Malty

Did anyone find their diabetic dog was more hungry than usual please? Rosie, my little dog, is fussing for food about 6 hours after she has had her breakfast. This did not happen before she developed Diabetes. Any advice please. Thank you. :)

I'm sure you'll get more support from other owners of diabetic pets, but I can certainly understand how you might feel like you've been thrown in the deep end. You will get the hang of it and it will become much easier. Make sure you have a good communication flow with your vet, don't be afraid to ask any questions and generally keep in touch. I think Kirty's advice of thinking about what you might want to do about cataracts if (when) they occur is a great one as often it's a decision that has to be made at a critical point and it is much more stressful.

I'm more than happy to field general questions if you gave them, either on the forum or via PM. Obviously I can't give specific advice related to your dog but if there is anything you've forgotten to ask or are curious about then shoot.

Thank you Rappie. I may just do that! :)

I'm sure you'll get more support from other owners of diabetic pets, but I can certainly understand how you might feel like you've been thrown in the deep end. You will get the hang of it and it will become much easier. Make sure you have a good communication flow with your vet, don't be afraid to ask any questions and generally keep in touch. I think Kirty's advice of thinking about what you might want to do about cataracts if (when) they occur is a great one as often it's a decision that has to be made at a critical point and it is much more stressful.

I'm more than happy to field general questions if you gave them, either on the forum or via PM. Obviously I can't give specific advice related to your dog but if there is anything you've forgotten to ask or are curious about then shoot.

Thank you Rappie. I may just do that! :)

Have been there with a diabetic dog, unfortunately I don't have her with me anymore. But her diabetes was quite easy to manage once I got used to the idea and got ourselves in to a routine. We kept doing our agility trials and everything we normally did. I did have to stop doing our pet therapy just because I couldn't coordinate our times to facilitate her insulin doses, but that was ok.

Things that I found important...

*write a list that is very clear about what medication and food is required and when (be exact), just in case someone else needs to know this at short notice.

*get other people used to administering insulin and feeding (this will help you in those times when you might want to go out to dinner or go away for a weekend).

*figure out the routine and stick to it. It is important to administer the insulin at as close to the same time 12 hourly. Playing with this can end you up back at the vet.

*make sure other people understand how important it is not to feed treats to your dog without first consulting you, again this can mess with blood sugar levels and end you up back at the vet

*I found it useful to use diastix and measure glucose in urine every 2nd day or so, just as a monitoring measure.

*get ready for cataracts. I wasn't and they took me by suprise.

*make up a little kit for just in case of a hypoglycaemic episode (powdered glucose, honey, easy to eat high energy food) - I had one of these at home and also one at my mum and dad's where Emma spent a lot of time.

*always carry food on you when you take your dog out in case blood sugar levels drop. I always had dog treats, but I also had a little sample sachet of honey that lived in my handbag (if they go hypoglycaemic you rub honey on their gums to try and increase sugar levels)

I think really importantly, try to relax and not stress too much. I know that feels impossible, but really diabetes is quite manageable. Be prepared for some changes to life as it does mean you live by a pretty strict routine as unlike with humans dogs have a standard insulin dose, need a standard amount of food, the same food every day, the same exercise and need their meds at the same time. Humans can use pumps or be taught to read their glucose levels and adjust their insulin accordingly - that is much harder with dogs. But it will be ok, and once you are in the routine you won't even notice it. Your dog is still your dog she just needs medication now. And yes if you can get her ready and start training in case she loses her vision your life will be lots easier if/when that does eventuate (which hopefully will be quite some time away for you).

Feel free to ask me anything you like as I"m happy to tell you about any and all of my diabetic dog experience, I know exactly where you are at, I was there about 5 years ago!

Can I ask you what "Treats" you gave your dog please. I thought they could have anything between meals.

This forum is absolutely great! I feel sooooo much better now and not alone. A BIG THANK YOU to you all! I really appreciate all the tips and advise. My vet has been wonderful and so helpful, but it's talking with people like you that makes all the difference. You can't beat hands on experience can you?! :)

A BIG thank you to you all! You don't know how much I appreciated your input and I certainly will take you on on your kind offer to ask questions if I've forgotten to ask my vet. I take on board what you say about a monitor. Rosie is going back to my vet on Friday for a day of glucose level testing. Just hoping things are OK! Am witting everything down, ie: water intake, food, general demeanour etc. to take with me. Am wondering if pet insurance is the way to go with this one. Any thoughts ?!

Hi Everyone.

I'm new to this forum and would dearly love to hear your thoughts and advice. My 5 year old Maltese - Rosie - has developed Diabetes following an attack of Pancreatitis. I'm finding it all rather daunting at the moment. She came home on Saturday afternoon, having spent 6 days in the vet's hospital. She has insulin twice a day. Any advice would be gratefully received. I just worry about her!