diabetes – Taste of the Wild Pet Food

Does My Dog Have Diabetes?

Posted on November 16, 2023 - 1:50 pm by [email protected]

A dog with its two front paws up on a table sniffing an assortment of pies and other holiday treats.

We may be reaching for the Turkey Day pants soon, but before Rover begins dreaming about a Thanksgiving feast, it’s probably best to discuss their current health status. It’s never a good idea to indulge your pet’s desire for fatty or sugary people food, but if there’s a possibility that your dog has diabetes, ’tis the season for extra precautions. But how do you know if and why your dog might have diabetes?

How Does Diabetes in Dogs Happen?

If your dog has diabetes, it doesn’t necessarily mean you did something wrong like feeding an incorrect diet or not offering enough exercise. In dogs, the cause of diabetes is not well understood. However, it is thought there is a genetic component. Certain breeds, like schnauzers and miniature poodles, are more at risk than others. Most diabetic dogs have insulin-dependent diabetes and insulin treatment is required. They are very similar to humans with Type 1 diabetes in that the pancreas can no longer produce insulin.

Pancreatitis is also a risk factor for diabetes, so if your dog suffers from it, a low-fat diet can be very important. Obesity falls into that category as well. Other risk factors include age, sex and concurrent diseases such as Cushing’s disease.

Warning Signs of Diabetes in Dogs

Early diagnosis is crucial to successfully managing diabetes. If you notice any of these signs of diabetes in your dog,* consult your veterinarian.

Increased drinking
Increased urination
Excessive appetite
Weight loss
Dehydration
Poor haircoat
Muscle wasting
Cataract formation

*Additional signs may be present if there are concurrent diseases like a urinary tract infection, Cushing’s disease or pancreatitis.

Diagnosis and Care of Diabetes in Dogs

If you suspect your canine has diabetes, make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. It is best to catch any underlying illness as early as you can. Your dog’s doctor will likely perform bloodwork and a urinalysis to measure the amount of glucose. A diagnosis is only definitive if high levels of glucose are found in both the urine and blood.

Similar to diabetes in people, this illness can be life-threatening to a dog. Keeping the condition regulated will be key in a great life for Rover moving forward. Your veterinarian will visit with you about Rover’s new diet, exercise, insulin and vet visit schedule.

They will adjust the insulin amount you give Rover based upon follow-up testing. It can be an overwhelming time as a pet owner, but rest assured your veterinarian will carefully train you on how to administer insulin or any other medicines necessary to get your canine on a healthier track. They will also provide best-care practices so you go home with a better footing on what Rover needs from you.

Follow the veterinarian’s instructions carefully and continue to monitor your dog between their doctor visits. If your pet’s symptoms worsen or something seems out of the ordinary, do not be afraid to call your veterinarian between appointments. They are there to help! Once the disease is managed, your dog has the potential to live a long, happy and healthy life.

It’s important to note that if Rover does have diabetes, do not forget to take care of yourself, too. You love your dog and want the best for them. It is completely normal if you feel overwhelmed or stressed at times. Don’t forget to lean on your support system and ask your veterinarian questions to understand the situation better.

Holidays Are Not Days for Changing It Up

If your dog is diabetic, the safest move is to not alter their diet or routine because the holidays are upon us. In fact, it’s a time to be extra vigilant that your dog’s food intake stays the same. Make sure no one is slipping them table scraps at the Turkey Day table!

Pet Diabetes Month: Monitoring Blood Glucose at Home

Posted on November 5, 2020 - 4:00 pm by [email protected]

When you live with a diabetic pet, controlling blood sugar, or glucose, can be a bit of a balancing act. If the glucose dips too low, your pet may show signs of weakness, confusion, seizures and even loss of consciousness, requiring emergency veterinary care. When it’s too high, pets often drink and urinate more than usual and potentially develop other complications.

To arrive at “just the right” insulin dose that keeps your pet’s diabetes controlled, periodic blood glucose monitoring is usually required. In the past, pets would typically spend a day at the veterinary clinic for a blood glucose curve. During that time, the veterinary staff would take blood glucose samples every two hours for up to 12 hours.

The trouble with in-clinic glucose testing is that pets often become stressed in the unfamiliar environment, which can artificially raise blood glucose levels. That’s why the American Animal Hospital Association recommends at-home glucose testing, when possible. Pets are usually less stressed at home, which means results will be more accurate. At-home testing can save you money. It can also help identify a hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) event, so your pet gets treatment faster.

While at-home glucose testing may not be for every owner or pet, many are finding the procedure relatively simple.

First, team up with your veterinarian

Work with your veterinarian to decide the best approach for you and your pet.

If you decide to try in-home testing, your veterinarian will help you learn the correct procedure and provide detailed instructions on information you should send back to the clinic. He or she will use this information to decide if adjustments need to be made to the type or dose of your pet’s insulin. You should never make insulin dose adjustments on your own, without consulting your veterinarian.

Sampling blood glucose at home

Your veterinarian may recommend using a hand-held glucometer at home, much like human patients with diabetes may do. Ideally, you’ll use one that’s calibrated for dogs and cats, for the most accurate results.

The doctor can show you how, using a lancet, to obtain a tiny drop of blood from a range of locations, such as your pet’s ear or foot pad. With a little practice, it can be a quick and relatively painless procedure. Add praise and treats, and it’s all the better for your pet.

The drop of blood is then applied to a test strip inserted into the glucometer. Within a few seconds, the blood glucose reading is displayed.

To obtain a blood glucose curve, your veterinarian will typically ask you to take a blood glucose reading every two hours for 10 to 12 hours. This information is then sent back to your veterinarian for review and dose adjustments, as needed.

Continuous glucose monitoring systems

Recently, continuous glucose monitoring systems have become available that are less invasive and easier for owners and pets because they don’t require any blood sampling. Currently, the most common system prescribed by veterinarians is the FreeStyle Libre, which is designed for humans, but can also be used in pets.

The system consists of a small, circular glucose sensor with a tiny tube that’s adhered to the pet’s skin. The sensor, which is about the size of two stacked quarters, measures the glucose in the fluid under the skin once a minute for up to 14 days. A handheld reader can wirelessly scan the sensor and save the glucose readings (with an app, your smart phone can serve as a reader).

The amount of glucose in this fluid is slightly different than what’s in the blood, but it’s fine for general monitoring. For pets that are showing signs of hypoglycemia, however, a blood sample and glucometer should be used.

Implanting the sensor is a quick, simple and typically painless procedure that usually doesn’t require anesthesia. The veterinarian shaves and cleans a patch of skin on your pet and presses the sensor into the skin. Your pet may need to wear a shirt or bandage to help prevent the sensor from becoming dislodged. The doctor will explain how to transfer the data to the clinic. After two weeks, the sensor should be disposed of properly.

Watch your pets for signs

Even with all this blood glucose data, you should still watch your pet for signs that diabetes may be out of control. It helps to keep a daily diary that lists information such as food and water consumption, insulin dose administered and general amount/frequency of urination. If possible, weigh your pet periodically. Changes in weight, appetite, thirst, urination and even energy level should spark a call to your veterinarian.

National Pet Diabetes Month Is a Good Time to Consider Why Your Tabby Is Tubby

Posted on November 7, 2019 - 4:00 pm by [email protected]

If your cat is a bit rounder than they used to be, that’s not so unusual. A new study, which collected weight data on 19 million North American cats, found that once cats outgrow the kitten stage, they often keep growing, packing on pounds until about eight years of age.

The researchers, based at the Ontario Veterinary College, also found male cats tended to top out at higher weights than females. And cats that underwent spay or neuter surgeries were generally heftier than intact cats.

Maybe that’s why, 60 percent of the cats in the U.S. in 2018 were considered overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.

At risk for diabetes and more

Overweight cats can be at greater risk for diseases such as diabetes. Signs of diabetes include increased thirst and urination and weight loss despite increased hunger. If left untreated, diabetes can be fatal. Because November is National Pet Diabetes Month, talk to your veterinarian if you think your cat may be at risk.

Other conditions that plague overweight cats include high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, kidney disease, respiratory difficulties and even some types of cancer. Chubby cats can also have more trouble jumping, playing and climbing.

Are we feeding cats the wrong way?

Is it possible that we could be at fault for this trend towards the pudgy? Consider this: For centuries, cats were hunters, and that instinct stays with them to this day. That’s why cats prefer to eat several small meals throughout the day, according to specialists in feline medicine. And if cats could hunt for their food, all the better.

Instead, cats are often fed in one location once or twice a day. In many cases, the food is mounded in the bowl all day long. The trouble is, this kind of feeding can lead to overeating and inactivity. For bored cats, eating becomes a form of entertainment. And if there are multiple cats eating from the same bowl, and one cat is a bully that guards the bowl, other cats may feel stressed and gobble up food when they finally get an opportunity to eat.

How much food should your cat eat each day?

When it comes to pet weight, it’s always best to start with your veterinarian. He or she can show you how to accurately evaluate your cat’s weight. At the same time, the doctor can calculate how much food your cat should eat on a daily basis. Then you can divide the total amount of daily food into several small meals that can be fed throughout the day. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to refer to the feeding guidelines offered by the manufacturer.

Make your cat work for its food

You can try to mimic your cat’s natural eating behaviors by using food puzzles, which release small amounts of kibble when your cat manipulates them in the right way. Start with simple puzzles to help your cat get the idea, then increase the puzzle complexity over time. You can also leave kibble in different places around the house so your cat has to “hunt” for food. Both of these techniques provide your cat with physical and mental stimulation, which makes for a happier and more active cat.

Another option is to use an automated feeder, which releases small amounts of food throughout the day. While this does portion food out throughout the day, it doesn’t satisfy your cat’s hunting needs, so a little laser pointer chase game may be in order. For multiple-cat households, consider programmable feed bowls, which use microchips to only allow certain cats access to the food.

Finally, it’s a good idea to monitor your cat’s weight from month to month, using a scale at home, if possible. Unexpected changes in your cat’s weight can indicate a potential health problem, so be sure to contact your veterinarian if the scale reading changes.

Work With Your Vet to Choose an Over-the-Counter Food for Your Diabetic Pet

Posted on November 10, 2016 - 8:02 am by [email protected]

A diabetic pet can be expensive. There’s the cost of the insulin, the syringes and the frequent veterinary visits. So do you really need to pay for a prescription diet, on top of all that?

Not necessarily.

It depends on several factors, including whether your diabetic pet is a cat or a dog, their weight and any other health conditions.

Cats usually have type 2 diabetes, meaning their bodies may be unable to properly use insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Sometimes, this type of diabetes can be reversed, meaning the cat can go into remission and insulin injections are no longer needed. And diet can play a big part in that.

Dogs, on the other hand, tend to have type 1 diabetes, which is a deficiency in insulin. Diet may help manage the condition, but it usually can’t lead to diabetic remission.

Because there are many factors to consider, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian when choosing a food for your diabetic pet.

For Diabetic Cats, Protein’s Where It’s At

In studies, diabetic cats given insulin and a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet were more likely to go into remission than those fed a high-fiber, moderate-carbohydrate diet. Because cats are obligate carnivores, the high-protein diet more closely mirrors a diet they might eat in the wild.

Your veterinarian may also recommend a canned formula. Compared with dry diets, canned foods tend to be higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates.

If you switch your diabetic cat to a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, it’s important to do so under the guidance of a veterinarian. With this type of diet, your cat may need less insulin over time. Giving the same amount of insulin could put your cat at risk for hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. While cats in remission no longer require insulin, it is important to keep feeding the high-protein diet to reduce the likelihood of them becoming diabetic again. With this type of diet, your cat may need less insulin over time. However, it’s important to always work with your veterinarian to ensure you aren’t putting your cat at risk for hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.

For Diabetic Dogs, Fiber May Help

Unlike cats, diabetic dogs do not require a high-protein diet, but they may benefit from a diet that’s high in fiber. This type of diet can slow absorption of glucose from the intestines, so there are fewer spikes in blood glucose directly after a meal.

A diabetic dog that is well controlled on insulin and is a normal weight may be fine on complete and balanced over-the-counter foods that are appropriate for the dog’s age and health. Again, it’s important to consult your veterinarian to make sure a diabetic dog is receiving the nutrition they need.

Weight Is Another Issue

While weight loss in an overweight pet is usually a good thing, it can also be a sign of diabetes. If that’s the diagnosis, and the pet’s condition becomes controlled with insulin, the weight loss should slow down or stop. However, if the pet remains obese, your veterinarian may recommend a special (either OTC or prescription) diet. For animals who are diabetic, obesity can make their cells less sensitive to insulin. In these cases, a weight management diet that helps them gradually lose weight might be best. A high-fiber, low-fat and low-calorie diet may be beneficial for both dogs and cats. The high-protein diet mentioned above may also help cats drop the additional pounds.

Many pets that have diabetes for a long time before they are diagnosed may actually become too thin. In these cases, your veterinarian may recommend a high-fat, high-protein diet to help them back to a normal weight, or keep them on the same diet but in increased quantities.

Take Other Health Conditions Into Account

If your pet has other health conditions, such as kidney or digestive tract disease, your veterinarian may suggest additional adjustments to your pet’s diet. A cat with advanced kidney disease, for example, may benefit from a diet that is somewhat lower in protein and phosphorus than the high-protein foods typically suggested for cats with diabetes only.

The Bottom Line

Diabetes in a pet isn’t a death sentence, and it’s certainly not a death sentence for your wallet. While some cases require more complicated measures as far as diet goes, it very well may be possible to buy what your pet needs over the counter. Since every pet is unique, it pays to work with your veterinarian to land on the diet that works best for your pet.

Virtual Pet Park