To some people, the thought of a dog being diabetic sounds odd.
But, the truth is, canine diabetes is becoming quite a challenge.
In fact, a recent article in the American Veterinarian Journal claims:
What Is Canine Diabetes?
In Canine diabetes, the dog’s ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired.
As a result, the dog suffers abnormal carbohydrate metabolism.
Abnormal carb metabolism, in turn, causes elevated blood and urine glucose levels.
Diabetes develops when a dog’s glucose-insulin connection isn’t working right.
There are two forms of canine diabetes:
- Insulin-deficiency diabetes
- Insulin-resistance diabetes.
In addition, some female dogs develop insulin resistance while pregnant or in heat.
Even though chronic diabetes cannot be cured, it can be managed.
Symptoms Diabetic Dogs Suffer
Dogs suffering from diabetes often show a change in behavior.
In fact, very proactive pet parents notice the early signs of diabetes and visit the vet.
The most common early symptoms of canine diabetes are:
- Excessive thirst
- Increased appetite
- Increased urination
- Weight loss.
Signs of late-stage canine diabetes include:
- Appetite loss
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Vomiting.
Dangers of Canine Diabetes
Unfortunately, untreated diabetic dogs might suffer serious health implications.
Worst-case scenarios include:
- Cataracts
- Enlarged liver
- Urinary tract infections
- Seizures
- Kidney failure
- Ketoacidosis.
To test for diabetes, your veterinarian will check for excess glucose in the blood or urine.
Blood tests often show other clues to diabetes, such as:
- High liver enzymes
- Electrolyte imbalances.
The sooner diabetes is diagnosed and treated, the better your dog’s chances of a normal life.
Western Treatment for Diabetic Dogs
The standard Western treatment for diabetes in dogs includes:
- Diet
- Exercise
- Insulin injections
Dietary changes usually consist of switching to:
- Complex carbohydrates
- Fiber
- High-quality protein.
Therefore, some veterinarians recommend a low-fat diet.
In addition to dietary changes, diabetic dogs need regular exercise.
Keep your exercise routine moderate and consistent to prevent sudden glucose level changes.
Most vets recommend daily insulin shots to help keep glucose levels within a normal range.
However, some holistic vets find success using TCVM herbal remedies in lieu of insulin.
Jiang Tang Cha is one such herbal formula
Chinese Herbal Treatment for Diabetic Dogs
Jiang Tang Cha is a TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine) herbal blend.
Holistic veterinarians find it very helpful for dogs suffering from diabetes.
First, understand that TCVM philosophy differs from standard Western medical philosophy.
TCVM treats the animal as a whole, made up of synergistic parts.
Accordingly, Chinese herbs work differently than pharmaceuticals.
Chinese herbs treat underlying causes rather than symptoms.
Western medicine views symptoms as a method to diagnose disease.
TCVM theory, on the other hand, considers disease merely a symptom.
And, the real health issue is an imbalance in the body.
Jiang Tang Cha works on the underlying imbalances in the dog’s organ system.
The goal is to bring the dog’s organs back into balance.
Subsequently, being in balance supports the body’s natural healing ability.
Jiang Tang Cha helps diabetic dogs with TCVM challenges of:
- Fatigue
- Increased glucose levels
- Increased urination
- Kidney Qi and Yin Deficiency
- Loose stool
- Muscle atrophy
- San-Xiao or Xiao Ke Syndrome
- Thready and fast pulse
- Deep and week pulse
- Red and dry tongue
- Pale tongue.
How Jiang Tang Cha Helps Diabetic Dogs
Jiang Tang Cha gently brings your dog’s system back into energetic balance.
The herbs equalize underlying TCVM imbalances and patterns contributing to canine diabetes.
Jiang Tang Cha helps diabetic dogs come back into energetic balance by:
- Tonifying Qi
- Nourishing Yin
- Resolving thirst
- Clearing Heat.
Jiang Tang Cha is a blend of nine Chinese herbs.
As mentioned earlier, the herbs work synergistically together.
They bring your dog back into energetic balance, easing the symptoms of diabetes.
Ingredients:
- Bai Zhu to tonify Qi
- Bei Sha Shen to nourish Yin
- Cang Zhu to strengthen Spleen
- Huang Gi to tonify Qi
- Sang Paio Xiao to astringently consolidate
- Shan Yao to tonify Qi
- Wu Wei Zi to astringently consolidate
- Xuan Shen to clear Heat and nourish Yin
- Yu Zhu to nourish Yin.
In short, your dog has a good chance of overcoming diabetic challenges.
Simply complement veterinary care with TCVM herbs, proper diet, and moderate exercise.