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December 2008 newsletter[Download as pdf»]
Managing Diabetes in Pets
Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by lack of insulin production by the pancreas. Glucose or blood sugar must interact with insulin to move from the bloodstream into body tissues where it is used as the body’s main source of growth, energy and repair. In the past decade, veterinary medicine has seen the same increase in diabetes as human medicine. Diabetes affects one in 100 cats – approximately 800,000 cats in the U.S. - and one in 500 dogs. Pet obesity often leads to diabetes and results from indoor confinement, especially in the city, decreased physical activity, and feeding high carbohydrate foods.
Managing Diabetes At Home
Long-term success with diabetes in a pet depends on the pet owners’ thorough and complete understanding of the disease and its manifestations. Many factors beyond a veterinarian’s control can affect the animal’s blood glucose level, such as changes in activity, stress, and diet. Do not be discouraged; insulin requirements differ for each animal, and it may take time to find the correct dosage. In cats this is often a demanding task as their responses can be transient and deceptive. Listed below are a combination of factors that must be carried out at home to assist in the control of the disease.
- Weight Loss and Diet Change
- Exercise
- Insulin
- Glucose Level
Winter Care for Pets
For pets that spend most or all of their time indoors, winter months can be particularly challenging. Extra attention to a few details will help keep our furry friends comfortable and happy.
Closed windows and switched-on heaters result in lowered humidity that can lead to dry and itchy skin or stand up static hair in your pet, similar to the way that it does with humans.
To help combat these winter ailments:- Brush your pet more frequently to encourage natural body oils to emerge
- Placing a pan of water atop a radiator can help raise humidity.
- Add a small amount of Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil as a food supplement to enhance healthy skin.
If these suggestions do not help, and your pet is still experiencing discomfort, please consult your veterinarian as other problems such as allergies or psoriasis may exist.
Extra Care for Dogs
- Less time outside may mean more frequent nail clipping.
- Chemicals and salt tossed on streets and sidewalks to melt ice can cause dry, cracked, and painful footpads. Wipe dog's feet with a warm wet cloth when returning from a walkto avoid painful feet and the ingestion of harmful chemicals. Rubbing Bag Balm into a pet’s feet helps cracked foot pads.
- Some dogs tolerate booties for their walks. These help reduce exposure to salt and chemicals.
- Short haired and small to medium sized dogs generally enjoy a warm snuggly coat or sweater for their daily outings.
Fair Isle Sweaters for Small and Medium-Sized Dogs
A friend of Animal General is pleased to offer Fair Isle Sweaters for sale.
Handsome sweaters in the Fair Isle tradition. Yarns include Shetland, US Shetland (Harrisville), mohair and wool, and sock yarn (wool with less than 50% nylon). A wide selection available in bright or more traditional colors. Customize your colors (each sweater uses 6-8 colors), or pick from already made sweaters.
Allow two to three weeks for completion.
Perfect for small dogs such as:
Shih Tzu, Brussels Griffon,
Boston Terriers, Pugs, etc.
Price: $75.00 per sweater plus shipping and handling.
To purchase » e-mail: Martha Solomon
To ensure a good fit, have measurements ready for:- Underarm to underarm on front legs.
- Chest measurement around the breast at the underarm.
- Length from collar to tail.
