Pet Supplies

Urban sprawl, land scarcity and high-density living around transport and retail centres have changed our urban landscape forever. These elements, combined with an influx of cashed up baby boomers who are up-shifting’ from the family home, are putting pressure on property developers and body corporate managers to cater for pets.

“The great cities of the world have pet friendly apartments, namely Paris, New York and London,” says David Pradella, joint director of construction and property development company Pradella.

“These high-density cities have no choice but to build upwards. Brisbane is heading down the same path and pets need to be factored into the development equation.”

David is a self-confessed animal lover whose personal passion is evident throughout his landmark Parklands developments overlooking Brisbane’s Roma Street Parklands.

“The pet friendly policy across our five buildings in Parklands has certainly paid off with a number of residents bringing their much loved pet with them,” David says.

“Many residents who moved into Pinnacle had downsized from homes or as I like to call it, up-shifted’, for reasons including children leaving home and to be closer to their work.

“It’s not surprising that many had the family dog or cat to take into consideration which can seriously impact on purchasing decisions.

“The pet business is worth billions to the Australian economy, indicating that pets play a major role in our society … in fact Australians have one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world.”

With his own dog Eddie, becoming well accustomed to apartment living after gaining approval to reside in a recently-purchased Gold Coast apartment, David says only a few new inner-city developments coming on stream in Brisbane could be considered pet friendly.

“Parklands success in the market is evident by the fact that of the 60 apartments in our landmark Pinnacle development, only 20 remain for sale,” he says.

While there is a size limit for pets at Pinnacle of 10 kilograms and under, David says size alone does not automatically guarantee resident’ status.

“Pets must be well behaved and not too noisy for the comfort of other residents,” he adds.

Boo Brett has lived at Pinnacle since mid-2006 and couldn’t be happier after the family moved from acreage at Fig Tree Pocket in Brisbane’s western suburbs.

“We wouldn’t have moved here if we couldn’t bring Ellie, our much-loved five-year-old King Charles Cavalier Spaniel. The apartment is huge and Ellie has adapted very well,” Boo says.

“She’s actually lost weight due to three walks a day … I’ll walk her early in the morning and the children will take her for a couple more walks and a play when they get home from school.

“Apartment living suits Ellie down to the ground because she’s quite lazy, and if she’s not sitting on the lounge or one of the beds, she’s out on the balcony with the family.

“Having the Roma Street Parklands on our doorstep is a major bonus.”

It’s not just the Brisbane climate and lifestyle that is driving dog-friendly developments. Almost 200 dogs live at Jacksons Landing, a harbour front community in Sydney’s Pyrmont Point.

“While apartment-dwelling dogs and cats have been accepted in Europe and the US for some time, it is a relatively new concept in Australia,” says Rob Deck, project director of Jacksons Landing, a prestigious waterfront development that encourages residents to keep pets.

“If developers disallow pets they’re excluding a significant number of potential buyers.”

Almost 200 dogs live at Jacksons Landing, which is located near Darling Harbour, and this fondness for pets is considered to be a factor in its sales success.

“We have advertising campaigns devoted to attracting residents with pets, setting us apart from most other developments in Sydney,” Rob says.

Complete with ample open parkland, special doggy-do bins and even a handful of dog-sitters, four-legged friends are well catered for at the harbour front community. Residents have even formed a group called the Pyrmont Pooch Party’, which meets regularly in Cadi Park – one of several parks within Jacksons Landing and one of the area’s most popular dog-walking spots.

Resident and Pyrmont Pooch Party coordinator Gaye McLean says the adjoining parklands give dogs and their owners some exercise while providing a great opportunity for social interaction.

“The group also comprises Pyrmont residents from outside Jacksons Landing and we always run into each other when we’re walking our dogs.”

The first stage of another expansive waterfront park has recently been completed at Jacksons Landing, providing a myriad of new facilities and amenities for the public and providing a green, organic space for local residents to share with their children and their pets.

Despite catering to the needs of pets, it’s not just the pooches that are enjoying the pampered lifestyle.

Rob says Jacksons Landing has attracted people who want a change of lifestyle; who like the idea of living close to the water, parkland and entertainment facilities; and who use the comprehensive transport systems to get to and from work.

“They like to be among the hum of the city while not always being confronted by it.”

Pet friendly property developers are clearly meeting a market need, but to ensure people and pooches live happily together, responsible pet ownership is essential. This means cleaning up after your pooch; ensuring it gets plenty of exercise and stimulation to avoid boredom (which can lead to barking); and teaching your dog good manners and behaviour.

Things to look for in a pet friendly apartment:

• large safe balconies
• extensive tiling or floorboards throughout
• good insulation or soundproofing
• floor to ceiling windows so pets can look out
• interior doggy doors to allow freedom to move through the apartment
• close to dog-friendly parks and walking trails
• a pet friendly body corporate.

Apart from the completely heartless, most people enjoy a good movie about pets. And no, I don’t mean “Pet Cemetery” or “Cujo”, but rather those movies we all grew up watching that simultaneously entertained us and taught us lessons about life and love.

I’ve compiled a list of the Top Ten Pet Movies of All Time. See if your favourite made the list and if not, let us know which film you think should have taken out the top spot!

10. Turner and Hooch (1989): Released around the same time as K9, Turner and Hooch came out on top as the audience favourite. Pairing Tom Hank’s uptight Turner with the slobbery Hooch, this movie saw the two working together to solve a murder; a murder to which Hooch is the only witness placing the dog in mortal danger.

Hooch is an unruly and destructive accomplice, however he is instrumental in teaching Turner to relax and also manages to find him a love interest! It’s a classic odd couple pairing with hilarious and heartwarming results.

9. Stuart Little(1999): Based on E. B. White’s classic childhood tale, Stuart Little came into a life of his own in movie form. A New York mouse adopted by human parents, Stuart is an endearing young man who faces a number of challenges adjusting to his new life – not least of which living with the family cat, Snowball.  With a tense boat race, kidnapping and threats of murder, this lovely film contains both excitement and heart and speaks of the true meaning of family.

8. Free Willy (1993): Who could forget this touching tale of Jesse, a young delinquent who has been abandoned by his mother and has been running with the wrong crowd? After being caught vandalising the local theme and water park, Jesse avoids severe punishment by fixing the damage he’s caused. It is here that he meets Willy, an Orca Whale.

They form a close bond and are soon recognised by the park owner for the special connection they have. When Jesse uncovers a plot by the park owner to kill off the whale to claim on his insurance, a plan is hatched to Free Willy. Most iconic from this film is the final uplifting (if entirely improbable) scene where Willy leaps to freedom and rejoins his family.

7. Lady and the Tramp (1955): Originally released over 50 years ago, Lady and the Tramp is still a family favourite. An animal based rom-com, this follows the middle class ‘Lady’ and homeless Tramp (he’d prefer to call himself “footloose and collar-free”) as they forge a friendship.

Containing one of the most memorable movie scenes of all times – the spaghetti scene – this is a classic that has stood the test of time. As with all Walt Disney films of this era, Lady and the Tramp has a happy ending with good winning over evil and Tramp finding love and a permanent home with Lady and her family.

6. Charlotte’s Web (2006): Another E.B. White Classic, Charlotte’s Web follows the adventures of Wilbur the pig and Charlotte, a small grey spider. Charlotte befriends Wilbur and makes it her goal to save him from the slaughter house by making him stand out from all the other pigs on the farm. She uses her web to spins words such as “terrific” and “radiant” above Wilbur’s pen, drawing the attention of the farmer and eventually the County Fair.

Unbeknownst to Wilbur, Charlotte was drawing to the end of her own life whilst endeavouring to save his and she passes shortly after securing Wilbur’s future. Wilbur is devastated but left with Charlotte’s ‘magnum opus’ – her sack of eggs. Wilbur ensures the safety of Charlotte’s babies and whilst most drift away when they hatch, three stay behind and continue Charlotte’s legacy.

5.  Best in Show (2000): A fantastic mockumentary about the unique characters involved in a dog show. It follows five dog owners as they battle to make their pet the winner of a prestigious competition. Dry and satirical, this film explores human relationships through the vehicle of a competition and highlights how people can use their pets to externalise their inner struggles. Best in Show is an hilarious and accurate portrayal of people and their pets.

4. Babe (1995): In the similar vain of Charlotte’s Web, Babe follows the story of Babe the pig and his journey for acceptance amongst the other farm animals, and his avoidance of the slaughter house. In this case Babe has set his heart on becoming a “Sheep Pig”.

With the help of the other Sheep Dogs, Babe succeeds and is even taken to the local fair by the Farmer, much to the dismay of the Farmer’s wife. With many obstacles to overcome including disagreeable sheep and rabid dogs, Babe eventually wins the sheep trial where Farmer Hogget utters the now famous words “That’s do, Pig. That’ll do”.

3. Beethoven (1992): Who could forget Beethoven? The lovable St Bernard is adopted by the Newton family and hilarious mayhem ensues. The father wants to get rid of him due to the mess and disruption he causes; most memorable is the scene where Beethoven accidentally wraps his lead around the deck chairs of some guests and runs off, dragging them behind him.

The family almost loses Beethoven to a dodgy vet who claims that the slobbery giant had attacked him, when in actual fact the vet wanted to use Beethoven for medical experimentation. The vet’s evil plot is uncovered and Beethoven is reunited with the family.

2. Marley and Me (2008): This recent tear jerker follows the story of a couple and their relationship with their dog, Marley. Marley is rambunctious and uncontrollable and repeatedly destroys the family’s house and belongings. Yet even though Marley is resistant to any form of training or discipline the family still love and accept him. This is a story of standing by those you love even when every sign tells you that you should give up. It is a comedy with a heart.

1. Milo and Otis (1989): Milo (an orange Tabby cat) and Otis (a Pug) begin their adventure floating down a river in a cardboard box. This story follows the escapades of a curious cat and her canine sidekick as they venture across the land. They encounter bears, pigs, deer, owls, raccoons and a number of other animals on their adventures escaping near death many times. This isn’t just a tale about pets, but of friendship and sticking with someone through thick and thin regardless of your differences.

With a pop-psychology spin on it, a guy who owns a lap dog is likely a guy who doesn’t care much what other people think. He’s confident about his masculinity, and has done a little soul-searching [or therapy] in his time.

At the other end of the spectrum, we have the dude whose dog is an extension of his masculinity — or lack thereof. On the dark side, this guy is pathetically insecure and needs a tough-looking dog to make him feel more confident. We can spot these jerks a mile away.

They’re usually not even very nice to their dogs. On the happier side, he’s simply a guy whose masculinity is important to him, and he wants to project those virtues of adventure, independence and strength to the world. This guy wants to protect and provide.

Here’s some more pop psychology postulating, based on many years of judgement and keen observation:

Lab owners want to be seen as friendly and outgoing members of the community. Weirdly enough, it often works out the opposite way. They can be challenging people who really just want to be left alone with their intensely loyal, hassle-free dog.

Let’s just say that as a general rule, the guy who views his dog as his little buddy is relationship material. The guy who views his dog as his true life soul-mate is probably a commitmentphobe.

Cocker Spaniel, Pug or French bulldog owning guys want to be seen as serious, organized, and stylish. They might own a Paul Smith suit and punctuate conversation with phrases like, “counter intuitive.”

A Dalmatian, Mastiff or Great Dane owner is screaming, “Look at me.” Jim Carrey is a Great Dane owner, and we know how he likes attention. Also, shy people often rely on the big or showy dog to make a bold statement for them.

It goes without saying that German Shepherd and Border Collie guys value intelligence, determination and loyalty. It doesn’t mean they necessarily possess these traits, but they’d like the world to see them this way.

The reality is, these dogs need a lot of exercise, so the guy who owns one of these breeds is most likely an athletic type. Be prepared for a lot of time spent in the great outdoors.

Man’s best friend might also be man’s best personality gauge.

The idea of judging a man by his dog is not new. In her 2006 book, “How to Understand Men Through Their Dogs”, Wendy Diamond sent out to examine the topic.Diamond makes the case that “the Irish Setter man” is a sociable drinker, while guys who own Golden Retrievers might rifle through your closets.

I’m more inclined to believe that it’s not the pet’s character that defines the man, but what that pet represents to society. After all, a shaky Chihuahua connotes the image of fragility, timidity and daintiness - which is why they’re often dressed in hand-knitted sweaters and rhinestone chokers.

A solidly built Rottweiler speaks of ruggedness, confidence and independence, which is why they’re often dressed in black studded collars.

I think that you can divide the world into two groups of animal-lovers: those who simply love all creatures big and small, shaky and otherwise, and those whose pet defines how they present themselves to the world. It’s not just a pet. It’s a tribal badge. In other words, your choice of dog is an announcement about the things you value most.

Ask yourself what a dog represents, and you’ll have a little more insight on the owner.

I’m guessing most of us, even subconsciously, consider a pet’s symbolic identity before choosing life with one. We consider these lifestyle symbols when making choices as to what we drive, where we live, what we wear and what we listen to — why wouldn’t we ascribe similar values to choosing a pet?

I don’t think it’s any accident, for example, that so many young women walk around holding a Chihuahua or Pomeranian or Teacup Yorkie like it’s their favourite clutch purse. The dog, often wearing bows and rhinestones and looking a tad confused, sends the message: “I’m a high-maintenance woman who needs to be adored.

I am feminine in a stereotypically naïve, child-like way, which means I don’t pose any threat to your intelligence, but I’ll have many demands. I might even be yappy [hence, the cell phone I’m carrying in my other hand].”

Now, I’m not saying that every girl or guy who carries a tiny designer dog wants to be seen in this rather superficial light, but like it or not, Paris Hilton and her legions of wannabes have single-handedly raised the profile of this furry arm candy.

When a man owns a teeny lapdog, however, the meaning becomes something else. The decidedly rugged Mickey Rourke was inseparable from his old Chihuahua during press junkets. The Chihuahua only underscored our idea of Rourke as someone who’s actually quite fragile, even if he does look rugged on the outside.

Every city has them: people who hate dogs. Some people see a dog romping across an open field with a ball in its mouth as a menace about to wreak havoc upon unsuspecting children and cyclists. Perhaps they’ve had a bad experience with a dog — or maybe they’re just crotchety and bitter and resent someone else’s good fun.

Whatever the reasons, they don’t like your dog. And if you let your dog off its leash in a leash-only area, they will be the first to approach you and give you an earful about it.

An Unfixed Dog Is Not a Welcome Dog:

I have a friend who doesn’t believe that dogs should be neutered or spayed. Never mind that unfixed dogs have an overall lower life span than fixed dogs. They’re also social pariahs in the dog park. My friend’s dog wasn’t an aggressor, but the fact he was intact could spark outrage in other males.

He was constantly causing a furor among the other dogs. As well, he wandered in search of unfixed females, which meant as soon as he got off leash, he’d disappear for hours. An unfixed dog, male or female, should be kept away from other dogs.

It’s just one more reason why your dog should be fixed. This rule applies also to dogs that are sick, injured or scared of social situations. Don’t cause your dog unnecessary stress.

Dog Doo Doesn’t Biodegrade That Fast:

If you’re the type who thinks you only need to clean up after your dog when no one is looking, may you one day be cursed with a hefty city fine. Such thoughtlessness is the height of jerk behaviour.

Dog doo is unsightly, a drag to step on, and it spreads disease. If you don’t like picking up after a dog, don’t get a dog.

Off-Leash Areas Aren’t for Picnics or Kids

Here’s a news flash. An area that’s been designated by the city as “off leash” means it’s for dogs to run with unabashed glee. It means barking, playing and lots of running. It means good-natured doggy abandon, which can be a rare thing in a city where most parks are off-limits to Mr. Waggytail.

So if you don’t have a dog and you don’t want to be around dogs, do everyone a favour and stay away from the dog park. I once witnessed a man in a white suit spread out a picnic blanket, a basket and wine in the middle of an off-leash beach, and attempt to woo his equally dressed-up date.

When dogs very predictably started sniffing around, the man threw a hissy fit. Dog owners watching the spectacle were so incensed, the man was nearly hauled out to sea. There are tons of parks that are exclusive to humans.  Those parks are the best ones for picnics, barbecues, games of volleyball and Frisbee, small children, and men who like to lounge in white suits.

If Your Dog is a Jerk, Own Up

Dogs will be dogs, which means sometimes they can be little jerks. Maybe your dog likes to roughhouse, or maybe he’s a ball or Frisbee thief. Whatever his personality, you’re responsible for his behaviour. Don’t go thinking that your dog is a free agent.

Do the right thing and offer to replace a toy or ball that your dog has stolen and lost or destroyed. Apologize for your dog’s rude behaviour. And above all else, if your dog has a nasty streak or is at all aggressive, recognize it and deal with it. If your dog frightens people or other dogs, keep him muzzled and/or away from social situations.

Don’t be one of those oblivious dog owners that give everybody a bad name. We all know the type. They’re the first to say, “He’s harmless,” right before their dog goes postal on another dog.

Come Equipped

Dog owners already know these basics, but carry the dog essentials with you when heading to the park. Always bring a leash, doggy bags and a couple of balls or toys (in case you need a replacement). Some dog owners carry treats to keep their dog under control.

You might even want to bring a dog brush and give him a good brushing while you’re outside. If you don’t want to pack around water, then keep some in the car for after the walk, when your dog is dehydrated. Keep towels in the trunk too, to clean off muddy paws.

And make sure your dog is wearing his collar and an up-to-date license. City shelter authorities are always on the look out for unlicensed dogs, and the licence is valuable information for your dog’s own safety too.

Heartworms, also known as Dirofilaria immitis, are a type of roundworm that when mature will reside in the hearts and lungs of infected animals.

Who gets heartworms?

According to the American Heartworm Society, “Heartworm infection primarily infects dogs, but infection may also occur in cats. While cats may not be infected as frequently as dogs, diagnosis in cats is on the rise.

Ferrets as well as other mammals such as wolves, coyotes, foxes and even sea lions can be infected with heartworms. Outdoor pets are at greatest risk for infection, especially in regions of the world where mosquito populations are high. However, even indoor pets become infected by heartworms as infected mosquitoes can get into houses.”

How can my pet get heartworms?

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. A mosquito bites a heartworm infected animal looking for a blood meal and in the process picks up immature heartworms, called microfilaria, found circulating in the blood.

While the microfilaria are inside the body of the mosquito they mature into a stage that is infective and are then transmitted to an uninfected animal when the mosquito attempts to bite them.

The larva then matures further in the animal’s body and when fully mature, makes their way to the heart and lungs where the problems are caused.

What are the signs of heartworm disease?

Because heartworm disease affects the heart and lungs, signs associated with heartworm disease usually point to heart and lung trouble. Signs may include: coughing, decreased exercise tolerance, lethargy, and poor appetite which can also result in weight loss.

Can my pet be tested for heartworms?

Yes. Heartworm disease can be detected in a simple blood test. Tests will only show accurate results 6 months past the last exposure to mosquitoes as it takes that amount of time for heartworm larva to mature inside the pet’s body to a stage where they are detectable by testing.

Heartworm tests can be performed in your veterinary hospital with a brief appointment. Some hospitals have the ability to do “in hospital” testing with results in under 10 minutes while others may send their samples off to an outside lab where the results may be available within a few days.

Can I prevent heartworm disease?

Heartworm disease can be prevented with the use of preventive medications that come in a variety of forms. Heartworm preventives act by killing off microfilaria, preventing them from maturing into adult heartworms. These medications come in once a month chewable tablets, treats and topical products that are applied to the skin.

Heartworm preventives are also available in the form of a season long injection. The key to heartworm prevention is owner compliance with giving the medication on time for the entire season. Even missing one dose can increase your pet’s chances of encountering heartworm disease.

What if my pet gets heartworms?

If your dog has heartworm disease, medications can be given to kill off the adult worms in the body. This can be risky as some dogs can have up to 250 worms present at one time which can cause congestion of the heart and lungs, preventing proper blood flow.

Treatment may require a stay in the veterinary hospital where your pet can be closely monitored and treated should complications arise.

Currently, there are no medications available to rid a cat of adult heartworms. In some cases, cats with heartworm disease will spontaneously resolve on their own for unknown reasons. Cats tend to only have 1-2 worms in their body at a time, which lessens the chance of heart and lung congestion when the worms die off.

When it finally broke free and scrambled to land, it went berserk, charging at sunbathers and snarling like a maniac.

People were afraid, but nowhere near as afraid as that dog had been in the water. After all, how many bulldogs do you see paddling around?

If its owner had asked himself that same question, he might have saved his poor dog a near heart attack. Just because it’s called the “doggie paddle” doesn’t mean the dog instinctively knows how to do it. Many dogs don’t take to the water, and still other breeds don’t swim at all.

Obviously, a Portuguese or English water spaniel is a natural swimmer, hence the name. Labrador Retrievers generally love a good swim as they glide along, looking like Harbour Seals. So do Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Border Collies, Poodles and Rottweilers.

Then there’s the group that take to water the way fish take to land. Those fans of terra firma include the above-mentioned bulldog, basset hounds, pugs, dachshunds and corgis. Those breeds either can’t swim, and if they can it’s often with difficulty.

Lots of dogs hover somewhere in the middle. Take the Scottie, for example. As Scottie owners know, they love the water but they’re notoriously terrible swimmers. In fact, Scotties should be supervised at all times when near water. Drowning is sadly too common for this breed, whose short legs make swimming difficult.

Here’s a comment from the Scottish terrier and Dog News blog: “Scottie drownings in pools are such a problem that the American Kennel Club sends a warning about them to everyone who registers a Scot.”

Regardless of the breed, when introducing a dog to the water, it’s always best to exercise caution. Swimming is an individual preference for dogs. Although unusual, not every Labrador Retriever may want to dive into the water.

There are flotation vests for dogs that enable safe swimming, particularly in pools, where it can be hard for even good swimmers to get out. Unfortunately, many dogs have died from drowning in pools due to the fact they simply couldn’t get out.

Many dog trainers give tips on dog swimming lessons that parallel those given to children. Start the dog off in a wading pool in a quiet location. Help the animal stay calm in its strange surroundings.

Be supportive. Don’t throw the dog into the water, just like you wouldn’t throw your child into the water to learn to swim. In the case of a dog, a treat reward couldn’t hurt as enticement. Let the dog’s paws get wet for awhile, then hold them securely in the water until they begin to paddle.

Ensure the dog is wearing his life vest before letting him paddle on his own.
And show the dog where the exit is, if it’s a pool. Direct him toward the steps. If it’s a lake or ocean, keep a close eye on him. Good swimmers can get disoriented and swim out to sea. Just because swimming comes naturally doesn’t mean common sense does too.

Speculation and theories abound when it comes to the origins of the bear of the dog world, the Newfoundland.

Affectionately known as the Newf or Newfy, some people attribute their origins to local dogs of the Vikings and Canadian Indians, while others relate the breed back to Labradors or Mastiff breeds. Whatever the case, the Newf is one of the most popular throughout the world.

In years gone by Newfs were commonly seen in Canada pulling carts or working along side fishermen. And their love of water and rescuing instincts were definitely appreciated when fishermen floundered in the water. These days they are known for their gentle, friendly nature, as well as their love of water.

The Newfy’s thick, double layered coat and webbed paws make it perfectly suited to the water and owners will tell you not to get a Newf if you don’t want to be rescued from the water.

Newfy breeder Ann Fraser says she became interested in the breed about 17 years ago when she was in the UK visiting her sister, who had a Newfoundland Landseer. Newfoundlands are usually black in colour, but also come in brown and Landseer, which has white as the base colour and specific black markings.

Sally Spencer, a Newf breeder for 13 years, says “Newfs make the perfect nannies; patient and tolerant, and of course very loving.

Their built-in rescue response makes him the perfect companion for farm kids; he gives added assurance wherever water is an attraction to children. However, because of their size and strength, Newfs and small children should be supervised at all times”.

Ann and Sally agree the best thing about Newfs is their temperament. They love the companionship of people and other dogs, have an amazing aura, and are easy to train.

Sally says, “droogle and wet dogs go hand-in-paw with Newfs. I admit to changing from my black business suits outside our front gate, so I’m prepared to be greeted by the troops”.

And the downside to owning one of these big bears? Ann says their size can be a problem and their thick coat means they need to be kept cool hot weather.

As for grooming, “weekly brushing and regular hydrobaths will keep your Newf respectable – forget washing with the hose, these dogs are waterproof! We find even the Landseers look clean most of the time as, once the coat dries off, the dirt seems to fall out … usually on the kitchen floor!” Sally says.

It is important that a pup’s exercise consist mainly of play, such as retrieving and swimming, rather than long walks, which can put stress on their rapidly growing bones and lead to joint problems later in life. For this reason too, Newfs should not be allowed to become overweight.

There are two forms of diabetes in dogs, diabetes insipidus, also known as “water diabetes”, and diabetes mellitus, also known as “sugar diabetes”.

Diabetes insipidus is a disorder of water balance. Dogs with diabetes insipidus is unable to concentrate urine, so the urine volume is very high and the urine is dilute.

In diabetes mellitus, glucose (sugar) cannot be utilized by the body because of either a decrease in insulin production, or a decreased sensitivity of cells to insulin. Diabetes insipidus in dogs (and cats) is rare, so we are focused on the more common type of diabetes in dogs – diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus, sugar diabetes, is a common immune disorder in both cats and dogs. Pets that are obese, as well as neutered male cats and unspayed female dogs are more prone to the disease. Most dogs that have diabetes are between 7 to 9 years old, although it can occur to very young dogs as well.

Sugar diabetes in dogs are divided into Type I and Type II. Type I diabetes mellitus in dogs occurs when the body attacks the pancreatic cells that make insulin. When your dog’s body does not have enough insulin, the body is unable to properly utilize or store blood sugar, resulting in increased sugar levels.

The excessive sugar spills over into the urine and is removed from the body. As a result, the body tissues do not have enough blood sugar to sustain a consistent energy level. This is the most common form of diabetes in dogs and is frequently referred to as insulin dependent diabetes (IDDM).

In type II diabetes mellitus, insulin is still produced, but it is either not adequately produced, or the cells are not as sensitive to it as they should be. If the cells are not sensitive enough, then even though insulin is present, glucose cannot enter the cells.

Type II diabetes is associated with obesity, and in many cases can be cured with weight loss and exercise. This form is uncommon in dogs and is frequently referred to as non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM).

If left untreated, diabetes in dogs will lead to kidney failure, vision loss, decreased resistance to bacterial and fungal infections and may develop liver and bladder problems.

Dogs with diabetes show four classic symptoms:

• Increased drinking
• Increased frequency of urination
• Increased appetite
• Weight loss

The reason for the above symptoms is that the dog’s body knows that it should decrease the high blood glucose level. Since it cannot decrease the glucose by cellular uptake, it then tries to eliminate it in the urine.

To eliminate glucose in the urine, the dog needs to drink a lot more water to produce a lot of urine. Also, even though there is plenty of glucose in the blood, the cells are still hungry because they cannot get the glucose, so they signal the body to eat more. Though more food is being eaten, the body loses weight because the food cannot be used.