The Roadmap to Success with Your Diabetic Dog: Pt. 2

Today we continue on the journey.  In Part 1, we discussed the fact that you probably have your injection technique down by now, if not, refer back to this blog entry (click on the highlighted text).  Also we talked about feeding every 12 hours BEFORE you inject.  If you aren’t happy with the food that you’re feeding or if your vet told you that you must feed a prescription food, please refer back to this post or this one (click on the highlighted text).  Next we covered home testing.  There are several entries on this topic so try this one to start (click on highlighted text).

Now let’s move on to journaling.  I covered journaling in this blog post (click highlighted text) in case you missed it.  Journaling is such a great tool as you can refer back pretty quickly for reference.  Since you are testing now, you will be able to see if your numbers got a bit wonky last month when you gave your heartworm meds instead of having a mini freak-out because you can’t remember what you had for lunch yesterday let alone what happened to numbers a month ago!  I used a journaling app daily, but my trusty notebook was never retired as it is just so convenient to flip back during season changes or other events that affect BG (Blood Glucose).  I even helped develop a journaling app and even though it tracked everything, it still wasn’t as easy to scroll back and reference.  What do you need for this?  I used a spiral notebook.  Some take the time to decorate their journal so that there is no mistaking who and what it’s for!  Love that!  So far our list is:  Insulin, syringes, a meter, test strips, lancets and a notebook.

The next “must do” along our journey is to test Ketones.  The good news is that there is no “technique” involved except for how to catch a urine sample.  I bought a cheap ladle and just nonchalantly put it under Max when he lifted his leg . If you have a little lady, you can just put a small, shallow bowl or even a plastic lid to something under her to catch a urine sample.  As long as it has a “lip” on it, and will hold enough urine to dip the strip, you’re in business!  No poking, prodding, just dip a urine strip and read it.  The previous post about this is located here (click highlighted text).  This is not just “something to think about” it is an absolute must if you are newly diagnosed and your pup is still running higher BG (Blood Glucose) numbers.  This little barrel of strips (less than $10.00) will save you THOUSANDS of dollars in vet visits or hospital stays.  PLEASE, get some ketone strips.  So, to recap… We need:  Insulin, Syringes, a diabetic friendly food, a meter, test strips, lancets, a notebook and ketone strips.  (Check your email for discount codes!)

We will continue on our roadmap in our next entry.  Stay tuned!!

You’ll notice that for most of the products, previous blog entries or groups that I mention, the text is linked to a website that you can purchase that item or a link to join the group mentioned.  Just click on the colored text (red or blue, depending what device you are on) and it should take you right to the item or group.  If you have any thoughts or ideas for topics that you’d like to see covered here, please feel free to comment below or send me an email at NancyForPetTest@pharmasupply.com.  As always, please “like” this blog post or any of the others that have helped you or just refreshed your memory.Look for new posts every Monday, Wednesday and Friday!