In both humans and dogs, the pancreas produces insulin, which helps maintain glucose levels in the blood. Diabetes occurs when insulin is either improperly produced or the animal has an insensitivity to it. Early signs of diabetes mellitus in a dog include excessive thirst, excessive urination, exhaustion, weight loss and wounds that do not heal. It is crucial that a dog diagnosed with diabetes is properly cared for and that the diabetes is controlled.
Instructions
Administer the dog's insulin on a regular schedule, if prescribed by a veterinarian. Write down the time each dose was administered throughout the day. This is especially helpful if more than one person cares for the dog.
Feed the dog food that is low in fat and contains lean meats such as chicken or fish. Make sure the ingredients in the dog food are made from real meat and not meat byproducts. These foods should also be low in carbohydrates and high in fiber.
Feed the dog fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods contain "good" sugars that can benefit the dog's overall health without triggering a diabetic episode.
Give the dog plenty of water throughout the day. Dogs affected with diabetes may have issues with excessive thirst.
Avoid feeding the dog human foods, especially sweets. These contain sugar and will have a negative effect on the dog's insulin levels.
Keep the veterinarian's contact information close at hand. The dog could have a diabetic-related emergency.
Exercise the dog daily. This will help keep the dog's weight at a healthy level, which can reduce the negative effects of diabetes.