Life with a Diabetic Dog

I never imagined that I would be writing blogs about canine diabetes and I certainly never imagined running a Facebook group for diabetic dogs or having an online course to help others learn how to successfully manage canine diabetes. But after Lucy was diagnosed with diabetes and acute pancreatitis my goal became for her to live her best life, pain free and healthy.

I was shocked when her vet said, “Lucy has acute pancreatitis and diabetes. She is very sick and needs treatment immediately. She will need insulin injections for the rest of her life.” This was a brand-new vet; he didn’t know me and I didn't know him. He wanted to treat her at the hospital for acute pancreatitis but I insisted on learning and treating her at home, not because I doubted my vet but because I feared she would pass at the hospital. Of course he was not happy with our decision to treat her at home and I was scared to death. He did agree to treatment at home and I got a crash course on medications, low-fat food, subcutaneous fluids and insulin injections. Honestly at this point I was on autopilot and did exactly what the vet told me to do. I did not question much because I did not know anything about diabetes, I do have experience with a family member who has chronic pancreatitis so I understood what had to be done. Thankfully Lucy healed quickly from pancreatitis, the vet was surprised at how well she was doing just three days later for our follow up appointment.

After she healed from pancreatitis it was time to concentrate on canine diabetes and while the vet tech told me we needed to buy a blood glucose meter and test at home, curves were run at the vet’s office. After the first curve insulin was increased to twice per day injections. When I paid the bill I was blown away at the cost and it quickly became apparent that diabetes was expensive. I spoke with my vet about running curves at home and he agreed with me, I ran curves and emailed results. He called me with advice and increases. This saved us about $200 per week.

I am frugal and couldn’t imagine spending so much money monthly on canine diabetes, it just was not feasible. Vetsulin, U40 syringes, prescription food and then vet costs…it all adds up quickly. After months of curves and prescription food, Lucy was not thriving and was losing weight. Her curves were never consistent and the food was too high in fiber for her. So I switched insulin to Novolin N and changed her diet to a combination of Wellness Core Reduced Fat dry food and homemade food. Blood glucose levels were consistent and she started to gain weight and I finally got her to ideal weight. This all took seven months and the changes I made saved us money as well. BONUS!

Before diagnosis the dogs were free fed, I did not set an alarm to wake up in the morning and going out at night was no big deal. After diagnosis the dogs were put on a 12-hour feeding schedule, alarms were set throughout the day and going out at night was a bit more difficult. Our schedule was 7 AM and PM so any evening plans were timed to after feeding and injecting. None of this bothered me but it could be a bit inconvenient and luckily our neighbors watch pets and know how to give insulin. If I had plans they would come over; test, feed and inject.

Vacations became a bit trickier; I had to prep and pack for all things canine diabetes. On our first camping trip I was stressed because this was all new territory to me. I raised three healthy kids and never had to worry about medical conditions when traveling. I got through the first trip successfully and so did Lucy…she was fine and I was nervous for nothing. Did I over pack? Yes! But I was prepped for anything and that was comforting to me.

The changes made in life with a diabetic dog were easy once I got into the routine and understood more about diabetes and nutrition. Testing blood glucose levels became second nature, Lucy knew that food came after testing so she just sat or laid next to me when it was testing time. She learned that there was a quick injection after food was eaten. She got healthy treats. She played and chased squirrels. She hung out with everyone during barbecues. She traveled.

So, is life with a diabetic dog bad? Is it sad? No it certainly is not, because of Lucy’s diagnosis I gained this bond with her that was incredible and indescribable, Frank and Bella became healthier because of it, and now Hannah is healthier because of Lucy. I learned about nutrition and supplements, other illnesses and diseases, how to look for quality products that aren’t made for dogs but they may need. Because of life with a diabetic dog I learned so much, gained lifelong friendships, get to support others with diabetic dogs and I can definitely say that all our dogs are healthier because of diabetes.

I hope your takeaway from this blog is this: a normal life with a diabetic dog is possible!

Diabetes is not a death sentence, it is very manageable, it does not have to be expensive, life is altered a bit but once you have a schedule it is not hard, you can do the things you did before diagnosis with some changes, life should not stop because of diabetes, you will gain an incredible bond with your dog and your diabetic dog can live a normal, healthy and happy life!

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please start a conversation below.

For a printable version of this blog click  here.

Until next week stay comfy, don’t stress and you got this!

Michelle Miller-Matlock

AAHA Certified Diabetes Educator

Founder/Administrator of DDO: Diabetic Dog Owners University

Administrator of Diabetic Dog Owners on Facebook

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