Your dog’s health-pay attention!!
Taking care of your dog-an effort of love!
As with our health and well being, it is especially important to be aware of your dog’s health and conditions that might indicate illness. As I have mentioned before, that isn’t always easy because dogs don’t have the ability of telling us how they feel or describing symptoms. I have spoken about a dog’s behavior and how lethargy, low appetite, and the inability to want to engage in activities could be an indication that something is wrong. I want to highlight a couple of illnesses today and what owners should look for.
Canine diabetes is a disease similar to the diabetes shown in humans. It is a breakdown in the endocrine system of the dog that results in the dogs ability to produce and use insulin. Dogs can develop diabetes similar to humans. Meaning that there is one form of the disease that is mainly genetic and is similar to juvenile onset diabetes and there is an acquired type of this disease that is similar to adult onset diabetes and could be brought on by factors within the dog owner’s control!!
If your dog is eating, drinking and urinating excessively, this might be a reason for alarm and a visit to the vet. Even with all the dog is eating, he/she would most probably lose weight as the dog’s body will break down protien and fats looking for the energy it needs that the diabetes is stripping away.
Once the illness is diagnosed, the standard treatment is usually insulin injections. Working with your vet to insure that your dog receives the best care with this condition is important. The monitoring of blood sugar and food intake for your dog is imperative. Your dog will be a healthier and happier dog once the disease is diagnosed and treatment is given.
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