Diabetes in dogs is epidemic

Border collie

As diabetes has become epidemic in people no one talks about what happens with pets. As Fido leans over the full bowl of food, much of which is fatty, and then gets to lick a little ice cream here and there, one day the poor dog ends up with bad health that leads to premature death.  What are the signs of diabetes in dogs and what should you do to help prevent it?

Fido can't tell you that he or she has a headache or is feeling lethargic because the sugar is too high or too low. Instead the poor animal goes about licking the hand that feeds it and feeds it often many of the wrong things and too much of them besides.

A look at ingredients in dog food and some reflection on how often and how much a dog is fed can lead the owner to a change for the pet's diet that can make a difference between good or bad health. Just as we look at diet balance, exercise and good attention for people, we forget that pets need the same things for the same reasons. Indulging the wants beyond certain limits will injure
the pet's physical health just as its masters. Pets need exercise, balanced diet, lean foods, limitations on fats and sugars and the type of lifestyle that inhibit the development of diabetes.

Diabetes has no cure, but there are ways to get it checked out early so that proper intervention can take place. You will find the same kind of signs for humans also are exhibited in animals. It begins with weight and obesity. If the dog's ribs can't be easily felt, the animal may be too heavy. Check with a veterinarian about proper weight for a pooch of a certain size. Increased thirst is a sign of trouble as is over eating, weight loss and frequent urination.

Fido may have more accidents then usual so needs to be checked by the doctor for a proper diagnosis and to avoid complications and additional health problems. Blood tests, just as given for humans, are conducted to check sugar levels.

Age has something to do with diabetes in animals, again as in people. One finds that Type II diabetes occurs more frequently in late mid life and early old age (45 to 65 for people) and age 5 - 7 in dogs. Dogs may also develop early diabetes or a juvenile-type, again the way that humans do. Diabetes occurs when the body does not manufacture insulin or not enough insulin for the body. Animals have the same issues when it comes to insulin requirements.

Prevention is important, but if the dog has diabetes it can still live a good life with proper care. Make sure that Fido gets regular checkups, follow the veterinarian's prescribed diet for the pet, and make sure that the dog gets walked and exercised often. Provide the fluids the pet requires because dehydration may occur. Diabetes is a difficult disease to treat in animals because they can't complain like people do so vigilance is important. Animals care for people with unconditional love, so in return deserve quality care. Prevention and care for diabetes is part of that.