Is your dog more sluggish than usual? You may have a diabetic dog. The first step toward your dog’s good health is a great relationship with your veterinarian. “Having someone you know and trust can make the stress of a chronic and potentially debilitating disease like diabetes much less stressful,” says Dr. Denise Petryk, the director of veterinary services at Trupanion.
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Start with the basics – walking your dog. Your dog should be walked early or late in the day. Walking your pet then avoids the heat of the day, which is especially important for diabetic dogs. “If the dog is not walking in front of you, it’s time to come home, as this a sign that the dog is tired. You should go home if your dog is wheezing, panting, limping or otherwise showing signs of exhaustion or discomfort,” says Dr. Carol Osborne, an integrative veterinarian and director of the Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Keep that — and these 10 tips — in mind when caring for your diabetic dog.
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Signs of diabetes
How many times a day should a diabetic dog eat?
The best way to feed a diabetic dog is twice a day. You should have received a diet recommendation for your dog. If you have not received one, please ask for one. The second step in treatment is to use a drug to control (lower) blood glucose levels.