How To Detect Diabetes In Dogs

There is no cure for diabetes. But the earlier you detect diabetes in dogs, the more effective the treatment will be. This article will tell you how to detect diabetes in dogs.

  Steps

1. Diabetes can start with obesity. This is not always the case; with some breeds it can be genetic. More dogs with diabetes are obese. The best way to check for obesity is by checking your dog's rib cage. Run your hand along your dog's rib cage and feel for the ribs. You should be able to feel the ribs easily. If not, your dog may be obese.
   
2. Make sure your dog visits the vet at least once every year. Your vet knows best and you should always ask your vet if you aren't sure.
   
3. The main signs of Diabetes are: Excessive eating, excessive drinking, Excessive urination, and weight loss.
   
4.   Many times pet owners will find out about this after their pet starts urinating in the house or in their bed.
   
5. If you think your dog has diabetes, visit your vet immediately. Diabetes that isn't treated can lead to further health complications.
   
6. The vet will want to perform blood tests to see how high the levels of glucose are in the bloodstream and to make sure no other organs have been affected by diabetes. They will also want to perform a urinalysis to check kidney function and monitor for urinary tract infections; which are common in diabetics.
   
7.   Early on, the dog will need to be brought into the vet for glucose curves. They will monitor glucose levels throughout the day and see if the dose of insulin given to the pet is the correct amount and how well the diabetes is being controlled.
   
8.   Ideally, the pet should also be on a special high fiber/low fat diet that helps regulate insulin levels and helps the pet lose weight if needed.
   

  Tips

• Diabetes usually happens in dogs around the age of 5 to 7.
  
• Juvenile diabetes is also a possibility!
  
• It's best to prevent diabetes than trying desperately to cure it. Keep your dog healthy!
  
• Sugar can be detected simply by testing a urine sample with a glucose stick found at your local grocery. However, this only checks to see if there is excessive glucose being shed in the urine. It is NOT a good way to check to make sure the diabetes is being properly regulated.
  
• There are diabetic glucose monitors available specifically calibrated for dogs and cats. With these you will be able to take and monitor glucose levels are home to closely regulate their blood sugar.
  
• Do not limit the dog's water intake. This is very crucial, because the dog will need all the water it needs. This will prevent dehydration.
  
• Lifestyle and dietary changes can play an important role in treating canine diabetes. Sometimes these adjustments are enough to control the disease and insulin injections can be avoided.
  

  Warnings

• A dog given too much insulin can go into Diabetic/Insulin Shock: If your pet appears wobbly or drunken, his/her blood sugar level may have dropped too low. This occurs after an insulin overdose. Administer 4 tablespoons of Karo syrup for a 20 lb. pet. If no improvement occurs, immediately see your veterinarian for emergency treatment.
  
• Although you shouldn't treat the diabetes, itself, like an emergency, don't wait too long before checking with your vet.
  
• There really is no cure for diabetes yet. Sometimes it lasts a lifetime. If it does, the best you can do is give the dog its medication and to not limit the water.
  
• Dog health insurance is highly required nowadays because of the escalating cost factors pertaining to the health maintenance in dogs and other animals.  Dog owners need to find pet insurance firms that settle dues to the pet owners without much delay and in a more appropriate manner.  Pet health insurance firms recently come forward to settle the dues in a proper manner after the due verification of the claim.  If anything happens, dog care costs can add up without insurance.
  

from wikiHow