Dog Diabetes advice please!

[dessert57]

Greetings, our 11y/o Bichon was just diagnosed...we can't really cope with the twice a day insulin etc...for work reasons, so we're looking at Natural remedies/ homeopathy and so on...any advice? Can this work???
His reading was 27 (blood sugar level) whatever that means, I guess it's high, as the Vet told us...thanks in advance!

[We Hope]

Re: Dog Diabetes advice please!

http://www.bddiabetes.com/us/main.aspx?cat=1&id=389

"NOTE: There is no diet or vitamin supplement that can reduce your dog's dependence on insulin injections. This is because vitamins and minerals cannot do what insulin does in the dog's body. If you believe that your dog needs a vitamin or mineral supplement, discuss it with your veterinarian first to make sure that the supplement does not interfere with the action of the dog's other medications. You will still need to give your dog insulin injections twice a day."

http://www.bddiabetes.com/us/main.aspx?cat=1&id=404

"Q: Are there alternatives to insulin injections?
"A: Not yet, but researchers are working on new therapies.

"Q: Are there any vitamin or mineral supplements that will reduce my dog's dependence on insulin?
"A: No. Dogs generally have type 1 diabetes. Their pancreas produces no insulin at all, so they need insulin injections in order to survive. Vitamins and minerals cannot replace the action of insulin. If you give your dog vitamin supplements, you still need to give it insulin injections."

Type 1 diabetes, whether it's people or any other living creature, means that the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas no longer produce insulin, or do not produce it in enough quantity to properly supply the body.

These beta cells are not capable of being induced to produce insulin by medications, such as the oral ones many type 2 diabetics are able to use, nor by any other type of remedy except insulin shots.

Insulin is necessary because it is the only way to replace the insulin which the pancreas isn't producing. There's no other way to give insulin except by shots; the pharmaceutical companies have spent tons of money trying to find alternatives to insulin shots. Their last venture was inhaled insulin which had to be withdrawn from the market due to a high incidence of lung cancer connected with the product.

There are plenty of quack products being sold on the internet for both people and pets which claim to cure or control diabetes without the need for insulin, but all these people are doing is telling you lies to get your money. If they really had something there, they wouldn't need to market it as they do--a pharmaceutical company would be eager to pay for their "secret", as their profits would be gigantic from a true non-insulin diabetes medication for insulin-dependent diabetes.

http://petdiabetes.wikia.com/wiki/Al...ation_warnings

None of us want to or wanted to give our pets shots--but we do and did it because it is the only way to manage their disease. If there was another way except giving shots, all those with diabetes--both people and pets--would be using that, and the pharmaceutical and medical device industries wouldn't need to be coming up with new insulins and things like new insulin pumps, etc.

Many people with pets who have diabetes work full time--the shots are usually given every 12 hours.

Kathy

[Ricksma]

Re: Dog Diabetes advice please!

I know that the thought of giving your friend injections twice a day can seem overwhelming, but, honestly, once you get into the routine, it is no big deal. Ricky is my second diabetic pet, and though I am home with him now, that has not always been the case. With Butchie, I always worked, and he was diabetic for 10 years....sometimes he got three shots a day. Please don't give up and say you can't cope....try, and you will see it is not as difficult as it may seem to be right now. I know you love your dog, and the only way to help him is to truly be his caregiver....you can do it.

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky

[BestBuddy]

Re: Dog Diabetes advice please!

I wasn't going to reply because I didn't want to sound harsh but the answer to your question is NO.

I do understand that it is so overwhelming at the moment but you really need to try to work out how you can manage it. Two injections 12 hours apart can usually be manged, I did 5.30 am and pm because it worked into my schedule.

I was up early anyway before work and was home in time for the evening duties and could still go out for dinner if I wanted. Others do 10 and 10 because it works for them.

I really hope you can work this out because your dog needs it.

Jenny

[rhodesian46]

Re: Dog Diabetes advice please!

HI Dessert 57,
PLease don't waste your money on holistic meds or anything but insulin.My Pebbles was on Relion Novolin N. A human insulin.gotten at Wal Mart. Others use Vetsulin ( only gotten from the vets office and more expensive) Real reasonable. Our schedule for injections was 5:30 am and 5 pm. Others go around their work schedule It can be done I promise Pretty soon it becomes a habit It is definitely a commitment but worth it as we all want what is best for our doggies. We can help you home test,answer your questions and even calm you down when you freak as I did many times Are you seeing a holistic vet now or is he/she a regular vet? PLease give us some more details And please ask ask ask as many questions as you need to. We are here for you!!!!

[Fishslayer]

Re: Dog Diabetes advice please!

Anything but insulin is a scam.

And yes, you can do it. I am learning right now. It's not that hard with the kind of support group and information source you have found here. They are walking me through every step of the way.

Rick

[eyelostit]

Re: Dog Diabetes advice please!

Diabetes is not a death sentence, all our dogs must have insulin, it does take some understanding and effort on the owners part.

It all seems very hard at first but once you get the hang of it, all will be ok.

If you would decide you cannot cope with this and some owners cannot, their are organizations and lots of people who will adopt your diabetic pet.

Save your money on the holistic's, its insulin you need.

[Debbie & Apollo]

Re: Dog Diabetes advice please!

Hi and welcome -

Most all of us were nervous about HOW we were going to manage.... somedays are tough - it is another worry and another schedule to keep...

but after the first few weeks -- well it's not a problem anymore -- there are a few days we have to adjust... but ... it works --

you'll get there --- just look into your furbabies eyes -- and if you need anything drop a line -- the forum will cheer you along !!

Debbie and Apollo

[birdk]

Re: Dog Diabetes advice please!

Listen, I know how you feel but we all have to do the best we can. Some of us can not be perfect and things still work out fine. Believe me in no time it will be easier and just part of you daily life. Just hang in there for a while. I have never known anything but insulin to control diabetes in dogs.