Veterinary Pet Care For Diabetic Dogs
Just like people, dogs can get diabetes. While canine diabetes can have negative effects on your pet, timely veterinary pet care can help ensure that your dog enjoys a long and active life. Both at-home pet care and veterinary care will help ensure that your dog's blood glucose levels remain within normal limits. Here are some pet care interventions your veterinarian may recommend to help manage your dog's canine diabetes.
Glucose Monitoring And Insulin Education
Your dog's veterinarian will monitor its blood glucose levels to assess for hypoglycemia, which means that the blood sugar levels are too low, and hyperglycemia, which refers to elevated blood sugar levels. If one of these conditions is revealed in your dog's blood work, the veterinarian may adjust the animal's medication.
The staff at the veterinarian's office will also provide you with insulin education. This will include how to administer the subcutaneous injections to your dog, how to properly store the insulin, and how to use and properly dispose of the insulin syringes. You will be able to practice administering insulin on an object such as a piece of fruit or a special inanimate device until you feel comfortable enough to administer the medication to your dog.
Pet Care At Home
You will also need to take steps at home to help ensure that your dog's diabetes is being well-managed. Making sure that your dog does not eat too many snacks and ensuring that its weight remains within normal limits will help keep blood sugar levels under control. These interventions may also help enhance the effects of your dog's insulin so that the medication is more effective in managing the animal's diabetes. In addition, try to make sure that your pet gets daily exercise to help support a healthy weight and to help prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.
Daily exercise will also help boost energy levels and prevent lethargy that can often accompany canine diabetes. Another important at-home pet care intervention is monitoring your dog for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. These may include excessive panting, frequent urination, loss of appetite, sleepiness, disinterest in playing, vomiting, and excessive water drinking. If your dog exhibits any of these signs and symptoms, quickly take the animal to your veterinarian's office or to an emergency veterinary hospital.
If your dog has been diagnosed with canine diabetes, make sure that the animal gets regular pet care from the veterinarian staff and at home. Doing so will help keep your dog free from blood sugar spikes and help ensure that it enjoys a healthier and happier life.