With all the interest in alternative remedies, it's only normal that pet owners would wonder about natural remedies for dogs with diabetes. Many people are questioning whether insulin is the only answer for dogs with diabetes. Are there other ways to regulate blood glucose levels?
The Truth About Canine Diabetes and Dog Food
Most people assume that the prescription diet sold by the vet is the best food for a diabetic canine. This may not be entirely true. Dog owners need to do some research on this topic so they can make wise decisions about the best diet for a diabetic pet.
Most commercial dry dog food, including those expensive prescription diets, are made mostly from grain, not meat. Grain is cheap and abundant, so it's good for the pet food company's bottom line. But it may not be so good for the bottom line concerning a dog's health.
The problem with grain is that it's very high in carbohydrates. When carbs are digested, they're broken down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream quickly. This causes a spike in blood sugar levels after a high-carb meal. Glucose is used to fuel the body, but if all the glucose isn't used, it's stored in the body as fat. Overweight canines are at a much higher risk of developing diabetes in dogs.
Protein and fat are also broken down into glucose, but the digestive process takes much longer with them. Glucose is released into the system over a much longer period of time, instead of all at once. This is why a diabetic canine should be eating a high-quality canned food, instead of dry food. Many pets who are fed canned food will lose weight, too, which is a good thing for any pet with diabetes.
Of course, it goes without saying that the owner needs to stop feeding table scraps and treats.
Is Exercise a Good Idea for a Diabetic Dog?
Exercise is a natural way to regulate blood sugar levels, so the answer is yes, but there are some things dog owners must know in order to avoid problems with hypoglycemia, which is a life-threatening condition. Always talk to the vet before starting an exercise program for a pet with diabetes.
Consistency is important:
- Keep exercise sessions the same length every day. Ten minutes every day is much better than an hour twice a week.
- Try to schedule exercise for the same time every day.
- Avoid strenuous games that involve a lot of running and jumping around. Recommended exercises include walking and swimming.
- Watch the pet carefully for signs of hypoglycemia. Dizziness and shakiness are signs that blood glucose levels have dropped to dangerously low levels. Always carry a little syrup or honey in a syringe (with no needle) to squirt in the pet's mouth or to rub on the gums to increase the blood sugar to normal levels.
Natural Remedies for Dogs
Many pet owners have tried regulating sugar levels in canine diabetics by using herbs for dogs. Fenugreek, astragalus, and goat's rue have been shown to lower glucose levels without causing hypoglycemia. Astragalus and goat's rue, along with bilberry, also protect the eyes from cataracts, which are very common in diabetic dogs.
Chromium is deficient in most diets today. This mineral is essential for regulating blood sugar levels, and also helps to prevent insulin resistance. This is a precursor of type 2 diabetes, which is the most common form of diabetes seen in dogs.
A conscientious pet owner can often lower the amount of insulin needed by paying close attention to diet and exercise, along with using herbs for dogs to control blood sugar levels.
References
Chromium Is Key To Diabetes
Goats Rue: The Little-known Plant That Can Successfully Lower Blood Sugar Levels In Diabetics
Darlene Norris - Darlene Norris is a cat-lover who has been owned by many kitties over the years. She was employed as an assistant manager at an animal ...
