Optimal management

Living a stress-free lifestyle is key to managing your pets’ diabetes and avoiding an overdose in insulin, causing hypoglycaemia

(low BGLs). In both cats and dogs, this can occur without warning.

INDIVIDUALISED CARE

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Like humans, your pal needs a care plan specific to their needs. “There are many options for monitoring the response to treatment of diabetes in dogs and cats, which include glucose testing of the blood or urine at home or at the vet clinic,” says Dr Linda Fleeman, of Animal Diabetes Australia. “The best approach is for the owner and vet to work together and for the approach to be tailored to best suit each case.”

VISIT THE SAME VET

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Seeing the same vet will ensure your pet’s lifelong management is accurately monitored. To help them identify causes of illness or changes, take note of your pet’s appetite, behaviour, general demeanour, meal size, insulin dosage, urine glucose and ketones, weight and water intake.

INSULIN & FOOD

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It’s important for both cats and dogs that insulin injections are given at the exact time they are due – every 12 hours – and with food. They should be administered when and how your vet recommends. The exact dosage required by your pet is matched with their meal and should always contain the exact same ingredients and quantity, which must be consumed within 4 hours of the injection. Even the smallest error in insulin dosage, or excess foods, can result in a hypo; but if you notice a lack of appetite, especially in dogs, this is a sign of

illness, and they should be taken to the vet promptly.