Prevent Dog Diabetes In 3 Simple Steps

Canine diabetes is an increasingly common disease that can cause multiple health problems in your pet. Avoid it and your dog can live a long and healthy life. The good news is that it is fairly easy to prevent by following some simple steps.

1. Cut down on the carbohydrates in your dog's diet. This is probably the most important thing you can do, but it can also be one of the most difficult. That is because some dog foods sold in stores contain as much as 98% carbohydrates. Get your dog on a good diet and you will have taken a big step toward avoiding canine diabetes.

Certain dog breeds are genetically predispositioned to becoming diabetic. For these breeds in particular, it is especially crucial to follow a lower carb diet. Be sure to check information on your breed of dog to see if they are more likely to develop diabetes.

For example, one breed that is more susceptible is the golden retriever, one of the most popular breeds in the United States. The problem is many owners either don't know this or don't do what is needed to give their golden retriever the best chance of avoiding diabetes.

2. Seek out the nearest holistic veterinarian in your area. Ask the vet about natural supplementation for the immune system. Many dog owners miss this very important diabetes prevention step. Supplementing with organic products such as antioxidants and herbs for the immune system can make a huge impact on preventing diabetes, especially for the dog breed types which are genetically at risk for this disease.

Along the same lines as natural prevention, it is important to keep your dog from being over-vaccinated. This can cause toxins to build up in the animal's system which can trigger diabetes.

For example, some think that the use of flea and tick insecticides can insult your dog's immune system and cause diabetes or other health conditions in your dog. If you do need to use them, be sure to try natural methods first, and if you need insecticides, don't use more than the directions, or your veterinarian tell you to use.

3. Exercise! It is sad to see so many dogs out there who develop diabetes that should never have in the first place had they been active and not become overweight. This of course is the direct responsibility of you, the dog owner. If your dog is inactive and gains weight, he can develop diabetes even if he is not a breed that is genetically at risk.

You should walk at least 20 minutes two or three times per day with your dog. Look at it as another stimulus to keep yourself in shape. Now you have an always ready workout partner! And you can keep your workouts interesting by alternating walking with running or swimming.

These 3 steps are not difficult. Most of them just become habits, like any other lifestyle choices. These choices will give your dog the best chance to avoid not only diabetes, but many other chronic diseases. And the exercise will be good for you too.