Diabetes in Dogs

[Alvindy]

Does anyone have a dog that has diabetes? Our dog was just diagnosed with Diabetes today. He needs to be injected with insulin 2x a day...does anyone have any experience with this? We're not afraid to inject him, just wondering what to expect moving forward. :(

[stacey101]

Im sorry i have no experiance, but a friend of mine does. Her dog has had it since he was 6 and now he is 16 :) Hopfully someone on here can help!

[Robin's Nest]

So sorry to hear that your dog received this diagnosis. I too know several people who deal with it, but have no experience myself. With the number of members we have here, though, I'm sure there will be someone checking in soon that can help you plan for the days ahead. :)

[Goldielover]

I also had a friend who had a diabetic dog some years ago. The main thing I remember about it was that she always had to plan her social life around the dog's shot times. The dog lived for quite a few years, though.

[Will]

I've heard that most dogs get diabetes because their diet didn't consist of JUST meat (eggs are ok though).

Constantly processing carbs (which are complex sugar chains) causes the pancreas to kick into overdrive to keep up with the dramatic spikes and drops in blood sugar. The pancreas does this by producing insulin. How many cats have you known in your life that have been diabetic? What about ferrets with insulinomas (tumors on the pancreas?) These fatal illnesses are both DIRECT results of improper diets.

[tstmard]

My husbands dog was diabetic. She was 8 when she was diagnosed with it and lived 2 more years after. He would have to giver her the shot 2 times a day each time everyday as well as she had to be on special food. It's really doesn't change the dog. She did have little episodes about once a year where she'd have to be hospitalized but it was usually only over night. Towards the end she lost her sight but she was still a VERY happy dog and full of it. Even blind when we'd go fishing she's still get in the water and go "dredging" as we call it. I'd fully encourage you to just go with the flow and you'll never regret it or the money put into it.:) It might be a slight lifestyle change since you will have to feed him at the same time everyday and I think 12 hours apart. So it might mean no more sleeping in for you or getting up and then going back to bed when you do want to sleep in. Or if you go places with your dog just be sure to have a little cooler with the insulin and syringe and the food for him to eat with you. Buefo also would occasionally have to be on pain pills which were alittle expensive.
But my husband wouldn't trade the expenses and those 2 years with his dog for anything. It was well worth it.
Here's Buefo a few months before she had to be put down when her pancreas gave out.:crying2:
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii121/tstmard/001_1.jpg

If you have any questions feel free to ask and if I can't answer it I'll get my husbands answer.
And as far as causes I know greasy food can be a large contributor to a dog becoming diabetic.
Just because your dog has become diabetic doesn't mean his normal life is over. You just got to go with the flow.;)