How to Care for a Diabetic Dog

Humans are not the only mammal that can get diabetes. Some dogs have diabetes, which means that they need special care and a new diet. This article shows how to care for your diabetic dog!

1. Go to your local vet. Get his or her opinion on a kind of pet food for your pet, and talk to them about what you can do to care for your dog.
- Ask about the right diet for the dog.
- Ask whether your dog will need insulin.
- Ask for instructions on giving the insulin injections safely and correctly. Your vet should be able to demonstrate, and may ask you to practice while he or she instructs and watches.

2. Buy the amount of insulin your vet suggests.
- Be sure to get a sharps disposal container for the needles, and make sure you know how to dispose of full sharps containers safely.

3. Move the insulin shots around. Your dog can get very sore if you repeatedly apply the shot it in the same place.

4. Keep a supply of insulin handy. Call the vet to order more for pick-up before you're down to the last few days' worth.

5. Go to the pet store. Get a dietary pet food, and get a blood sugar tester for your dog.
- Find an employee to help you find what you're looking for, and don't be afraid to ask someone else if you're not comfortable with the answers.
- Make sure that these are right for your dog. Take the items back to the vet and having the vet clarify, if you need to.

6. Make sure your pet sitter knows how to care for your dog. If you have to go out of town for any reason, and need a pet sitter, make sure that that person is well educated with dogs, is someone you trust, and be sure to teach them how to give insulin.

7. Buy low sugar or sugar free treats. Your dog will love them whether or not they have sugar or not.

8. Feed your dog an average daily amount of no more than 5 grams of sugar per meal. Write it down and keep track if you have to.