Pet Articles

Diabetes – Three Ways To Prevent Your Dog From Getting Diabetes

There are basically three ways to help prevent your dog from getting diabetes. This disease is one that you want to avoid in your dog, in order that he lives as long and healthy a life as possible. Plus, although rare, there are dogs whose diabetes goes into remission just by making sure their diet, supplements, and exercise are all in good shape.

1. Reduce the carbohydrates. Most dog foods sold in pet shops contain ingredients with up to 98% carbohydrate content. Reducing the amount of carbs in your dog's daily meals to a  moderate carbohydrate level goes a long way towards diabetes prevention.
   
   Diet is especially important for dogs that are genetically at risk for diabetes. It's crucial to learn as much as you can about your dog breed and make sure that he is getting the right nutrients so that the gene which can store diabetes won't be triggered.
   
   Labradors for example are among the most popular dogs in the UK. Unfortunately, many of these labradors get diabetes because their owners did not do enough research on their breed type in order to get their diet correct from puppyhood. My own lab is on an obesity diet at the moment and she is only four!
2. Seek out your nearest holistic vet. Ask the vet about natural supplements for the immune system. Many dog owners miss this very important diabetes prevention step. Supplementing his diet with organic products such as antioxidants and herbs to boost the immune system can have a huge impact on preventing diabetes, especially for the dog breed types which are genetically at risk.
   
   When looking at natural prevention, it's important to avoid your dog being over-vaccinated. This can cause toxins to build up in the animal's system which can trigger diabetes.
   
   Flea medications and tick insecticides can also trigger diabetes because of the toxicity produced in the animal's body. By keeping your dog free of these chemicals and toxins you are helping his immune system stay healthy.
3. Exercise! Unfortunately many dogs develop diabetes because of lack of activity and because they are overweight.  This, of course, is the direct responsibility of the dog owner. An inactive dog that is overweight can develop diabetes even if it is not a breed that is genetically at risk.
   
   It doesn't take much.  Twenty minutes of brisk walking twice or three times a day is all your dog needs for optimum health and to keep him in good shape. If you can go jogging with your dog then that's even better. And taking your dogs for a swim is also great exercise.