Managing Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide
Caring for a dog with diabetes mellitus requires diligence, consistency, and a good understanding of the condition. Below, you’ll find helpful resources, monitoring tips, and guidelines to ensure your pet stays healthy and comfortable. Please review the provided information, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Understanding Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs
Diabetes mellitus is a condition that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. While not all dogs show these signs, many show the following hallmark signs:
Excessive water consumption and urination
Increased appetite
Weight loss
To manage diabetes effectively, we closely monitor:
Water consumption
Appetite
Weight
Urine glucose levels (diabetic dogs should have glucose in their urine; absence may indicate a concern)
Urine ketones (presence of ketones in the urine signals to us that a dog has severely uncontrolled diabetes)
Please consider using the provided home care sheets to track these key factors.
Insulin Administration & Meal Guidelines
It is very important to be aware of how your dog is eating once they're started on insulin therapy. The prescribed dose of insulin should only be given when your dog has eaten a full meal. Giving insulin to a dog that is not eating or hasn't eaten for an extended period of time can cause life-threatening complications related to low blood sugar.
Full meal eaten: Administer the normal/prescribed insulin dose.
Skipped meal (i.e. skipped breakfast): Administer half the normal insulin dose. So if your dog normally gets 4 units in the morning after breakfast, and they don't eat breakfast, only give 2 units.
Two missed meals in a row (i.e. skipped breakfast and dinner): Do not administer insulin and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Blood Sugar Emergency: If blood sugar drops below 100 mg/dL:
Apply Karo syrup to the gums.
Offer food.
Recheck blood sugar after one hour.
If still below 100 mg/dL, call your veterinarian right away.
Treatment Goals for Diabetes Mellitus Management
The primary goals when treating dogs with diabetes:
Resolving clinical signs (excessive thirst, urination, lethargy, weight loss).
Avoiding dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia).
Enhancing your dog’s overall quality of life.
Essential Resources for Diabetes Management
To ensure you feel confident in managing your pet’s diabetes at home, we recommend reviewing the following resources:
General Diabetes Management
How to Administer Insulin
Home Monitoring Tools
Urine Testing for Glucose & Ketones
Urine Collection Techniques
Blood Glucose Monitoring
Diabetic Cataracts: What You Need to Know
Dogs diagnosed with diabetes mellitus often develop cataracts within 12-18 months. The development of cataracts leads to loss of vision. Once your dog is diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, we recommend you call for an appointment to consult with a boarded veterinary ophthalmologist. Below is a list of the veterinary ophthalmology practices in our area:
Eye Care for Animals
3025 Edinger Ave
Tustin, CA 92780
(949) 733-8271
Veterinary Eye Institute
1295 N. Tustin Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92807
(949) 404-4100
Important Reminders:
Never adjust your dog’s insulin dose without consulting your veterinarian first. Adjusting insulin due to illness without guidance can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
Additionally, if there is ever any question as to whether insulin has been given (unsure if another family member gave it or not), always err on the side of caution and skip the insulin. It is safer to have high blood sugar for a day or two than to have an episode of low blood sugar.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!
Please reach out with any concerns or questions about your pet’s diabetes management. At Alicia Pet Care Center, we have 10 veterinarians who manage many patients with diabetes and extremely knowledgeable on the subject. We are here to support you and your pet every step of the way!
We are located in Mission Viejo, CA and you can book an appointment by calling 949-768-1313 or booking online.
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