Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Signs of Diabetes in Dogs

Diabetes mellitus [or simply diabetes] is a common condition in dogs. However it is not the end of the world for your dog because diabetes in canines is manageable if proper care is taken.

Article courtesy of Native Remedies
GlucoEnsure Helps keep blood sugar & insulin levels within normal range

Diet, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and medication are key aspects of adequate care. Diabetes, however, can cause an early death of the dog if it is not treated. High blood sugar levels produce clinical symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats that can help in early detection.

Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels rise due to the inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin to manage glucose (a primary sugar) in the food that the a dog ingests. In another situation, cells become resistant to the action of insulin, which also results in a high blood sugar level. If not managed within reasonable time, it leads to abnormally high blood sugar levels, a condition known as hyperglycemia.

High blood sugar results when the dog’s body is unable to process and convert glucose to energy for maintaining healthy growth. The excess glucose in the blood has to go somewhere if it is not used by the body’s systems and it leaks over to the urine. This leads to excessive urination (polyuria). As fluids in the body reduce, the dog feels the need to drink more (polydipsia) to compensate the loss due to excessive urination.

Besides these two most prominent symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats some of the other symptoms indicative of diabetes are:
  • Weight loss
  • Poor skin and hair coat
  • Frequent bladder infections
On observing these signs, a veterinarian should be consulted at the first opportunity because untreated diabetes can lead to:
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Diabetic neuropathy, especially weakness in rear legs
  • Dehydration
Left untreated, diabetes can progress and cause some life threatening disorders like diabetic acidosis, a condition where abnormally high acidity is accompanied by an accumulation of ketone bodies. Some of the other complications arising out of unregulated blood sugar levels include liver and kidney dysfunction and canine blindness.

The cause of diabetes still remains a mystery despite large amounts of research that has been initiated in this area. Chronic inflammation of the pancreas and genetic predisposition are often suspected to be the cause in most of the cases. Breeds like Poodles, Schnauzers, Keeshounds, Cairn Terriers, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels and Beagles are more predisposed to developing diabetes.

Once your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes, close monitoring of diet and regular checking of blood sugar levels is necessary. Minor increase in blood sugar can be managed by controlling and regulating diet. Abnormally high levels require insulin injections. Injection of insulin needs to be correlated with the amount, quality and timing of food intake. If you are taking care of your dog at home, make sure you get proper instructions about how and when to inject insulin on your own. Since excess insulin can lead to hypoglycemia or extremely low blood sugar levels, this is another area that you must understand well.

GlucoEnsure™
Natural remedy to help maintain normal insulin levels and blood sugar (glucose) ranges in dogs and cats
Click HERE for details

Holistic Cancer Treatment for Dogs

We all know that cancer is a fatal disease, and a permanent cure is not possible, especially in the case of cancer that metastasizes or spreads to other parts of the body. In that event, cancer becomes a multiple problem of the primary organ where it had originated as well as those it has affected after metastasis.

Article courtesy of Native Remedies
C-Caps Promotes immune system functioning and complete cellular health

Most of the cancers that metastasize ultimately lead to secondary liver cancer in dogs. As the liver is all-important for metabolism and filtering wastes from the body, it is one of those organs whose proper functioning is essential for life.

Benign tumors do not technically fall under the category of cancer and are easily removable, unless they lead to post-surgery complications. For example, some benign tumors can compress neighboring organs or lead to excessive bleeding as in the case of spleen cancer in dogs.

There is an obvious change of opinion among veterinarians with regards to cancer treatments, and many of them are recommending holistic treatment for managing cancer in pets. The three most important aspects of a holistic approach are nutritional and supplemental support, herbal medicine and elimination of potential causes of dog cancer.

Diet is the most essential component of health and healing of your dog. Instead of commercial foods that may contain carcinogenic preservatives, it is better to look for those that are prepared without incorporating inorganic substances like pesticides, herbicides, or hormones. Home-cooked organic food, however, is the best option. You may also consider supplemental support to the pet’s diet by adding therapeutic doses of antioxidants (vitamin A and C), zinc and selenium. A daily dose of Omega 3 fatty acids by simply pouring fish oil or flaxseed oil over the dog’s food will go a long way in improving the overall health of your dog. A healthy dog is more capable of fighting disease and managing symptoms associated with cancer.

Eliminating potential causes of cancer involves proper and complete scrutiny of your pet’s environment. You may have to change it in a manner to restrict his contact with air borne pollutants, herbicides and pesticides, and toxic household chemicals. Avoid plastic and stick to metal or ceramic food bowls. As much as possible, make sure that you give filtered water to your dog.

Herbs provide excellent organ and immune system support. There are herbs that are meant for improving specific organ functioning and general herbs that assist the body in self-healing. Homeopathic remedies are prepared from herbs as well as many other natural substances. Finding a homeopathic remedy that suits the totality of symptoms in your dog is challenging but should not be impossible.

C-Caps™
Natural antioxidant and immune system remedy for dogs and cats to boost immunity and flush toxins for complete cellular health
Click HERE for details

Follow me Bloglovin

Follow my blog with Bloglovin