Puppy Education

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Every once in a while, people get the opportunity to show how humane they are. Though I must stress that being “nice when it is easy” doesn’t count. You need to show that you don’t forget those who cannot survive without your help, and to do so without any fuss. Specifically, we are speaking about Diabetes which can struck even your pets. If it happens, remember that you mustn’t leave your pet, for you are his lifesaver. Anyway, this is nothing so hard that it cannot be done. Simply read on to see what is required from you, if your pet is in this condition.

What is it?

Basically, there are three types of Diabetes. Types 1 and 2, and gestational one. It is one of the most common opinions that dogs usually get Type 1 Diabetes, and although this is close to truth, it is not that simple. Human blood differs from those of cats and dogs, and thus the Diabetes manifests differently. In it’s core, inability to absorb sugar from the blood, causes rapid weakening of the whole organism, which can lead even to fatal outcome. Insulin is the hormone in blood which regulates the height of the sugar, and any imbalance can have severe health firebacks. For dogs, studies have found that female dogs and those neutered male ones are more susceptible to Diabetes especially in middle and older age, while for the cats, situation is reversed, males are those who will most likely suffer this condition. In either way, if you notice that your pet loses weight, or is overweight or even obese, is taking a lot more water and urinates more often and in increased volume, you mustn’t postpone your visit to the vet. In general, it is not important how famous your vet is, but how much experience he or she has when it comes to this illness. X-rays and/or ultrasonography may be required in order to set proper diagnosis.

Now what?

Now, after the first shock, be sure that you need to take up the responsibility. In general, you will be required to give prescribed medications to your pet, measure it’s blood sugar level, and to take a close look and monitor it’s condition. Those pets which are overweight, will be probably be put on a diet, for extra fat in organism can cause blockade of the sugar consumption. Ask your vet how to make emergency section for your pet, and what should it contain. Some veterinarians might prescribe insulin used on humans, or Vetsulin, which is more suitable for animals. Also, he will probably prescribe proper diet, although there isn’t quite strict table on what your pet should take and what not. Basically, higher amount of fibre intake will be required, along with low fat diet. This will accelerate the metabolism, and will prevent sugar to stay for long to become problem. In the very beginning, both you and your pets might feel scared or even a bit aggressive, so be prepared for eventual bites and scratches. In time, you will get use to it, and once pet realises that you are helping, he will take it more calmly. Here I must stress the fact that you mustn’t abandon your pet, for that would be very cruel, and shows that you treat your pets like items.

Prevention

Well, it is uncertain how much you can affect prevention of this disease, but it is known that cross-breed dogs are more susceptible to it, so if it is possible, avoid this to happen. Also, as I said, avoid that your pet becomes overweight, and that can be prevented by good, healthy nutrition. Better to be safe than sorry.

So, this pretty much covers the basics of dealing with Diabetes which your pets can suffer. Remember not to lose hope, that your pet may be ill, but you can do a lot to help. It is but natural to be sorry, angry, frustrated and nervous, but get rid of those feelings asap. Many people witnessed that this situation made them strengthen their bond with the pet, for as they say, “the strongest steel is forged in the biggest fire.” Ask your friends and relatives to be supportive, and those who ask themselves how can you lose your time with the sick animal, aren’t worth my time writing about them. Ignore these people.