Older dogs are more likely to have diabetes.Diabetes can cause many problems, but your dog can live a happy life with the condition.To help manage your older dog's diabetes, work with your vet to come up with a treatment plan, and make sure to monitor your dog for any changes in symptoms.
Step 1: Go to the vet with your dog.
If your dog has diabetes, you should take them to the vet for regular checks.Even if your dog's diabetes seems to be under control, this is still true.The best way to keep your dog's diabetes under control is to have the vet check their blood sugar levels.If your dog is stable, you should schedule a check up at least twice a year.Follow your vet's advice if they recommend more frequent visits.
Step 2: A diabetes management plan is needed.
A diabetes management plan for your dog will be developed by you and the vet.You will be the primary care giver for your dog's diabetes treatment, so you need to make sure you know what to do to keep him healthy.Your vet will help you learn how to give injections for your dog.A diet and exercise recommendations will be given to you by your vet.Your vet can suggest a system for your dog.There are warning signs you should look for.
Step 3: Diabetes symptoms can be monitored.
Senior dogs are more likely to have diabetes.If your dog does not have diabetes yet, you should be aware of its symptoms.An increase in appetite without weight gain is the most common symptom.Increased thirst and increased urination are symptoms.
Step 4: Keep your dog's weight in check.
Keeping your senior dog's weight within a healthy range is one way to manage their diabetes.It's important that your dog doesn't end up eating too much.Older dogs are more likely to be obese and this can make their diabetes worse.Older dogs need less calories than younger dogs.Feed your dog less food because their energy needs and activity levels decrease.Older dogs may eat out of boredom because they forget to eat.Keep your dog on a food schedule and watch their weight to make sure they don't gain weight.
Step 5: Change your dog's food.
Feed your dog the best food you can when he is older.This is important when your dog has diabetes.When your dog has diabetes, the food should be high quality.It's possible that the food needs to be low-fat.Discuss the best diet for your senior dog with your vet.Some senior dogs with diabetes may do well with a senior blend of dog food, while others may not.
Step 6: Your dog should be fed hard dry foods.
Your senior dog needs a diet of hard, dry foods.Soft foods can cause problems for people with diabetes.It is important to make sure that your dog eats before the injections.Talk to your vet about other food options if your dog can't chew hard foods.You can feed your dog a diet of people food.Give your dog a small snack to tide him over.Give them their injection after they eat it.Immediately after, give them a meal.If your dog won't eat the snack or their regular food, only give them half their insulin dose for that day, and if they refuse to eat for two or more meals in a row, contact your vet immediately for advice and treatment.
Step 7: You should exercise your dog.
It is possible to manage diabetes in older dogs by making sure they get exercise.Older dogs can still exercise, though they may be slower, have to exercise for a shorter time, or be unable to do so at such a high level.You can still take your dog for a walk.They might not be able to do the activity for as long as they used to.
Step 8: Give your dog some food.
Dogs with diabetes need daily injections.The dog is usually given a shot in the back by folding the dog's skin.You should hold the needle at a 45 degree angle.To prolong your dog's pain, push the plunger down with your thumb as quickly as possible.The vet will show you how to give your dog the injections.Only the needles supplied by your vet can be used.If you cannot tell whether the injection went in, don't repeat it.Rather than injecting the same spot repeatedly, you should vary the injection site a little every day.
Step 9: Your dog has a blood sugar level.
If you are told by your vet to check your dog's blood sugar levels, you will be able to monitor their condition.This can be done using a dipstick provided by your vet.You can check your dog's urine on a daily basis with the meter or dipstick.If you want to check your dog's blood sugar level using the provided meter, you will have to pierce the skin of the dog to get a drop of blood.Your dog can be monitored for conditions like ketosis with the urine dipstick.If ketones appear on the dipstick, immediately consult your vet.Schedule an immediate vet visit if your dog shows any signs of an illness that can affect a pet with diabetes, such as a stomach ache, a sore mouth, or an ear infection, and log the dog'sglucose level so you can discuss it with your vet.
Step 10: There are symptoms of too muchinsulin.
Dogs with diabetes can get too much of the drug.Your vet may need to adjust your dog's injections if they are too high.If you notice an upset stomach, sore teeth, or ear infections, take your dog to the vet immediately.There are symptoms that include shaking unsteady gait and Lethargy Falling Seizures.