diabetic dog

[daisybee]

your sparky looks a lot like bailey, but bailey is curlier, anyway, bailey was only 4 years old when he was diagnosed, so he's kind of young for this, i think, i worry that diabetes if going to shorten his life. besides the diabetes he's very healthy

[Freedom]

Diabetics have to watch carbohydrates -- sugar is just ONE of many, many carbs.

Carbohydrates include:
- fruits
- grains and grain products
- oats, wheat, rice, barley, corn
- breads, cookies, cakes, pancakes, waffles, anything containing flour
- certain vegetables: peas are quite high in carbs.

Beans and most veggies are great for diabetics.

So Milk Bones do need to be limited, but it doesn't matter if they contain sugar or not! It is because they include flour, a grain.

[pomtzu]

Unfortunately, diabetes does take it's toll. The one of mine that lived with it for 4 years was rather healthy in spite of it, but in the end, it was kidney failure that took him, and it did come on rather suddenly. My more difficult "child" - the older one, went blind, and the last year suffered from seizures. When they became more frequent, I knew she had no quality life in her, and I finally let her go at 16. I know now that I should have let her go sooner..........

With Bailey being younger, he probably will fare very well for a lot of years to come. Let us know if you find out what is causing him to spike like that all of a sudden.

And if he looks like Sparky - then I know he's a real cutie. Sparky's hair would be long - if I let it grow - but it's Mat City when I do!

[Marigold2]

My friend has a dog Buddy who also has diabetes. He went blind very quickly. Please stay in close contac with the vet on diets for your pup.