Understanding Canine Diabetes

A few months ago I noticed my 10 year old toy poodle, Samantha, was drinking an excessive amount of water. Samantha also started having accidents all over the house and she was constantly out of breath. I knew these behaviors were strange and decided a trip to the vet was in order.

My vet did a general exam and also took a blood sample. A few minutes later my fears were confirmed. Samantha had diabetes and it was up to me to keep her blood sugar under control with twice daily shots of insulin. After a quick stop at the pharmacy for diastix, insulin, and syringes, the daily process of caring for a diabetic dog began.

Canine diabetes was a new disease to me, I was shocked to find that other people were going through the same thing I was. Many types of dogs are suffering with diabetes and some are more susceptible than others. Small breeds such as miniature pinschers, beagles, dachsunds, and poodles all have a higher genetic risk of diabetes. Other risk factors include dogs between the ages of 7 and 9 years of age and unspayed female dogs.

As in diabetic humans, diet and exercise are an important factor when dealing with canine diabetes. The more consistent daily activities are kept the better. For this reason, I decided to put Samantha on my daily schedule. I wake up about 9 a.m. and immediately check a urine sample of Samantha's with a diastix. This is a great tool that measures the presence of glucose. After comparing the color of the diastix with a chart on the side of the bottle I know if I should lower the dose of insulin, keep it the same, or raise it. At 11 a.m. it is time to give the insulin. Twelve hours later, I give another dose of insulin and exercise Samantha for 30 minutes.

Immediately after giving a dose of insulin it is imperative that a diabetic dog eat in order to prevent shock. Again the symptoms of shock are directly paralleled to that of humans. Diabetic dogs can look as though they are drunk when they walk. Staggering is a common sign which can lead to seizures if not dealt with immediately. I was advised by my veterinarian to keep a bottle of karo syrup on hand at all times. If it is obvious that Samantha is showing signs of low sugar it is crucial that I put a teaspoon of the syrup directly into her mouth.

Above all else, it is imperative that pet owners know that canine diabetes is not a death sentence. Dogs can live a full and active life if proper care is taken. It is overwhelming at first. Do research, talk to other pet owners, develop constant communication with your vet, and know that your dog's survival depends on you.

Sites used

http://www.petdiabetes.org/diabetes_concepts.htm

http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/clientED/diabetes.asp