When you decide to be a pet owner, you should also anticipate dealing with your pet’s medical issues from time to time. You need to be ready when your furry buddy experiences medical problems or conditions that will need urgent attention and treatment. Everybody knows how common diabetes is for humans, but the same also applies to our beloved pets.
Since some types of diabetes might happen due to lifestyle factors, it’s possible to prevent it in the first place. So now, let’s discuss some easy-to-follow guidelines to prevent diabetes in your furry companion and reduce your stress in the future.
How to Protect Your Dog From Diabetes
Regular vaccinations, deworming, routine examinations, parasite protection & prevention, are all in the course of pet ownership. However, not every pet parent knows their pet is at risk of diabetes. Here are five simple tips pet owners can follow to protect their pets from this prevalent condition.
1. Maintain their healthy weight
Obesity is the primary culprit of diabetes in humans and is probably the same contributing element for pets who develop the stated condition. Therefore, a healthy weight can help avoid diabetes and even secure your furry buddy from various health conditions affecting their lungs, heart, and kidney.
To help your four-legged friend maintain a healthy weight, always follow the recommendations given to you by your vet. Avoid overfeeding your pet, ensure you select quality food with the best nutrition, and avoid giving sweet treats to your pet.
2. Ensure your dog gets enough exercise daily
Regular exercise keeps your pet healthy and fit and can significantly help with weight management, which is important for preventing diabetes. Different dog breeds have the amount of exercise they require daily. You may ask for advice from your vet to know how much activity and exercise your pet will need every day to keep them in tiptop condition.
3. Know the signs of diabetes
Dog diabetes symptoms are not different from the symptoms people experience with the same condition. Some of the signs you must keep an eye out for include:
- Increased urination
- Sudden weight loss of unidentified cause
- Lethargy
- Changes in appetite/ increased thirst
- Uncommonly sweet-smelling breath
- Dehydration
Canines with diabetes might also experience dry or scaly skin, so be on the lookout for this. If you notice dog skin conditions in your pet, have them inspected by pet dermatologists for professional recommendations on what steps you need to take to restore your dog’s healthy skin.
4. Never miss regular examinations
Veterinarians and animal facilities are essential to your pet’s healthcare. They have great experience, training, and knowledge to determine health issues like diabetes, kidney disease, heart problems, and other conditions that may contribute to the development of diabetes in canines.
Furthermore, a veterinary internal medicine specialist can help treat and manage diabetes or kidney issues should your canine contract them. For example, they might suggest diet plans or routine activities appropriate for your pet’s condition or perform aggressive treatment to take care of the problem.
5. Spay your female pet
Spaying pets come with various health advantages you may not know yet. Spaying your furry buddy can help manage the overpopulation crisis and avoid unwanted pregnancy. This can also help reduce the risk of your pet contracting life-threatening conditions like diabetes and various female cancers.
