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Resolve to help animals in the New Year
As 2018 draws to a close, many of us have begun to consider what we can do to make the New Year better for ourselves, for others, and for the world.
So it won’t surprise you that here at Animals Today, we are asking, what can I do in the coming year to help animals and to elevate my animal advocacy?
Peter and Lori offer a variety of suggestions to spark your thinking about this, including ways to help companion animals, moving to plant-based diets, staying informed on issues important to you, and many others.
Diabetes in dogs
Then, Lori speaks with Dr. Doug Kunz, Medical Director at VCA Desert Animal Hospital in Palm Springs, California about diabetes in dogs. Correctly diagnosed and properly managed, diabetic dogs can enjoy happy, full lifespans.
Diabetes in dogs and cats can occur at any age. However, diabetic dogs are usually 4-14 years of age and most are diagnosed at roughly 7-10 years of age. Most diabetic cats are older than 6 years of age. Diabetes occurs in female dogs twice as often as male dogs. Certain breeds of dogs may be predisposed to diabetes.
According to the AVMA…
Obesity is a significant risk factor for development of diabetes. As dogs and cats age, they may also develop other diseases that can result in diabetes or could significantly affect their response to treatment for diabetes, including overactivity of the adrenal gland in dogs (hyperadrenocorticsm) or overactivity of the thyroid gland in cats (hyperthyroidism), pancreatitis, heart disease, kidney disease, urinary tract infections and skin infections. The long-term use of medications containing corticosteroids is also a risk factor for diabetes.
Treatment of diabetes in dogs usually involves providing a special diet, maintaining consistent levels of exercise, and giving injections of insulin.
Reindeer games
The show wraps up with some popular songs about animals, interesting reindeer facts and our holiday reminder that pets should not be gifts!
Reindeer. Wikipedia image.
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