Treating canine diabetes with Caninsulin therapy is a balancing act. A dog’s diet, blood glucose and activity level must also be taken into consideration when controlling the diabetes.
Caninsulin Injections
Caninsulin is a member of the Lente insulin family. These injectables are mixtures of 30% short duration or semilente insulin and 70% medium duration or ultralente insulin. This mixture of insulin becomes active about one hour after injection, peaks in 4 to 8 hours and subsides in 14 to 24 hours. The ranges vary widely because the insulin reacts differently with each dog.
The dog achieves better diabetic control if the dosage is split into two daily injections, morning and evening. The gradual increase and decline in activity levels of the insulin process the morning and evening meals and provide metabolic support throughout the day’s activities so the dog’s blood sugar levels stay within acceptable ranges.
Carefully Monitor Dog's Reaction
Monitoring the dog’s blood glucose or blood sugar levels is key in managing their diabetic control. Without good control, the dog can experience complications such as kidney disease, dog stomach problems, canine cataracts or death. The advent of the hand-held glucose monitor (glucometer) provided an at-home tool that allows diabetics to keep their diabetes under good control. The glucometers are simple to use and provide a reasonably accurate measure of the dog’s blood sugar.
Most owners test their diabetic dog’s blood sugar by collecting capillary blood from the ear, a footpad or from their upper lip by using a lancet that creates a tiny pin hole from which they can collect the blood. Normal range for a dog is between 80 and 120 mg/dL. Not many of us have the luxury to be at home with our dogs 24/7, so if the dog is going to be home alone for 8 to 10 hours per day, it is allowable to let the blood sugars run a bit higher in order to avoid any hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) complications.
Diet for Diabetic Dogs
This leads us to diet, the third piece to controlling canine diabetes with Caninsulin therapy. When first diagnosed, it may take a bit of time and juggling of dosages to maintain good blood sugar control with your dog’s current diet. It can’t be stressed enough that consistency in feeding is important to controlling canine diabetes. Feeding a quality low-protein dog food is important. Diabetes is hard on the kidneys and so is protein in the diet. By feeding a low-protein dog food, it is easier for your dog’s kidneys to process. Avoiding table scraps and excessive treats during the day will also allow the Caninsulin to work efficiently and provide better blood sugar control.
Activity Levels
Activity level must also be considered when controlling canine diabetes with Caninsulin. Regular exercise is important to dogs and especially important to canine diabetics. If a diabetic dog is used to just lying around the house and his Caninsulin dosage is based upon that activity level, an increase in activity could cause a significant decrease in his blood sugar. The owner should be prepared with extra treats or food to prevent the dog’s blood sugar from dipping too low. If the higher-than-average activity is expected, decrease the Caninsulin for the day to compensate for the added activity. This goes for any diabetic dog whose normal activity level increases.
Treating canine diabetes with Caninsulin therapy, while adding a few steps to care for a dog, allows a dog to lead a relatively normal lifestyle. By balancing Caninsulin dosage, diet and activity, a dog’s blood sugar can be kept under good control and he can lead a normal life span.