If your dog hasn't been her normal self for a long time, then you should start paying attention to some of the symptoms she is exhibiting. Canine diabetes is more prevalent than people think, and it affects female pets much more often than male ones. Here are some of the most common symptoms of canine diabetes, and how to care for an afflicted pet at home.
Symptoms
-- It is highly unusual for younger dogs to develop diabetes, but if your pet is over 4 years of age and exhibits other symptoms, then diabetes is a real possibility.
-- Look for excessive thirst and its accompanying higher urine output.
-- Your perfectly house-trained pet may suddenly be prone to frequent accidents on the carpet since she is not used to carrying around so much weight in her bladder.
-- She will most likely lose weight, even though she is eating more; and she will exhibit distinctive signs of excessive fatigue, and may even have a hard time seeing.
What to Do
The first and most obvious thing to do is to get her into her veterinarian as soon as possible. Following a positive diagnosis, the course of treatment will vary depending on the perceived stage of progression. If your dog is still intact, it may be possible that a complete hysterectomy will cure the disease altogether. In most cases, however, the vet will recommend a course of treatment that includes insulin as well as a diet and exercise program.
What You Can Do at Home
-- Assign one person and one person only in the household to administer the insulin. When two people are responsible, there is a high likelihood that a dog may receive double doses or be bypassed altogether. However, if family dynamics requires that two people be in charge then keep a detailed record of insulin administration in a prominent place to avoid mistakes as much as possible.
-- Educate your children. Life is different for your dog now, and your children need to be educated on how to treat their beloved pet. Explain her diabetes in detail, and let your children know in unambiguous terms that sneaking her treats or some of their own food are no longer acceptable at all and could result in some real damage to their pet.
-- Place lots of drinking bowls all over the house. Excessive thirst is a symptom that will not go away, even with treatment, so make life easier on your dog by placing extra drinking water where she can get to it quickly.
-- Never miss a visit to the vet: your dog will need to be closely monitored for the rest of her life, so be sure to take her to the vet as often as is recommended.
Love Her to Pieces
Diabetic dogs can live comfortably for several years following their diagnosis if they are properly cared for. Like people, sick animals are more likely to thrive when their quality of life is higher: so keep giving her your time, your love, your affection, and plenty of attention. Enjoy the years you have with her, and she will be as happy as any dog ever could be.
Author Resource:-
Whispering Pines Animal Hospital, Inc. (http://www.whisperingpinesanimalhospital.com/) is a Norfolk MA veterinarian. Art Gib is a freelance writer.
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