Diabetes Treatment

Treating your dog for diabetes is very similar to the treatment humans receive. They will be put on a strict diet and regular insulin injection program. To keep the glucose at proper levels after eating, your pet will probably be put on a diet high in fiber and complex carbohydrates. Your vet will be able to recommend a proper diet.

Insulin is injected once a day under the skin. Your vet will show you how to do this and they will also tell you how much to give them. The insulin needs to be kept in the refrigerator, it becomes ineffective if exposed to sunlight or warm temperatures. Always roll the bottle of insulin in your hands before each injection. Fill the syringe with the prescribed amount, you may need to tap out air bubbles. The most common place to inject the insulin is in the scruff of the neck, the skin here is loose and easy to grasp. A fold of skin is pinched and pulled up with one hand and the needle quickly inserted at a 45 degree angle with the other. You do not want to inject the insulin into a blood vein, so pull the plunger back slightly. If no blood appears, push the plunger down slowly. Everyday a new spot should be used to inject the needle. The time you give your pet insulin should never vary. If you have a problems with giving insulin or monitoring their diet or getting the diabetic pet exercise, your vet is the best place to go for advice.