Canine diabetes affects dogs in much the same way as humans. A chronic disease in which the body can't break down and utilize glucose, diabetes occurs either because the body lacks insulin, or the body's insulin isn't working properly. If untreated, canine diabetes leads to such serious health risks as kidney damage, heart disease, blindness and death. Treat the disease as soon as it's diagnosed to lessen such risks.
Instructions
1. Inject insulin into your dog to regulate his blood sugar levels, as prescribed by his vet. Some need two injections a day based on the severity of their disease. Your vet provides proper insulin syringes and instructions on administer the injection.
2. Administer glucose strip testing for urine. Until you regulate her illness, you must obtain your dog's urine sample, then dip the test strip into the sample. Compare the strip's color to the bottle's chart to determine the amount of glucose that's spilling into her urine.
3. Feed your dog a strict diet, including high fiber to help stabilize her blood sugar levels. Stick with the diet; it works.
4. Allow your vet to take blood glucose measurements if necessary to stabilize your dog. Blood measurements are more specific than urine testing.
5. Consider giving your dog natural dietary supplements to help manage the disease. Some beneficial supplements include astragalus, bilberry extract and fenugreek help lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin production. Ask your vet before giving them to your dog.
Tags: blood sugar, blood sugar levels, sugar levels