Your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes, so now it’s time to learn how to care for your diabetic pet. Although diabetes can’t be cured, the disease can be successfully managed with daily insulin injections and changes in diet and lifestyle. And successful diabetes management means your dog can lead a happy, healthy, active life.

Controlling canine diabetes often requires daily insulin injections to restore your diabetic dog’s insulin level and manage blood glucose levels. Depending on your dog’s needs, your veterinarian may suggest an insulin product specifically for dogs or a human insulin product. Each diabetic dog’s insulin requirement is different, so you will need to work with your veterinarian to find the correct dose for your pet. It may even be necessary for your dog to stay at the veterinary clinic for a few days so your veterinarian can closely monitor his or her insulin needs.

You will need to learn how to administer your pet’s insulin. At first you may be nervous or even afraid to give your dog an injection. You’re not alone. Many pet owners are anxious about giving injections, but it’s easier than you think and you’ll quickly learn how to handle daily injections with little stress for your pet or for you.

Monitoring your dog’s blood glucose level is an important part of diabetes management. Because each diabetic pet is different, your veterinarian will need to help you determine which monitoring device — such as urine strips or blood glucose meters — will work best for you and your dog.

Diet plays a vital role in helping to keep your dog’s diabetes regulated. Ideally, your dog should be fed exactly the same diet every day and at the same time(s) of day.

A diabetic dog’s diet includes complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber to help slow absorption of glucose from the digestive system. It also usually has a low fat content.

Overall, a palatable and nutritious diet that minimizes fluctuations in blood glucose and helps your dog maintain a healthy weight is important for managing diabetes. Your veterinarian can recommend a diet that’s best suited to the needs of your dog.

Exercise helps keep pets active, healthy and happy. But for diabetic dogs, exercise needs to be regulated because activity affects your dog’s blood glucose levels. It’s best to create a consistent exercise routine for your diabetic dog to ensure he or she isn’t getting too little or too much exercise.

If you’re concerned about the amount of exercise your diabetic dog needs, ask your veterinarian.

Regular veterinary checkups help identify changes in your pet’s condition. Diabetes can affect a dog differently over time, even after a long period of stability. While you may feel confident in your ability to care for your diabetic dog, visiting your veterinarian regularly will help you to successfully manage the disease over time.