Manage YourPet’s Diabetes With These Helpful Hints (NAPSA)—Manypeople don’t know that the diabetes epidemic in the United States isn’t just striking humans—it affects pets, too. Diabetes can lead to health complications like recurrent infections, nerve damage and cataracts, says Dr. Debbie Olbrich, a veterinarian for Abbott Animal Health. “If your cat or dog displays signs of diabetes like excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased appetite despite weight loss, or weakness or fatigue, see your veterinarian as soon as pos- sible,” says Dr. Olbrich. “By actively partnering with your veterinarian and providinga little extra attention at home, your pet’s diabetes can be managed.” Sometips for caring for a diabetic animal that Dr. Olbrich recommendsinclude: *Provide a Healthy Diet. Just like in humans, diabetic cats and dogs have special dietary needs to help maintain their blood sugar levels and control their weight. Special diets to help manage your pet’s diabetes are highly recommended and an integral part of managing diabetes. These diets may decrease the amount of insulin your pet needsto be given, and they can help maintain more normal blood glucose levels. Talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s dietary needs. *Get Your Pet Plenty of Exercise. For diabetic pets, physical activity is especially important because it can help control weight and manage glucoselevels. It’s important to include exercise in your pet’s daily routine. Your pet’s age, overall health and fitness level will determine what types of exercise are best. Make Sure Your Pet Gets Proper Medication. There are several types of injectable insulins available to treat diabetes in cats and dogs. Your veterinarian will prescribe the most appropriate insulin for your pet. Insulin is a Diabetic pets, like humans, benefit from blood glucose monitoring. generally given twice daily, and pets tolerate the injections well. *Monitor Your Pet’s Blood Glucose Levels. Diabetic pets, like humans, also benefit from blood glucose monitoring. The American Animal Hospital Association recommends monitoring blood glucose levels at home. Handheld monitors, such as Abbott’s AlphaTRAK Blood Glu- cose Monitoring System, are specifically designed for cats and dogs, simple to use and provide up to 25 percent more accurate read- ings than human meters. By monitoring your pet’s blood glucose levels, you can help your veterinarian assess your pet’s treatment and provide them with important information they can use to recom- mend adjustments to diet, exercise regimensor medications. Additionally, cats may get stress hyperglycemia, which is another reason monitoring blood glucose levels at home can beso beneficial. “Diabetes in cats and dogs can be managed,” says Dr. Olbrich. “If diagnosed and treated early, a small population of cats may go into remission. Regardless of what kind of pet you have, working with your veterinarian can provide your diabetic pet the best possible care.” For more information on diabetes in cats and dogs or to learn more about Abbott Animal Health’s AlphaTRAK meter, visit AbbottAnimalHealth.com or AlphaTRAKmeter.com.
