

This is a severe, life-threatening complication that results from high blood sugar levels.Every dog owner should know the symptoms of canine diabetes so that their canine friend won’t suffer from these complications.

Symptoms include:

• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Losing weight even though he’s eating ravenously
• Sudden blindness
• Weakness
• Vomiting and dehydration
• Breath smells like acetone (similar to nail polish remover)

A dog with diabetes can develop ketoacidosis very quickly, in as little as a week.  It can be fatal, but most canines will survive with the proper treatment.

The Best Cure Is Prevention

Diabetes in dogs can be prevented.The best means of prevention is to keep your pet from getting fat.  Feed him a high-fiber, low-fat diet, and cut out the treats and table scraps.   

Regular exercise is an excellent way to keep his blood sugar levels under control.An easy way to help to keep your dog in shape, and burn off extra calories as well, is to take him on a long walk, morning and evening.

Studies have shown that certain herbs and dietary supplements found in natural remedies for dogs can help to control blood sugar levels.Most diets don’t contain enough chromium, even though it’s essential for this reason.  

Want to learn more?  Click on any link in this article for more information on preventing and treating diabetes in dogs with a natural remedy that is known to be effective and safe.

If your pet has received a diagnosis of canine diabetes, your pet’s life may depend on your knowing about diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA.  This is a very serious complication seen in diabetic dogs who have high blood sugar levels.If you have a canine companion, you need to know about this life-threatening condition. 

What Is Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

Ketoacidosis occurs when too many ketones build up in your pet’s system.You’re probably wondering, what are ketones?

Your pet’s body uses ketones to produce energy.  When fatty tissues are broken down, fatty acids are produced.  These fatty acids are then sent to the liver, which produces ketones from them.Ketoacidosis is the result of the liver making too many ketones when the blood sugar levels are too high.  This condition is fatal, if left untreated.

DKA can be the first symptom of canine diabetes, although it can also occur in pets who aren’t receiving enough insulin.  All pet owners should be alert for the symptoms of this dangerous condition.

• Drinking large amounts of water
• Having to urinate more often than normal
• A ravenous appetite, accompanied by weight loss
• Sudden loss of vision
• Lethargy and weakness
• Vomiting and dehydration
• Breath that smells like nail polish remover (which is what ketones smell like)

DKA is a veterinary emergency, so if your pet is showing these symptoms, take her to the vet as soon as possible.

How Does The Vet Treat DKA?

Treatment depends on how severe a case your diabetic pet has.IV therapy and insulin may be all the treatment that’s needed for mild cases.However, complications can develop in more severe cases, and will require more aggressive treatment.  These complications include kidney failure, pancreatitis, bacterial infections, anemia, and brain swelling that causes neurological problems. 

Once your pet is able to eat and drink on her own again, your vet can decide what kind of insulin treatment is needed.About two-thirds of dogs with DKA will recover and go home with their owners.  Your vet will teach you how to check your companion’s blood sugar, and how to give her insulin injections. 

Can You Prevent Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

If your pet is a diabetic, it’s important to carefully monitor her blood sugar levels, and give her insulin shots as required.

The best way to prevent DKA is to prevent canine diabetes in the first place.  If your pet is overweight, she has a much higher risk of developing diabetes in dogs.  Your first order of business is to get her on a diet.  Cut out the treats and table scraps, and feed her a low-fat, high-fiber diet. 

Regular exercise will help to keep her fit and trim.Don’t kill your pet with kindness by overfeeding her; show her how much you love her by taking her for walks and playing with her instead.  Exercise is also a natural way to keep her blood sugar levels under control.

Some pet owners use natural remedies for dogs to regulate their pets’ blood sugar levels.  Research has shown that herbs, including goat’s rue, fenugreek, and astragalus, along with the mineral chromium, are very effective in controlling blood sugar levels in pets.

Need to learn more about a natural remedy that can help dogs with diabetes?  Just click on any link in this article for more information.

Even though canine diabetes is becoming more and more common, many dog owners don’t know the symptoms of diabetes in dogs.  But ignorance is not bliss for your canine friend.If diabetes in canines is not treated, blindness and infections are the result, and the dog will eventually die. 

Anyone who has a canine companions should know these seven symptoms seen in dogs with diabetes.

1. Drinking Lots Of Water

Don’t ignore this symptom.  A dog who suddenly becomes very thirsty and is drinking lots of water may have high blood sugar levels.  In an attempt to flush some of the extra glucose out of her system, her body will be demanding more water.

Some dogs increase their water consumption so gradually that you may not be aware of it until she starts urinating a lot more often.

2. Urinating More Often Can Be A Sign of Canine Diabetes

If your pup is having accidents in the house because she can’t wait to get outside, or if she’s asking to go out more often, diabetes in canines may be the cause.

3. Her Get Up and Go Got Up and Went

A formerly peppy pup doesn’t want to do anything but lay around.  She seems weak and lethargic, not like her usual happy self.  She seems to have lost her interest in life.

4. Sudden Weight Gain Or Loss

If your dog has a sudden weight gain or loss, especially if she’s ravenously hungry, canine diabetes may be the reason. This is espcially true if she’s always hungry, but is losing weight.

5. Her Breath Smells Sweet

“Dog breath” has been replace with a sweet smell.  This indicates that your dog has high blood glucose levels.  Take her to the vet right away.

6. Shivering or Shaking

A dog with the shakes may have hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.  Your pet needs immediate veterinary treatment.

7. Infections That Never Seem To Go Away

A pet who has recurring urinary tract infections, gum infections, or fungal infections may have canine diabetes.  A decreased resistance to infections is one of the symptoms of diabetes in dogs. 

You May Not Notice Any Of These Symptoms of Canine Diabetes

Sometimes dogs with diabetes don’t show any of these symptoms because the disease changes their bodily functions so slowly.  This is why canine diabetes is known as the “silent killer.”

Can diabetes in canines be prevented?  Yes, it can.  Here are some suggestions:

• Keep your dog slim and trim
• Avoid feeding dry dog food.  Feed her a high quality canned food that’s high in fiber and low in fat..
• Having her spayed will prevent the high estrogen levels that can sometimes interfere with insulin production.
• Regular exercise will keep her in good condition, as well as helping to keep her blood sugar at normal levels.

Can natural remedies for dogs help?  Research has shown that certain herbs and dietary supplements may play a role in normalizing your pet’s blood glucose levels.  A pet with canine diabetes will need insulin for the rest of her life.  Prevention is definitely the best cure.

Don’t continue to believe that ignorance about canine diabetes is bliss.Knowing the symptoms of diabetes in dogs will protect your pet.  Click on any link above to learn more.