How to treat diabetes in dogs?

Dogs, like loyal little guards, have always been by our side, bringing countless joys to our lives. But when diabetes quietly comes, this beauty seems to be overshadowed. Seeing the once lively dog ​​become listless, the owner's heart is broken. So, facing this tricky diabetes, how can we fight for the health of dogs? ​

Diabetes is essentially a metabolic disease. It is mainly caused by insufficient insulin secretion in the dog's body, or the cells are not sensitive to insulin, which leads to the inability of blood sugar to enter the cells and be used normally, and then the blood sugar level continues to rise. Obesity, aging, and certain specific breeds (such as poodles, dachshunds, etc.) are all high-risk factors for dogs to develop diabetes. Once a dog develops diabetes, the most typical symptoms are frequent drinking, frequent urination, and frequent eating, but gradually losing weight. The original regular living habits are broken, the dog frequently looks for water to drink, and the number of urinations also increases significantly. Although the appetite is strong, the body is getting thinner and the spirit is becoming more and more sluggish. ​

When you find that your dog has these suspicious symptoms, it is very important to seek medical diagnosis in time. The veterinarian will conduct detailed interviews to understand the dog's recent diet, behavioral changes, and other conditions, and combine blood tests to measure blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin and other indicators to determine whether the dog has diabetes. Urine testing is also indispensable to check the urine sugar level and assist in confirming the condition. An accurate diagnosis is like pointing out the direction for treatment. Only by clarifying the symptoms can the right medicine be prescribed. ​

Insulin therapy is the core means of treating diabetes in dogs. Insulin is like a "key" that helps blood sugar enter cells and provide energy for the body. The veterinarian will accurately calculate the appropriate insulin dose based on the dog's weight and the severity of the disease. Insulin injections usually need to be performed regularly every day, which requires the owner to have enough patience and care. At first, the owner may feel nervous and afraid of giving the dog an injection, but for the dog's health, gradually master the injection technique. Before each injection, carefully check the insulin dose to ensure accuracy. During the injection process, gently soothe the dog to reduce its fear.

Diet management is also a key part of treatment. It is crucial to develop a scientific and reasonable diet plan for dogs. Choosing high-fiber, low-carbohydrate dog food can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Avoid feeding high-sugar, overly greasy foods, which can cause your dog's blood sugar to fluctuate greatly, like a roller coaster. Divide the daily food into multiple feedings instead of feeding a large amount of food at one time, so that the dog's blood sugar can be absorbed and utilized more steadily. Every time you prepare food for your dog, it's like "adding bricks and tiles" to its health. Carefully select and reasonably match it to provide the most suitable nutrition for your dog. ​

In addition to insulin and diet, proper exercise is also very beneficial to the dog's recovery. Regular exercise can enhance the dog's physique and increase the sensitivity of cells to insulin. But exercise should be moderate and arranged according to the dog's physical condition and age. For example, small dogs can take a short walk every day, and large dogs can appropriately increase some jogging activities. During exercise, pay close attention to the dog's condition and avoid overwork. When seeing the dog running happily outdoors, the owner is full of relief, as if seeing the hope that the dog will gradually recover. ​

In the long process of treating dog diabetes, the owner's company and care are the biggest motivation for the dog. Every time we take our dogs to the hospital for a checkup, every time we inject insulin into them, and every time we carefully prepare food, it is a reflection of the owner's deep love for their dogs. This process may be full of hardships, countless attempts and adjustments, but as long as we don't give up and accompany our dogs with professional knowledge and full of love, we will definitely help them control their condition and regain their former vitality. When the dogs wag their tails again and happily surround us, at that moment, all our efforts have been rewarded in the best way. Together with the dogs, we will defeat the "enemy" of diabetes and protect their health and happiness.