Your pet has just been diagnosed with canine diabetes. Regulating your pet's blood sugar levels is an important part of managing diabetes in dogs. Here's what you need to know.
What Are Blood Sugar Levels, And Why Are They Important?
Dog Food
The carbohydrates in the food your pet eats are broken down into glucose during the digestive process. Glucose is what your pet's body uses for energy, and it's sent to all parts of her body via the bloodstream. It's normal for blood glucose levels to rise after your pet eats.
This is when insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is released, to keep blood sugar levels from getting too high. Normally your pet's body will regulate the balance between blood glucose levels and insulin levels on its own.
Blood sugar levels are measured in millegrams per deciliter (mg/dL). The normal range for a canine is between 75 and 120 mg/dL. It's normal for blood glucose levels to rise after a meal, but they should come back down quickly. If the blood glucose levels remain above 180, the body will attempt to get rid of the extra glucose by excreting it in the urine. This is called a "sugar spill."
Elevated blood sugar levels over a period of time will damage your pet's organ systems, including her eyes and her kidneys. Diabetic ketoacidosis can result, which is a life-threatening crisis.
It's important that your pet's blood sugar levels don't get too low, either. Blood glucose levels around 80 are considered low. If they fall to 60 or below, your pet can start having seizures and die very quickly.
How Do You Monitor Blood Sugar Levels In Dogs With Diabetes?
You can use a urine strip to check the amount of sugar present in your pet's urine. Or you can use a blood glucose meter to measure blood glucose levels. Your vet will let you know which is best for your pet.
Feeding And Insulin
You'll need to get into a routine of feeding your pet twice a day, usually every twelve hours. Your vet will probably recommend a low-fat, high-fiber food.
Insulin shots are usually given at mealtimes. It's best to wait until after your pet has eaten to give her the shot. If you give it before the meal, and then she doesn't feel like eating, her blood sugar levels will drop to dangerously low levels. In this case, you'll need to get your pet to the vet immediately.
Insulin is stored in the refrigerator. Take the time to warm the vial in your hand before injecting the insulin. It will be painful for your pet if you give it to her cold.
Regulating Diabetes In Dogs Takes Time
It can take several months to get the balance between food and insulin right for your pet. The ideal is to keep her blood sugar at normal levels all the time. In real life, her blood sugar may get a little higher or a little lower during the day. The key is to prevent extreme highs and lows.
Can I Ever Stop Giving My Diabetic Canine Insulin Shots?
No, you'll need to give her insulin for the rest of her life. There is no cure for this disease right now.
How To Prevent Canine Diabetes
Prevention is the best cure. Overweight pets are at high risk for developing this disease, so put your obese pet on a diet. Regular exercise will help burn those extra calories, and is a great way to naturally control blood sugar levels.
Many pet owners also use natural remedies for dogs to keep blood sugar levels under control. Research has shown that certain herbs and dietary supplements are effective for regulating blood glucose levels in pets.
Protect your pet from becoming a canine diabetic by learning more about natural remedies for dogs today.
Canine Diabetes - Tips For Regulating Your Dog's Blood Sugar Levels Dog Food
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