Canine Diet and Exercise

Usually, successful management of your dog's diabetes will require changes to their diet. These changes are usually targeted toward keeping your dog happy and healthy while helping to regulate their blood glucose levels.

As always, rely on the advice of your veterinarian, as a diet plan for one dog may not be the best plan for another.

In general, if your dog is suffering from Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) it is best to refrain from consuming foods that are high in fat.

Overweight dogs should be helped in attaining a more desireable weight as obesity is a trigger for diabetes in all animals.

The use of fiber-enhanced foods has been used in the management of diabetes in dogs. The higher soluble fiber content helps slow digestion and absorption of carbohydrates which helps keep blood glucose levels from peaking directly after meals.

Special diets are available by prescription from your veterinarian.

Feeding Tips for Dogs with Diabetes:

• You may wish to try a prescription diet through your veterinarian
• Insulin dosage is matched to the type of food and eating schedule. Be sure to maintain consistent feeding times and amounts of food at every feeding. This will help you regulate your pet's blood glucose.
• Prescribed feeding schedules usually involve feeding your pet twice daily. You should inject insulin soon after your pet has finished eating.
• Be sure to adjust feeding schedules for other pets in the home. If all of your pets are eating at the same time, and the same number of times each day, this eliminates the risk of your diabetic pet eating another animal's food and throwing off their therapy.
• Avoid treats between meals and table scraps. Ttreats usually offer little in the way of nutritional value and can affect your pet's blood glucose levels.
• If you notice that your pet starts to drink more water than usual, contact your veterinarian. This could be a sign that their insulin dosage needs adjusting.
  
  

Along with diet, exercise is an important element in the control of your dog's diabetes. Exercise is not only good for overall health, in the obvious benefits to cardiovascular health and physical well-being, but also benefits diabetic animals in that exercise uses blood glucose in much the same way as insulin does. It is important to note that increased activity and exercise for a dog that is taking insulin could cause a severe low blood glucose level, a condition known as hypoglycemia.

Again, the best recipe for success in your dog's therapy is consistency. Regular and consistent exercise, insulin dosage, diet and feeding times will aid your pet's management of their condition.

Should you have plans for activity that would be considered "demanding exercise", consult your veterinarian, as it may require you to give your dog a fractional dose of their normal insulin.