Factors Influencing Insulin Dosing
Because glucose is a basic nutrient, many factors can affect a dogs requirements. Obese dogs need to lose weight, so that should be factored in. If your dog has a successful weight-loss program, insulin amounts will decrease. Activity levels also require different amounts of insulin. A dog who is running agility trials will end up with a different dose than a dog who strolls sedately around the block once or twice a day. Female dogs who go into heat will often have different insulin needs than a spayed dog .
If your dog is sick or becomes hypothyroid , their insulin needs will change. If your dog skips their morning meal and doesnt eat, you need to contact your veterinarian to discuss adjustments in the insulin dose. Insulin needs the raw material of the food to be effective.
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Managing Your Dogs Diabetes At Home
Diabetes mellitus, or simply diabetes, is a common endocrine disorder that affects both humans and dogs. In dogs, the disease can come on at any age and usually requires ongoing treatment. Diabetic dogs often require insulin injections, but determining how much to give them can be a tricky task. The best way to prevent a diabetic dog from developing hypoglycemia is to properly manage their disease on a daily basis. Here are some tips that can help:
Optimize your insulin regimen Dogs with diabetes usually require two daily insulin injections. These should be given at the same time each day, ideally 15 to 30 minutes after a meal. If your dog is refusing to eat, dont administer their insulin, as doing so could push them into hypoglycemia.
Keep a consistent feeding schedule Diabetic dogs do best with timed meals as opposed to free feeding. Aim to feed your dog every 10 to 12 hours or so.
Opt for a prescription diet Prescription diets for diabetic dogs are formulated to keep their blood sugar at healthy levels. Theyre also usually low in fat to prevent your dog from developing pancreatitis. Going with a prescription diet can help owners take some of the guesswork out of their pets nutrition.
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How Much Honey Can A Dog Have
Give Your Dog Honey The amount of honey you give your dog will depend on his size. Large dogs need one tablespoon of honey a day, while medium dogs require two teaspoons. Smaller dogs only need one teaspoon of honey a day. If your dog does not want to eat honey, you could try mixing it in with one of his treats.
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How Can I Prevent My Dog From Getting Low Blood Sugar
If you believe that your dog fits into one of the categories where they are at risk for low blood sugar, talk to your veterinarian. Monitor your dog if they fit into one of the categories and have a plan of action ready if your dog should suddenly experience the symptoms of low blood sugar.
Prevention can happen by feeding your dog smaller meals throughout the day rather than one large meal once per day. Honey can also boost your dogs blood sugar if it is extremely low and needs to be raised so that he or she can safely make it to the veterinarian clinic for proper examination, diagnosis, and treatment.
Remember, if your dog is exhibiting low blood sugar symptoms, the quicker you are to get your dog treatment the more likely they are to recover without any lasting effects, and the less likely they are to continue to have these problems because they have gone undiagnosed.
What Might The Screening Tests Indicate
Complete Blood Count
This is a simple blood test that provides information about the different cell types in blood. These include red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the tissues, white blood cells, which fight infection and respond to inflammation, and platelets, which help the blood to clot. The CBC provides details about the number, size, and shape of the various cells types, and identifies the presence of abnormal cells in circulation. In a pet with hypoglycemia, examples of changes seen on a CBC could include:
- Anemia. This means the number of red blood cells and the amount of hemoglobin in the blood are lower than normal. Anemia can be found with many diseases, including those causing hypoglycemia .
- Changes in the shape of red blood cells. Certain types of oddly shaped red blood cells are seen in hypoglycemic pets that have conditions such as liver disease, severe infection, and a portosystemic shunt, which is a blood vessel abnormality found in puppies.
- High numbers of white blood cells with an increased proportion of immature white blood cells. This is a sign of severe underlying infection, and can be associated with hypoglycemia.
- Unusual pattern of white blood cells. The presence of high numbers of both lymphocytes and eosinophils in a blood sample is unusual and could be a sign of underlying Addison’s disease, which is associated with hypoglycemia.
Serum biochemistry profile
Urinalysis
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What Toxins Cause Hypoglycemia In Dogs
The most common toxin that can cause hypoglycemia in dogs is xylitol, which is a natural sugar found in chewing gum and other “sugar-free” products.
This blog article discussed hypoglycemia, which is a condition that can develop in dogs when their blood sugar levels become too low. Glucose is a type of sugar that is used for energy by the body. When levels of glucose drop too low, the body’s cells may not have enough energy to function properly. In dogs, hypoglycemia is most commonly seen in puppies, small breed dogs, and senior dogs. If left untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to seizures or even death if not treated promptly and properly. If you have concerns that your dog may be hypoglycemic, please contact your veterinarian.
A Diagnostic Approach To Hypoglycemia
Once hypoglycemia is documented, is a repeatable finding, spurious causes for hypoglycemia have been excluded, and there is no overt iatrogenic or physiological cause based on signalment and history, the clinician must then compile a list of the most likely differential diagnoses for pathological causes of hypoglycemia. In some cases, based on signalment, history, physical examination findings, and results of preliminary diagnostic tests, there will be red flags to help hone in on the most likely differential diagnoses. For example, a puppy, especially if unvaccinated, that has gastrointestinal signs should have parvovirus as a top differential for hypoglycemia or an adult dog, with chronic or waxing and waning gastrointestinal signs, should always have hypoadrenocorticism considered as a cause for the hypoglycemia.
When the clinician is not presented with red flags, then a systematic approach rather than strictly pattern recognition will be required .
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The Diabetic Alert Dog: A Life
A diabetic alert dog is a life-saving device that people who have diabetes rely on. Diabetes alert dogs are specially trained to detect low blood sugar levels in their early stages, allowing them to avoid dangerously low blood sugar levels. This is accomplished by the dogs ability to smell. Some odors are associated with a different blood sugar level. Some people report that their dog frequently displays an alert whenever they notice blood sugar drops without being trained to do so. Before owning a diabetic alert dog, it is critical to keep track of each time they alert and check their accuracy. If your dog can detect low blood sugar levels, you can avoid a potentially fatal complication.
Pathophysiology Definition And Mechanisms Of Hypoglycemia
In the clinically normal dog, glucose concentration is maintained within a narrow range . Hypoglycemia in dogs is defined by a blood glucose level of 3.3 mmol/L . Hypoglycemia occurs when there is perturbation of glucose homeostasis in which glucose utilization exceeds glucose production and/or entry into circulation . There are 4 mechanisms by which hypoglycemia may arise: i) poor dietary intake of glucose and other substrates used in hepatic gluconeogenesis ii) increased glucose uptake and utilization by normal or neoplastic cells due to an increase in demand or secondary to hyperinsulinism iii) dysfunctional hepatic glycogenolytic or gluconeogenic pathways and iv) endocrine abnormalities resulting in a deficiency of counter-regulatory hormones such as cortisol . In many disease processes causing hypoglycemia, the origin of the hypoglycemia is multifactorial.
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Pineapples Have A Greater Effect On Blood Glucose Levels Compared To Other Fruits
As revealed by Medical News Today, pineapples have an almost perfect balance of glycemic load and water content, which makes it easily absorbed by the body without making blood sugar levels skyrocket.
Moreover, its rich mineral content, which includes zinc, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and manganese, will also help improve the overall digestive health of your canine family member.
To use pineapple as a home remedy for dog hypoglycemia, carefully peel and core the fruit and throw it in a blender, food processor, or juicer. Strain the liquid to get rid of the stringy bits. You can give this directly to your beloved pet or mix it with his water.
And now heres a high-quality natural product that you should consider having in your dog home care kit when it comes to canine low blood sugar
Honey Stimulates The Bodys Glucokinase Or Glucose Sensor
A study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information reports that besides having natural sugars to help the blood glucose level stabilize, honey also has the ability to stimulate the bodys glucokinase or glucose sensor to optimize insulin production in the pancreas.
Additionally, the study highlights that glucokinase plays a key role in the livers uptake and storage of glucose as glycogen.
To use honey as a home remedy for low blood sugar in dogs, directly dab a small amount of this natural sweetener all over your canine family members gums as soon as you notice that he is experiencing the effects of hypoglycemia.
On the other hand, you can also use honey as a substitute for sugar when making sugar water.
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Can A Laboratory Result Showing Low Blood Sugar Sometimes Be Wrong
Yes. If a blood sample is not handled properly after collection, glucose can be lost from the sample and the test result may be falsely low. This sampling error occurs because red blood cells naturally consume glucose, and they continue to use glucose even in a collected blood sample if steps are not taken to prevent this. If a pet is healthy and has no signs of hypoglycemia a laboratory report showing low blood glucose value may be inaccurate due to sampling error. The blood glucose test should be repeated using a fresh blood sample. If the repeated glucose value is normal and the pet still has no signs of hypoglycemia, then the initial value was likely incorrect, and no further investigation is needed.
What Is Canine Low Blood Sugar
Sugar is your dogs main source of energy. If your dog is experiencing low blood sugar then their ability to properly function decreases and their energy levels will decrease, too. In extreme situations low blood sugar can cause serious health issues such as black out or even death.
When you think of low blood sugar you probably think of diabetes, but it is important to know that there are many other reasons that your dog may be experiencing low blood sugar, such as pregnancy, cancer, kidney failure, infection, or ingestion of something toxic. Keep in mind any other symptoms that your dog may be exhibiting along with the signs of low blood sugar so that your veterinarian has a better picture of what might be causing your dog to experience low blood sugar.
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How Is Canine Low Blood Sugar Treated
If you believe your dog is experiencing low blood sugar and they are exhibiting symptoms like they might lose consciousness or have lost consciousness, call your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to offer you suggestions on how to raise your dogs blood sugar until you can transport them to the clinic for care.
If your veterinarian gives you suggestions on how to raise your dogs blood sugar and you believe that your dog is better do not stay home. Be sure to go in for a visit so that your veterinarian can examine your dog. Your dog may continue to experience low blood sugar and it can result in death.
The 4 Best Natural Remedies To Treat Low Blood Sugar In Dogs At Home
So youre noticing that your dog isnt as eager to play fetch or hide and seek these days. He barely touches his food, too. You also observe that your canine family member seems to be very thirsty most of the time.
Chances are your dog is suffering from low blood sugar. While some of the effects of low blood sugar in dogs can be rather subtle, this health issue can lead to very serious or even fatal consequences if not immediately addressed in the proper way.
Guided by our more than a decades worth of knowledge and experience in holistic medicine, my team and I at Zumalka by HomeoAnimal would like to share with all pet parents and animal lovers worldwide how to properly deal with low blood sugar in dogs using natural means.
Lets begin our discussion by finding out what exactly low blood sugar in dogs is
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How Can I Normalize My Dog’s Blood Sugar Naturally
The most common treatment for diabetic pups is insulin therapy. Insulin is a hormone that allows the bodys cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream. High blood glucose levels occur when the cells develop insulin resistance. Pet parents administer daily injections at home to elevate the dogs insulin levels and increase the rate at which glucose enters cells.
Conventional medicine isnt the only option for lowering your dogs blood sugar, though. While such treatments are effective, its equally important to support the bodys natural processes with proper nutrition and exercise. Healthy lifestyle choices can help regulate blood glucose levels long after diabetic dogs finish insulin therapy.
Ask a vet if the following at-home diabetes treatment options are right for your pup.
High blood sugar can become serious but is easily manageable. Always consult a vet before incorporating these natural remedies into your dogs routine to ensure youre not doing more harm than good. Follow their instructions for administering conventional medicine first, then ask about how holistic methods fit into your dogs treatment plan. The combined efforts of you and a vet will bring your pups blood sugar back to normal!
How To Treat Low Blood Sugar In Dogs At Home
A highly concentrated sugar source like Karo syrup, pancake syrup or honey can work. Just be sure your puppy is still able to swallow before giving about a teaspoonful of the sugar source. If the dog is very groggy, offer a bit of water first. You can use a syringe if the dog doesnt lap up the sugar water.
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Emergency Management Of Hypoglycemia
While treatment or management directed at the specific underlying cause of the hypoglycemia is essential for long-term resolution or prevention in a dog with significant clinical signs secondary to hypoglycemia, prompt emergency management is imperative. Protracted neuroglycopenia can lead to irreversible brain damage and neurological deficits that are refractory to treatment .
An important caveat regarding the emergency treatment of hypoglycemia with dextrose is that excessive dextrose solution can lead to an osmotic diuresis and dehydration . Furthermore, in dogs with insulinomas or extrapancreatic tumors secreting insulin analogs, infusion of a rapid, large volume of dextrose can be counterproductive, as elevated glucose in the circulation exacerbates hyperinsulinemia through normal homeostatic mechanisms. This situation creates a vicious cycle of hyperglycemia and rebound hypoglycemia . Therefore, dextrose should always be slowly infused over 5 to 10 min .
What Happens To A Dog When Their Blood Sugar Drops
mentation and behavior changes, seizures, syncope, muscle twitching/fatigue, somnolence, exercise intolerance, muscle tremors, collapse, ataxia, weakness, and impaired vision are all possible symptoms.
Intravenous Glucose For Picky Dogs
If your dog is unable to drink or eat, give him a small amount of glucose intravenously . Try and find a glucose solution with no more than 100 mg/dL .
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