Dog Diabetes Is Not A Death Sentence

With consistent management, diabetes should have a minimal impact

Globally, and in South Africa, dog diabetes is on the rise, and dog owners are looking for health management plans to keep their fur babies happy, healthy, and living longer lives.

“It’s so important for dog owners to understand that diabetes is not a death sentence for their dog,” says Tarryn Dent, Diagnostic and Technical Manager at Zoetis South Africa, a global animal health company.

“We’ve found that a lack of awareness can either lead to a missed diagnosis because dog owners don’t know what to look for or, if a dog is diagnosed with diabetes, many owners think that there’s nothing left for them to do when the reverse is true. With consistent management, diabetes should have a minimal impact on dog owners and their dogs’ daily routines.”

This management includes at-home blood glucose monitoring, insulin, diet and an exercise plan, through which every dog can live an active and happy life with diabetes.

PROACTIVE HEALTH MANAGEMENT

Type I and Type II diabetes in dogs is more common than many dog owners think. Indications that could point to dog diabetes include unexplained fatigue or weakness, excessive thirst, frequent urination, an increased appetite, and sudden weight loss.