Diabetes is a condition that appears to be on the rise. Many argue it is due to our lifestyles. And that appears to be true for our dogs too. So what do you need to know about canine diabetes?
 
Diabetes Affects Pets as Well as People    

Dogs, cats and other pets can suffer from this diabetes. Middle-aged dogs aged seven to nine, and overweight pets are most affected. Neutered male and female dogs are less likely to suffer from diabetes. For example, nearly 70 percent of diabetic dogs are un-neutered females - which is another good reason to get your pets neutered.

Diabetes is the result of the body's inability to control glucose (sugar) levels in the blood stream. In most early cases, the pet may be bright and alert but may drink, eat, lose weight and urinate more than usual.  As the problem progresses, the affected pet becomes depressed with a decreased appetite. They may be sick and will become dehydrated.  

If left untreated, diabetes can result in kidney failure and coma, and death from dehydration.

There is currently no cure for diabetes, but it can be managed with a strict dietary and exercise regime and daily injections of insulin. When diabetes is diagnosed, the level of therapy will be matched to the severity of the condition, but dietary management is an essential component.

The diet for most diabetic dogs should contain the correct balance of protein, carbohydrate, fat and fibre. Commercial diets specifically for diabetics are often preferable. A diabetic dog shouldn't be given any extra treats unless your vet agrees.

Dietary management is also important in diabetic cats and owners should avoid semi-moist and jelly coated cat foods, which are high in sugar.  Feeding a high fibre diet is ideal, but the calorific value of the diet has to be monitored closely to avoid the cat gaining weight.

Although the majority of diabetic cats will initially need insulin injections, weight reduction is important in obese diabetic cats, and can result in a decreased amount of insulin.  It may occasionally result in the diabetic cat having no need for insulin injections at all.  

Most diabetes patients will still need a daily or twice daily dose of insulin, which owners can administer quite easily at home. Once a treatment programme has been established for a pet, the vet or practice nurse will provide an owner with a diet plan and all the equipment they will need to care for their pet at home.

A typical pet diabetes kit will usually include detailed instructions and/or record card, testing strips (which change colour when dipped in a urine sample), disposable insulin syringes with very fine needles, and insulin to cover a daily doses until it is time for the next check-up. The veterinary practice will always coach an owner on giving the injections until they are satisfied they are competent, so there is nothing to worry about.

The management of diabetes requires the owner and vet to work closely together, so ask as many questions as you like until you are sure in your own mind about what is expected of you as the pet's owner.
 
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