Diabetic Dog - Newly Diagnosed

[Coyote_Bandit]

My soon to be 11 year old senior - a boy who is a beautiful, brave, blessing. A kind and gentle soul.

I would like to hear your stories and experiences caring for diabetic dogs.

Thanks!

[roody]

1. "My" cat, who lived at my house before I did,

was diagnosed 3 years ago. I am unwilling and unable to give a daily injection, so I said that I would make him as comfortable as possible for the rest of his life. He lives on, skinny, eats a lot, drinks a lot of water, and does not like to be inside for very long, but he lives on. I met him 11 years ago when I moved in.

[Coyote_Bandit]

4. I don't like giving insulin injections

although the dog doesn't seem to object to getting them. I'm afraid I'll OD him and put him into a coma. Or worse.

To dog has been stressed and ill for a prolonged period of time has recently taken a steroid injection - and I've been using topical steroid medications. All of which can elevate the blood glucose levels. It may take awhile to sort this all out and get him stabilized and regulated.

Thanks for sharing your story. Best wishes to your kitty.

[Betty88]

2. My cat has been diabetic for almost 4 years now

He gets shots twice a day and is doing very well. I had to learn about proper cat nutrition, which really benefited the other cats too. I don't know what if any difference there is between cat and dog diabetes but if treated well your boy will be just fine. Its going to be up to you though to do your homework and keep an eye on his health.

Hope he is feeling better soon.

[Coyote_Bandit]

5. Thanks

My old guy has some other health issues as well. As does my second dog.

I've done a good bit of reading on dog nutrition as it relates to their existing health issues. I'm expanding on that now.

Sounds like you are doing an excellent job taking care of your kitty. Good luck to both of you.

[BrklynLiberal]

3. Some info, if you are interested.

http://www.diabetesindogs.net/dog-diabetes-natural-cures.php

http://www.suite101.com/content/canine-diabetes-and-natural-remedies-for-dogs-a122254

http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/ailment/cats-dogs-diabetic-remedies.html

http://www.old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com/diabetes-in-dogs.html
Diet is the most important factor in treating your dog naturally. If you choose to prepare your dog's meals, we highly recommend that you share the recipe with your dog's Vet before starting a new diabetic diet for your dog. The diet should be high fiber, high protein and low carb aka the "meat and veggie" diet. Keep in mind that dog's that are already thin, should be introduced slowly to more fiber due to the fact that high fiber diets cause the dog to continue to lose weight. Fiber in small amounts is recommended until a normal weight is reached. It's important that you understand that most traditional Veterinarians will not recommend or encourage any other type of diet except a prescription diet such as the Hills diet. These diets are contradictive to what many breeders and holistic Vets recommend by being low protein and high carb. The following link will take you away from our site, but it offers excellent information on diet and protein levels for diabetes in dogs.

Here is the link:http://www.greatdanelady.com/articles/feed_program_for_diabetic_dogs_htm.htm

[Coyote_Bandit]

6. Thanks for the links

The vet has recommended a high protein, low carb Atkins type diet. Right now we are working to try to find something the dog finds pallatable and to transition him onto that diet. We're also waiting for some concurrent medical issues to resolve in order to fully assess the manner in which to regulate and stabilize his condition.