Diabetes is a chronic disorder in which the body can't properly use insulin to metabolize sugar, leading to high blood sugar levels and high amounts of fat in the blood. If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can cause canine health complications such as heart disease, blindness, weakness, liver or kidney disease. Your canine requires a healthy diet that is high in fiber, and medication to regulate blood sugar levels.
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High Fiber
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Pet food that is high in fiber helps stabilize blood sugar levels by controlling how much energy is dispersed during digestion, according to "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats." High-fiber foods contain complex carbohydrates, which break down slowly during digestion to disperse small amounts of sugar at a time rather than all at once. Foods that contain refined sugar can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which results in fatigue and abnormal thirst. Wheat, brown rice, oat bran and citrus pulp are also high in fiber and healthy for your dog to eat. Your veterinarian might prescribe diabetic dog food to control the condition, or suggest over-the-counter diabetic dog food. You can also prepare the dog's food yourself by including whole grain, lean meats and vegetables. Meat should be limited to skinless chicken or extra-lean beef, and vegetables should always be chopped or grated before being served to your dog. Talk to your veterinarian about properly planning meals.
Portion Control
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Feed your dog two to three small meals a day rather than one large meal. Large meals can send the blood sugar level too high. Evenly space the meals during the day to maintain a consistent sugar level. Follow your veterinarian's recommended meal size, as obesity can complicate diabetes control. Feed your dog the recommended amount, and immediately remove the food when she's finished, to avoid overeating. Keep your dog in shape with exercise 10 to 20 minutes daily, whether it be jogging with you or playing with other dogs in a park.
Medication
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If the veterinarian prescribes medication for your dog, it is extremely important to administer the medication on time to avoid unhealthy drops or increases in blood sugar levels. According to "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats," most canines require two insulin injections daily to maintain blood sugar level. Give your dog the injection in the morning and at night, around the same time every day, to keep the level stable. The medication might cause your dog's blood sugar level to drop dangerously low, but that can be remedied by rubbing a nickel-size amount of honey onto your dog's gums.
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