Understanding Diabetes and Dogs.

The same as humans, dogs can be diabetics. In almost every case, a diabetic dog is a Type 1 Diabetic, that cannot be controlled or managed with diet or oral medication alone. They will require insulin injections on a regular basis, in most cases every 12 hours but every case is different.

 Diabetes in people and dogs occurs when the pancreas no longer produces insulin for the body, meaning it needs to be added to by body a different way – via an injection. 
The causes of diabetes in dogs can vary and can be one or a combination of the following issues.  

• Obesity 
• Pre disposed genetically 
• Infection
• Pancreatic issues

Signs of a diabetic dog before being diagnosed can include:

• Increase water consumption
• Increased urination
• Increase in hunger
• Fast weight loss
• Cataracts 

It can take some time to get a dog’s diabetic condition under control once first diagnosed. Once a stable insulin amount and safe, low fat diet is established, a diabetic dog can continue to live their life reasonably normal, compared to how it was before.
Meals and insulin injections must be kept to a strict schedule and snacks and treats throughout the day will need to stop as well as ensuring they are kept at a healthy weight. 
With the advancements in modern medicine, there are now many tools on the market that can help manage and maintain a dog’s diabetes, including blood glucose monitors and insulin pets, that hold and draw down the exact amount of insulin needed for each injection. 

With a team of trained Doggy Doaters available to our guests 24/7 – day and night we can attend to diabetic needs. For more information on our special medical needs care, contact us or visit accommodation options page HERE!