I don’t feed Bender table scraps or any sort of people food. He doesn’t get my pizza crust or the fat from my steak. If I do feed him any thing I’m sharing my apple or some other fruit with him, which is almost daily. Because of this he doesn’t beg and in general ignores all people food to the point where he won’t snatch it off a poorly guarded plate. But outside of my home it is much harder to keep him from eating people food. And its even hard to keep people from feeding him.
During the summer we went to a party and took our dogs because it was a friend’s house and dogs are welcome. All of my friend’s know that Bender is Diabetic. Don’t feed him any thing. Any new people I meet I always let them know to not feed Bender. They abide and are usually more perplexed that Bender is diabetic because they didn’t think dogs could have diabetes.
As the night wore on a new group of people showed up. As more and more people showed up and more and more dogs, I noticed that more dogs were getting fed people food. Bender trying to take full advantage of the situation tried to snake some food from some one’s plate because they weren’t being careful to guard their plate very well. I know what you are thinking, why am I not watching Bender. Oh, but I am. But like any dog, it only take a second for him to grab some food and even less than that to swallow it. And since he knows he isn’t allowed to eat people food, he is even faster.
So I just finished scolding Bender for trying to snatch food from some one’s plate, then explained to the group of people why Bender can’t have people food. All their plates moved a little higher, away from the reach of the dogs. All was good and Bender’s blood sugar was saved for another day.
Until a few minutes later I turn around to keep an eye on Bender since he walked behind me. He walked right up to a lady who I just told not to feed Bender. She reached out to pet Bender. There was a plate on her lap with two big sugar cookies on it. I see her other hand move the plate not away from Bender but toward him. The distinct and unforgettable (and unforgivable) offering motion. Gone, was one cookie. I reached him as he grabbed for the second. I pulled the cookie from his mouth and dropped it back on her plate.
I told the lady (not so nicely) that Bender isn’t allowed to have people food and to not feed my dog since he is diabetic. I just got done asking you not to feed him. Plus a dog shouldn’t have a cookie to begin with let alone a diabetic dog! Her response “Oh, he’ll be fine. I’m diabetic too.” I had a few choice words for her. None of which were nice.
Luckily Bender was still running around having fun, burning off energy. When I checked his sugar later on when we got home he was close to normal.
The worst part is most offenders of dog feeders are adults. The ones that should know better. The ones that can understand what diabetes is. The ones that have control of their actions. Shockingly the ones who are the best about Bender’s condition are the kids.
When ever we hangout with my wife’s family there are always a ton of kids around. Food gets left every where and the dog’s have a field day. Unacceptable when it comes to Bender. But Bender rarely gets any food from any of them. They always clean up their plates and keep their food out of Bender’s reach. For one simple reason. We tell the kids that if they feed Bender that he could die. Stretch of the truth but it works. It works so well that the kids will even scold the adults who are being lazy and might let Bender get a bit of food. They will move plates, report any offenders, and in general keep an eye on Bender. The kids feel important by keeping the dog safe and Bender’s sugar levels are kept in check.
When it comes down to it. I honestly don’t mind if Bender gets a bite of people food here or there. But the problem is I can’t and don’t know who all has given him food. What happens if ten people all give him a bit of food but I only see two people do it? I think he might be doing Ok, but his sugar is spiking before I know it. So its better for Bender’s health that he doesn’t get any people food at all from any one.
This doesn’t just apply to my dog. I have a friend who’s dog isn’t allow to have people food either. It will cause him to have massive diarrhea. He isn’t allowed to come over to the parent’s house because the dad will sneak him table scraps. Then later that night… POOP… EVERY WHERE! Even after countless talks, the sneaking of table scraps continues so now the dog stays at home.
So the next time you feel like feeding a dog. Think twice. Ask first if it is OK.
Totally agree with this – people should really think twice before feeding someone else’s dog!
I’m new to all this diabetes info. What happens if my dog accidentally gets into the trash and eats food, or steals a significant amount of table food. He is so sly. Do I give him a dose of insulin?
Kid,
It all depends on what and how much your dog eats. When in doubt, do a glucose test.
For Bender, he is about 50lbs. If he got, lets say a piece of bread, that wouldn’t do much to his sugar. But a whole sandwich, yeah. I would test several times over the next few hours and see where his sugar is at. Probably wouldn’t give him a full shot, maybe half. It just all depends on where his sugar level is at. It’s hard to say.
-Jeff
We don’t feed our Chihuahuas anything that isn’t for animals. No people food. They get 2 meals a day of dry dog food. Dry because it is better for their teeth.
We were told it would be OK to give them a baby carrot *raw* or a fresh green bean *raw* as a treat, but we are more likely to give them a 3 calorie dog treat if we give them anything. We don’t want them to smell carrots and think they are for them!
our 7yr yorkie just found out he is diebetic and is still hungry what do I do give him more food or let him be hungry
I live with and take care of my elderly Dad. I’ve told him repeatedly not to feed Lucy ANYTHING. I’ve seriously gotten angry because he disregards it or poo poos it. I’ve tried explaining that it’s dangerous because of her diabetes. He’s making it damn near impossible to get her diabetes regulated. She’s not eating her food when it’s feeding time and I know it’s because he’s been slipping her snacks all day! I’m about at the end of my rope….so if you figure out some way to drive the point home once and for all, let me know!!
Steph,
I know several people like that who just ignore my request to not feed my dog. In the end I have to keep Bender away from them at all times. But I doubt that will work for you.
Your dog might not be eating because of the diabetes. If you read through the comments on this blog you will notice a lot of people saying how their dog just won’t eat.
You might have to also go to some extremes like show what happens to your dog’s blood sugar when she is fed snacks. Or having the Vet tell him point blank that unregulated glucose levels/ high levels will cause kidney and other issues, basically killing your dog. Extreme levels will put your dog in a coma. Maybe you have to go as far as locking up the food so your Dad doesn’t have access to it to be able to feed your dog. So you have to supervise his eating. He might get the hint that way. Not nice I know but some people don’t learn.
Best of Luck.
-Jeff
My dog (choc. Lab) has been diagnosed with diabetes and is on Hills Rx food dry and can He has a good appetite and is fed 2x a day 3 heaping cups of dry and 3/4 of the large can of w/d digestive glucose/weight management food
He has insulin once a day in the morning He’s 11 years old and is doing rather well but he’s not putting on any weight..His ribs protrude and I’d like him to weigh at least 7 pounds more. This weight management food is not putting any weight on him. What can I add to that diet???
My dog (choc. Lab) has been diagnosed with diabetes and is on Hills Rx food dry and can He has a good appetite and is fed 2x a day 3 heaping cups of dry and 3/4 of the large can of w/d digestive glucose/weight management food
He has insulin once a day in the morning He’s 11 years old and is doing rather well but he’s not putting on any weight..His ribs protrude and I’d like him to weigh at least 7 pounds more. This weight management food is not putting any weight on him. What can I add to that diet???
JB,
Your dog should be getting insulin after every meal to help control glucose levels.
Weight management food is designed to help your dog lose/keep the weight off.
I would look into a different food.
-Jeff
That’s a lot of food to only be getting one injection per day. I’d suggest a different Vet. My little guy eats 1/2 can am & half can pm with insulin after each meal. Good luck. It’s all a learning curve.