CAREGIVER CHECK-IN
The holiday season, time change, winter, and 2020. Add to that list a newly diagnosed diabetic dog, problems with regulation, additional health issues, and life can be pretty stressful.
When Lucy was first diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and diabetes I was so worried that she would not survive pancreatitis that I did not even concern myself with canine diabetes. I have a family member that suffered from chronic pancreatitis so I know how painful and serious it is.
Thankfully we got through pancreatitis without additional problems. Once Lu was cleared from pancreatitis I read up a bit about canine diabetes but there was not a lot of information or I got multiple answers to my question. It was all very confusing but I needed to learn about DM (diabetes mellitus) so I researched absolutely everything I could find on the subject. I swear I read until my eyes burned and I read until I understood it, which sometimes took quite a while. The first seven months after diagnosis I walked around in a fog, did not sleep well, and was worried constantly about Lucy. I did not ask for help and did not relay exactly how I felt about this perplexing disease and the stress that I felt. I mean, after all, I am the caregiver, right? “I am the mama, I don’t need help!”
WRONG! We need to ask for help, cry if we need to, be a bit angry at this disease, throw a little pity party for ourselves. It is absolutely okay to feel like this; validation is important, and it is just as important to recognize the negative along with all the good. Allow yourself to feel these things then pick yourself up. Here are some tips that I have learned over the years through this journey, I try to practice them and suggest to others all the time.
Remember to take time out for yourself. As caregivers, it’s easy to put our needs on the back burner. Remember that you are good for nobody if you aren’t 100%.
Pace yourself when learning about canine diabetes, it’s a lot to take in and can be overwhelming.
Join a support group! You may be hit with a lot of questions and info early on in forums and Facebook groups, so make sure you let the group know you are stressed out; there is nothing wrong with making this statement, many of us have been in your shoes.
Your diabetic pup can live a normal and healthy life, so go for walks, play with your dog, give healthy no carb treats, go on those trips!
Remember, life does not stop due to diabetes, it’s just a lifestyle change.
I was reminded by a friend recently that diabetes is a lifestyle change. This is very true and that statement got me thinking about just how much of a change it is. Pre-diagnosis I could go out at night and not worry so much about feeding early or late, and I did not have to find someone to take care of my dog mom duties. Sleeping in had no consequences (other than slightly irritated pups). I could buy whatever dog treats I wanted without concern about fat or carb content. After Lucy was diagnosed with pancreatitis and diabetes that all changed. Some of the changes were a bit harder than others, but looking back at this DM journey, we gained so much from it. Lucy and I had an inseparable bond and were inexplicably close, I learned a lot about canine diabetes and nutrition, and my other two dogs have had a much healthier lifestyle, I have been able to share with others what I have learned, and have gained lifelong friends. You can do this, just remember to take care of yourself, and remember to reach out to others! You have lifelines!
If you are looking for a community to join for support, Diabetic Dog Owners and Canine Diabetes Support and Information can be found on Facebook as well.
For more conversations, photos, and giveaways check out PetTest on Facebook and Instagram.