DIABETIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR DOGS
Administering Insulin:
Administer your pet's insulin at the same time every day. Insulin should be stored in an upright position in the refrigerator. Do not freeze and protect it from light. Insulin should be gently mixed by slowly rotating and inverting the vial several times or by rolling the vial between the palms of the hands before withdrawal of each dose. Vigorous shaking should be avoided.
Feeding Your Pet:
Your dog must be fed two times a day. Always feed your pet before administering Insulin. If your dog is not eating, DO NOT TREAT WITH INSULIN. If your pet has a reduced appetite and eats only half of its meal, reduce daily dose of insulin by half. If the situation lasts more than two days contact us at 704-823-6421. Feed your pet at the same time every day. Your dog's diet should be consistent and appropriate. A nutritionally complete, dry or canned food should be fed in consistent amounts at the same time daily. Give enough food to maintain your dog's weight. Extra treats and table food should be avoided, unless appropriate for diabetic patients. This requires cooperation from family and friends as well. Food should be rationed half in the morning prior to the am injection, and the other half of food given in the evening before the pm injection.
Exercise:
It is extremely important for your pet to exercise. The usual amount of exercise your pet is accustomed to should remain relatively unchanged. Avoid heavy or prolonged periods of exercise.
Monitoring Your Pet:
It is important that you learn to monitor your pet . Measure your dog's water and food intake daily.
Reevaluation of Your Pet:
Your pet will need to be reevaluated. Please schedule an appointment.
Please call Lineberger Veterinary Hospital at 704-823-6421 if you have any questions.
DIABETIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR CATS
Administering Insulin:
Administer your pet's insulin at the same time every day. Insulin should be stored in an upright position in the refrigerator. Do not freeze and protect it from light. Insulin should be gently mixed by slowly rotating and inverting the vial several times or by rolling the vial between the palms of the hands before withdrawal of each dose. Vigorous shaking should be avoided.
Feeding Your Pet:
Feed your pet either twice a day just before administering Insulin OR allow your cat to graze on food freely throughout the day. (Twice daily feedings is the best choice for a diabetic patient.) Canned food is preferred over dry food because it tends to contain fewer carbohydrates. A high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet is ideal for diabetic cats. Help your pet achieve and maintain its ideal weight. If your cat is overweight, help it lose weight gradually. If your cat is underweight, initially you will need to feed it a high-calorie diet until it reaches its optimal weight. Treats and table scraps should be avoided unless appropriate for diabetic patients.
Exercise:
It is important for your pet to exercise. The usual amount of exercise your pet is used to should remain relatively unchanged. Avoid heavy or prolonged periods of exercise.
Monitor Your Pet:
It is important that you learn to monitor your pet . Measure your pet's water and food intake daily.
Reevaluation of Your Pet:
Your pet will need to be reevaluated. Please schedule an appointment.
Please call Lineberger Veterinary Hospital at 704-823-6421 if you have any questions.