Advertise on podcast: Bark n Wag 15 Minute Vet Talk

Pug Rescue of Northern California feels every pug is special and important, so we do everything we can to give these special souls the care and love they need. We take in over a hundred pugs annually. All of these pugs see vets, some for simple check ups, some for expensive procedures. Thanks to donations, we are able to continue to care for these pugs and find forever homes for them. https://pugpros.org/donate/

What is Pug Partners of Nebraska? Pug Partners of Nebraska is a 501c3, non-profit organization comprised of dedicated volunteers who are committed to rescuing and re-homing pugs in need. We believe that all pugs deserve a chance to be loved and to love a human companion. The majority of our rescue pugs come from what is called a puppy mill (a mass breeding facility), and we are very dedicated to these special dogs and providing them with the life they deserve. Our main purpose is to provide all of our rescue pugs with a loving foster home, quality dog food, medical care, and any other need that they may have while in our care. Our ultimate goal is to place each pug into a forever family that will continue to show the pug love, attention, and provide the care that they each deserve. We strive to educate our adopters and the public about our wonderful pug breed. Although pugs are quite different from most breeds, we want to show people how amazing these small dogs can be, and how they are great companions. Vision Statement Pug Partners of Nebraska provides a service to the community for pugs in need, by rescuing purebred pugs that are in shelters, puppy mills, whose owners can no longer care for them, and for those who have become lost/abandoned and to place them in a loving and safe permanent home where they will be loved and cared for as companion pets. Goals of Pug Partners of Nebraska To accomplish our mission, Pug Partners of Nebraska strives to: Rescue adoptable pugs from a variety of situations and place them into loving foster homes until their permanent home can be found Treat all pugs like our own, by giving them behavioral and medical attention that they need Act as advocates by protecting and advancing the pug breed by encouraging responsible pug ownership and by rescuing pugs from unsafe or abusive situations Carefully screen all volunteers to ensure that the most knowledgeable pug experts in the community are on board with pug Partners’ mission Help reduce the pet over-population crisis by ensuring that all pugs adopted through our rescue are spayed or neutered Have useful information available to those interested in adding a pug to their family Provide the community with superior knowledge of the pug breed cooperate and network with other animal rescue organizations in the community and world-wide Incorporate programs to help the rescue succeed and involved more volunteers Pug Partners History One random July evening in 2008, Jessica Kamish was surfing the web looking for a sister for her current 3 year old pug Rocky. She came across the website for Midwest Pug Rescue where a banner read, “Foster homes needed in Omaha, NE.” As Jessica was the president of the Omaha Pug Club, with membership of more than 150 pug lovers, she was sure that she could find a couple of fellow pug lovers who would open their  homes and hearts to a pug in need and foster for the rescue. An email was sent out to the address listed on the website, and an email was quickly received back that there was a 6 year old female who was found in O’Neil, Nebraska who needed a foster home. At this point Jessica sent an email to the pug club asking for foster homes. One couple replied immediately, Megan and Josiah (Si) Hollibaugh. They had just adopted two pugs from another rescue and wanted to help out a pug in need. With much contemplation, Jessica and her fiancé Matt decided to go ahead and take on this 6 year old puppy mill pug and give fostering a try. They named their foster pug Lily.  Lily changed Matt and Jessica’s life. As a puppy mill survivor she had never experienced life outside of a kennel. There were so many firsts, and they found glory in the small things.  The experience touched them both and they wanted to become more involved. Shortly after deciding this, Lily became part of their family. Jessica soon began getting emails about all the pugs needing rescued in Nebraska and Iowa. At this time, th

Signs From The Afterlife  When our pets leave their physical body, it can feel overwhelming and challenging. But it is important to remember that it is not the end! Our animals are always around and ready to interact with us. We just need to understand how they communicate, recognise the signs and acknowledge their presence. The summarised list of signs from the afterlife include: Hearing familiar sounds: footsteps, barking, howling scratching Smelling familiar scents which remind you of your pet Seeing their presence out of the corner of your eye Noticing orbs or small flashes of light Receiving an sudden influx of shared memories out of nowhere Experiencing unexplained electrical malfunction or disturbances Feeling your animals snuggle up next to you Sensing your animals looking at you Special encounters with winged animals, bird and insects Noticing your other animals stare at an empty space A Sudden feeling of warmth, love and comfort Sudden changes in room temperature Seeing your pets doppelganger Finding feathers, fur or whiskers around the house or on clothing Using words or numbers to communicate Moving toys or objects around the house Finding your animals favourite food around the house Being drawn to a particular objects Finding misplaced or objects in unexpected places Knocking objects over around the house Finding unexplainable scratches or markings Having vivid dreams about your pet Receiving visions from your pet A new animal comes knocking at your door Hearing songs that remind you of your deceased pet And if you haven’t yet received any signs, don’t worry, it may take some time. And if you really can’t wait, consider an Animal Mediumship Consultation to reconnect with them. It is a great way to establish contact, overcome grief and exchange loving messages. To sign up for a webinar please find more information: Here is the link to Jen Weigel's site that is hosting the animal communication class. https://weigel-productions.ticketleap.com/animal-communication-with-cindy-myers-on-zoom/ https://yourenergyhealer.com/ 

THE PRNC STORY Pug Rescue of Northern California (formerly Pug Rescue of Sacramento) is a non-profit organization that takes in Pugs and Pug mixes from across Northern California that have been abandoned at pounds or shelters, found as strays or turned in by their owners. We then spay or neuter the pugs, make sure they are current on their shots, perform a heartworm test and start medication, insert a microchip, complete a health check and provide for other medical assessment and treatment as needed. The pugs are fostered in the private homes of our volunteers and then placed in loving, pre-screened adoptive homes. We recently changed our name to Pug Rescue of Northern California (PRNC). We were formerly known as Pug Rescue of Sacramento (PROS). We have worked throughout all of Northern California for many years and feel this name represents our efforts more fully. Please read below our story of how we became Pug Rescue of Sacramento and grew into Pug Rescue of Northern California. Before PROS was formed the need for pug rescue had become evident. A breeder in the Sacramento area named Marianne Herzberg-Stanley stepped into the void without having outside financial backing. She had done informal pug rescue for years, but saw the need in the early 1990's and took the lead. In May of 1996, we were incorporated as a California Public Benefit Corporation. By this time Marianne had yielded her involvement to others that have kept her efforts going. She left PROS in good hands with many volunteers and dedicated Board members. The year 2001 brought a major change in our pug rescue organization. Pug Rescue by the Bay joined forces with the Sacramento group and became affiliated with us starting in April. Prior to this change, we had been taking in and adopting out a substantial amount of Pugs in the Bay Area. The volunteers and coordinators in the Bay Area have proven to be a great asset to PROS' rescue efforts. Effective on May 14, 2003 PROS became a federal nonprofit organization and this has benefited our many donators and members who support our rescue efforts. By the end of 2010, PROS rescued 106 pugs. Total pugs helped in 2009 was 105 and in 2008, the number of pugs saved was 125. Contrary to our name, PROS will rescue from the Bay to the Borders because the need is evident. Most of our adoptions are more than 50 miles out of Sacramento or in the Bay Area. Recently, several other rescues have come into existence that will take the strain off our efforts. We applaud their efforts and wish them much success, but as they come into growth we expect to remain the most dedicated Pug rescue group in Northern California. We have many contacts and volunteers in various geographical areas. Our ultimate goal is to make sure all Pugs and Pug mixes that need to be rescued get rescued. We hold various events in the Bay Area such as Pug Sundays and the Adoption Fair. We are always looking for additional volunteers as well as foster homes for the Pugs waiting to find their forever home. We accept donations of new goods and services for our yearly auctions and raffles, as well as cash donations. We accept Pay Pal donations and can also donations through United Way. We are a state and federal non-profit corporation so your donation may be tax deductible. These funds go to providing food, medical treatment and care for the growing number of rescues that are finding their way to our door. All Pugs that are adopted out are done so under a contract that provides that the Pug will be returned to us if the owner can no longer keep the Pug for any reason. It is the goal of PRNC to never turn away a Pug in need. PRNC does not euthanize any animal because of lack of space or inability to find a home, and in fact will only do so in cases of extreme medical crisis. Visit https://pugpros.org

In an ideal world, all dog food would be created equal. Instead, dog owners are presented with an overwhelming array of options, all claiming to be the best dog food on the market. Wading through these choices to find a dog food brand that is healthy, affordable, and appealing to your pet is often frustrating. We’ve compiled expert advice to help you narrow down your options. What Makes a Dog Food “Good”? Most people feed their dogs dry kibble or canned wet food. These processed foods might not be appealing to us, but they contain all of the nutrients dogs need to stay healthy. Quality commercial dog foods are highly regulated and have undergone rigorous testing by veterinary specialists. So what exactly is in these dog foods? Dogs, unlike cats, are not strict carnivores. While meat makes up the majority of their diet, domestic dogs can also derive nutrients from grains, fruits, and vegetables. These non-meat foods are not simply fillers, but can be a valuable source of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. A good dog food will contain meat, vegetables, grains, and fruits. The best dog foods contain high-quality versions of these ingredients that are appropriate for your dog’s digestive system. Dog Food Nutrition The best dog food for your canine companion should meet his nutritional needs. While most commercial dog food brands are specially formulated with at least the minimum nutritional requirements for dogs, it is important to remember that not every dog has exactly the same nutritional needs. Dogs require a wide range of nutrients in different quantities over the course of their lives. The nutritional needs of a puppy are different from an adult dog, which is why it is a good idea to feed a puppy formula or an “all life stages” food to your young dog. If you are unsure about the differences in nutritional requirements between puppies and adults, the Merck Veterinary Manual lists the recommended nutrients for dogs, along with the recommended amount by weight and age. Large breed dogs and puppies have different nutritional requirements than small breed dogs and puppies. ©Justyna - stock.adobe.com   Dog Food Myths and Misinformation There are plenty of dog food myths and misinformation about dog nutrition on the Internet. You can sort through it by following one simple rule: check your sources. Many well-meaning individuals make claims about dog nutrition without backing them up with scientific evidence. As you do research, always check to see if the information is supported by a credible source, like a veterinarian, canine nutritionist, or scientific study. It never hurts to be skeptical, either. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Many people have questions about grain-inclusive or grain-free dog food, pea-free dog food, or dog foods containing animal byproducts. If your dog has been diagnosed with a food allergy caused by grains, you may choose a grain-free diet under the guidance of your veterinarian. For most dogs, grains are actually a source of wholesome nutrients. Quality animal byproducts are also nutritious. These include organ meats and entrails, which often contain more nutrients than the muscle meat consumed by humans. Regulated byproducts do not include hooves, hair, floor sweepings, intestinal contents, or manure. As with any pet-related inquiry, feel free to discuss your concerns about your dog’s food with your veterinarian. How to Read a Dog Food Label One way to decipher a good dog food from a bad dog food is to read the label. This is easier said than done, as labels can be hard to read, both due to the small print and just plain awkwardness of handling big bags of dog food in the store! But labels can also be misleading, as the Merck Veterinary Manual explains. Dog food labels are required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to tell you eight key pieces of information, and individual states may also have their own labeling requirem

About Digitail Founded in 2018 by Sebastian Gabor and Ruxandra Pui, Digitail is an all-in-one, cloud-based practice management software with a native pet parent app. It is designed to maximize productivity and deliver modern experiences to veterinary teams, pet owners, and their companions on every step of the patient journey. Equipped with an AI-powered virtual assistant, Digitail automates routine administrative tasks, cuts down staff’s workload, and lets them focus on what they do best — providing exceptional care. At the same time, the Digitail app puts essential pet care information into the hands of pet parents, improving communication and increasing compliance. Visit https://digitail.com/ to learn more 

Dogs can be opportunists when it comes to getting their paws on tasty treats, but not all everyday food and drink are safe if they come into contact with them. Learn which nine items are particularly dangerous to your dog. 1. ONIONS, GARLIC AND CHIVES The onion family, whether dry, raw or cooked, is particularly toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage. Signs of illness are not always immediate and can occur up to a few days later. 2. CHOCOLATE However enticing chocolate is for humans and dogs alike, chocolate is another poisonous food for dogs. Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine (dark chocolate has the highest content of this) which is toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure. 3. MACADAMIA NUTS Macadamia nuts contain a toxin that can affect your dog’s muscles and nervous system resulting in weakness, swollen limbs and panting. 4. CORN ON THE COB Corn on the cob could potentially be fatal if eaten by your dog. Although the corn is digested by dogs, the cob can cause a blockage in your dog’s intestine. 5. AVOCADO Avocados are another poisonous food for dogs. Avocado plants contain a substance called Persin which is in its leaves, fruit and seed and can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs. 6. ARTIFICIAL SWEETENER (XYLITOL) Our desire for sweet treats, chewing gum and drinks together with low-fat, diet and sugar-free products (including some peanut butters so always check the label before using this as a treat) are often laced with an artificial sweetener called Xylitol which causes an insulin release in our bodies. However, if your dog digests one of these sweetened foods they can go into hypoglycaemia which is linked to liver failure and blood clotting disorders. 7. ALCOHOL Alcohol has a huge impact on dogs even in small doses. The drink not only causes intoxication as it does in humans, but it can lead to sickness, diarrhoea and even central nervous system damage. 8. COOKED BONES Giving your dog a raw uncooked bone to chew on is great, but avoid cooked bones at all cost. These can easily splinter and in large quantities cause constipation or at worst, a perforation of the gut which can be fatal. 9. GRAPES AND RAISINS Raisins are in many of the foods that we love to eat such as cakes, biscuits and cereals so it’s not just the fruit form we should be concerned with. The active ingredient which causes the toxin is unknown, however both grapes and raisins may cause severe liver damage and kidney failure. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY DOG HAS EATEN ANY OF THESE? If consumed, even small amounts of these items can be fatal so always act immediately and take your dog to the vets.

Many dog owners have learned to recognize the telltale signs of an ear infection: whining, scratching, and head shaking are often the first symptoms of the problem. Ear infections are common conditions in dogs, especially those with floppy ears such as Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels. An estimated 20 percent of dogs have some form of ear disease, which may affect one or both ears. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the length and severity of these episodes for your dog. There are dog ear care products to help prevent issues from reoccurring. There are three types of ear infections, known formally as otitis externa, media, and interna. The most common is otitis externa, in which inflammation affects the layer of cells lining the external portion of the ear canal. Otitis media and interna refer to infections of the middle and inner ear canal, respectively. These infections often result from the spread of infection from the external ear. Otitis media and interna can be very serious and may result in deafness, facial paralysis, and vestibular signs. That’s why it’s important to prevent infections and seek early treatment when problems arise. Symptoms of Dog Ear Infections Some dogs show no symptoms of ear infection aside from a buildup of wax and discharge in the ear canal. But ear infections often cause significant discomfort and affected dogs may show signs such as: Head shaking Scratching at the affected ear Dark discharge Odor Redness and swelling of the ear canal Pain Itchiness Crusting or scabs in the ears What Causes Ear Infections in Dogs? The canine ear canal is more vertical than that of a human, forming an L-shape that tends to hold in fluid. This makes dogs more prone to ear infections. Ear infections are typically caused by bacteria, yeast, or a combination of both. In puppies, ear mites can also be a source of infection. Factors that may predispose your dog to ear infections include: Moisture, which can create a prime growing environment for bacteria and yeast Allergies, which lead to ear disease in about 50 percent of dogs with allergic skin disease and 80 percent of dogs with food sensitivities Endocrine disorders, such as thyroid disease Autoimmune disorders Wax buildup Foreign bodies Injury to the ear canal Excessive cleaning Precise Diagnosis Needed for a Dog’s Ear Infections If your dog is showing any of the common signs of ear infections, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Quick treatment is necessary not only for your dog’s comfort (these conditions can be painful!), but also to prevent the spread of infection to the middle and inner ear. Don’t try to treat ear infections at home. Be prepared to provide your vet with a thorough history of the problem. This is especially important for first-time infections, or if you are seeing a new veterinarian. Your vet will want to know the following: Duration of any symptoms, such as pain, swelling, discharge, and odor If your dog has any allergies or other underlying medical conditions If your dog is on medication What your dog has been eating How often you clean your dog’s ears and which dog ear cleaning products you use If you’ve trimmed or plucked the hair in your dog’s ears Recent activities, such as baths, grooming, or swimming If your dog has a history of ear infections, when they occurred, and how they were treated After obtaining your dog’s history, your veterinarian will perform a physical examination. In severe cases, your vet may also recommend sedating your dog to facilitate examination deep within the ear canal. Your vet will evaluate both ears, and the exam may include: Visual assessment to look for signs such as redness, swelling, and discharge Examination with an otoscope, which allows evaluation of the ear canal and eardrum Gentle palpation of the ear to assess level of pain Microscopic examination of samples taken by swabbing the ear Culture of sam

Welcome to Zoom Room Dog Training in Lincoln, providing exceptional dog training classes using only positive reinforcement. Small group classes or private training sessions allow our expert dog trainers to teach obedience, dog agility, puppy training classes and enrichment workshops in our indoor climate-controlled dog gym. You can also get in some exercise during a Playgroup or Private Gym session, or throw your dog a birthday party! We're available for fund-raisers for rescue groups, too, as well as meet-ups, or other canine social events. If you're looking for the best dog trainers in Lincoln or Omaha, please stop on by or give us a call. Location Information 4400 Lucile Dr Suite 102 Lincoln, NE 68516 402-413-6410 Contact Us Mon-Thu: 11 am - 8 pm Fri: 11 am - 7 pm Sat-Sun: 9 am - 5 pm           TRAIN. How Our Classes Work At the Zoom Room, we don’t train dogs. We train the people who love them. We’ve redefined dog training, with classes specially designed to build confidence and success as dogs master skills in a simple, step-by-step process. We utilize only positive dog training methods, which your entire family can easily master and embrace. You will be actively engaged in your dog’s training, working as a team as you learn to communicate more effectively with your dog. So what you learn at the Zoom Room doesn’t have to stay at the Zoom Room. Behaviors will naturally transition to life at home with your dog. Our indoor dog training gym offers small group classes in agility, obedience, puppy and socialization classes with the best dog trainers in Lincoln, NE. Private, one-on-one training scheduled to your convenience is also available. Getting Started Your dog training journey always begins with either an Orientation or an Evaluation. Orientation Free, 30 min, attend without your dog, bring your vaccination records You’ll learn how we do things, and how to load a clicker For all puppies and those ready to enter Obedience 1 If you can’t attend a scheduled Orientation, please call us so we can accommodate you, even remotely Evaluation $25, 30 min, attend with your dog, bring your vaccination records Book an appointment to schedule a convenient time Attend if you’re concerned your dog may be too reactive for group classes, if you’d like to place into more advanced coursework, or if you need help coming up with a training plan SIGN UP FOR ORIENTATION   BOOK AN EVALUATION Group Classes Small class size for personalized attention Flexible Schedule: Class packs can be used for any class, day or time Advanced courses have prerequisites to enter Levels Training: work at your own pace and graduate to the next level when you and your dog have mastered the skills You can enroll in class at any time because everyone is working at different levels and advances at different paces from each other Private Training Private dog training Scheduled at times convenient to you, this is ideal if: You’d prefer one-on-one attention Your schedule makes it difficult to attend group classes Your dog is too reactive to participate in a group setting You’d like to focus on a specific behavior issue You wish to accelerate the learning of any behaviors Remote training Half-hour private sessions via live video chat are beneficial if: You are unable to leave home due to illness or a shelter-in-place order You have a new puppy and want some extra hand-holding at home You'd like to include members of the household not able to attend classes, such as young children Your dog is exhibiting problem behaviors that only appear at home You are traveling out of town with your dog PRIVATE TRAINING MAKE AN APPOINTMENT Puppy Training The Zoom Room wrote the book on puppy training. Literally. “Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps: Everything You Need to Know to Raise the Perfect Dog” is the best

Dr. Doug Mader is a triple board-certified veterinary specialist and has been a veterinarian for over three decades. He is an internationally recognized speaker, has written three best-selling medical textbooks and numerous book chapters and scientific publications, and has had long standing pet columns in the Long Beach Press Telegram, Reptiles magazine, and the Key West Citizen. Dr. Mader is the recipient of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Award, the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Achievement Award, and the Fred L. Frye Lifetime Achievement Award for Veterinary Medicine, and is a seven-time winner of the North American Veterinary Community Speaker of the Year award and a four-time winner of the Western Veterinary Conference Educator of the Year award. He is also a fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine in the UK. Dr. Mader practiced in California for many years, but today lives and works in the Florida Keys. To learn more or puchase Dr. Mader's book please visit: https://www.dougmader.com/

Ellie is an animal communicator and healing expert who consults with people, animal rescues, and sanctuaries all over the world on how to save, heal, and treat their own animals.  Ellie is a powerful speaker and the author of “My Gentle Barn: Creating a sanctuary where animals heal, and children learn to hope.” Ellie has appeared on some of the most influential media outlets including The Ellen Show, People Magazine, Life Magazine, Animal Planet, The Huffington Post, Turning point, Women’s World, NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS, The NY Times, and many more.  Ellie has been saving, rehabilitating and communicating with animals since she was a child. From the age of seven Ellie heard the distress calls of baby birds, injured wildlife, and orphaned animals and would bring them home to heal them.  By age 11 Ellie was working with families in her community to solve behavioral and training issues for their dogs. As a young adult, Ellie founded "Rover Rescue" where she focused on taking dogs and cats from high kill shelters deemed unadoptable. By communicating and connecting with the animals, Ellie was able to resolve their issues and place them into forever homes. During her time with Rover Rescue Ellie saved over 500 dogs and cats. Later Ellie discovered a petting zoo and was overwhelmed by the animals desperate pleas for help. Not able to walk away, Ellie ended up bringing those broken farm animals home to her half acre backyard. She listened as they recounted their tails of abuse and neglect and gave them everything they needed to heal. This made Ellie want to do more. Ellie founded The Gentle Barn in 1999, a nonprofit organization that rescues and rehabilitates not only dogs and cats, but horses, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, peacocks, emus, llamas, and donkeys. Ellie formulated her own "Gentle Healing" method, using a combination of animal communication, energy healing, holistic healing, holding therapy, and western medicine to heal animals no one else would take and had nowhere else to go. Ellie specializes in healing puppies with Parvo, calves from veal crates, and orphaned animals of all kinds.  Ellie and her husband Jay Weiner have brought The Gentle Barn national and now have three Gentle Barn locations, in California, in Missouri and in Tennessee. The Gentle Barn is one of the largest and most beloved farm animal sanctuaries in the world. It is their goal to be the voice for animals, share their stories, and open the hearts of humanity towards all living beings. For more information about The Gentle Barn, please visit: www.gentlebarn.org

Managing canine diabetes Giving your dog a long, happy life Symptoms of diabetes  Excessive thirst (drinking water)  Increased urination Weight loss (even if eating well)  Decreased appetite  Cloudy eyes  Chronic or frequent infections, including skin and urinary infections  Learning your dog has diabetes can feel like a punch to your gut. Up to 1% of all dogs may develop diabetes during their lifetime. While this is a serious diagnosis, treatment options and management strategies can give your dog a long, quality life.  Diabetes mellitus revolves around a lack of insulin or a lack of the body’s response to insulin. Insulin therapy is a mainstay of treatment. Understanding your dog’s prognosis As with so many canine health problems, early diagnosis is key to your dog living a full life. Caught early, with treatment started right away and careful monitoring, many dogs with diabetes live full, active lives. The battle will be more difficult with dogs who have these issues:  Phosphate levels Dogs who have high levels of phosphate in their blood at the time of diagnosis tend to have a slightly less positive prognosis. The exact reason for this is unknown, but it emphasizes the need for a complete blood chemistry panel at the time of diagnosis.   Medical history Dogs who are more than 10-years-old, overweight, have a history of pancreatitis or are battling hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease) are more likely to have problems.  Dogs with hypothyroidism have a slightly higher risk of becoming diabetic, and any dog who has required treatment with glucocorticoids for long periods of time is also at risk.   Breeding A study from the United Kingdom suggested that Border Terriers, West Highland White Terriers and Cocker Spaniels had lower survival times than Border Collies.  Tibetan Terriers, Cairn Terriers and Samoyeds are also considered high-risk breeds for diabetes.   Females  While female dogs have a higher risk of developing diabetes, if they are spayed, they can be managed quite well.  Starting therapy After your dog has been definitively diagnosed with diabetes, treatment with insulin will be the starting point. Dogs who are ill may need to be hospitalized and started with rapid-acting insulin injections. Most dogs will be feeling relatively well and can start treatment at home under veterinary guidance.  Customizing treatment for diabetics is essential. Individual dogs may respond to one type of insulin but not another. Some dogs become resistant to a certain type after time and need to change. Dosages can vary greatly among dogs, as can the timing of dosages. Typically, dogs will start off on insulin injections twice a day, around their feeding times. But be prepared for the experimentation necessary to find the ideal protocol for an individual dog.  Veterinary staff will explain how to handle and store insulin, and how to correctly use the syringes. Different strengths and types of insulin come in different units, and you need to carefully match the syringes you use with the insulin type. Insulin is sensitive and must be stored carefully, not too cold or too hot. Even shaking it too vigorously can harm this medication. Some insulins need to be rolled rather than shaken. Never use insulin past its expiration date.  Finally, you will learn how to give the injections. Some clinics have you practice on something like fruit until you are comfortable with doing the injections properly. Injections are given subcutaneously, reaching the fat between the surface skin and muscle below. The needles are a small diameter and very sharp, so most dogs handle the injections well. Needles and syringes need to be disposed of properly. You will need a sharps container and to learn how to dispose of the needles in your town.  Types of insulin There are many versions of insulin available for treating diabetic dogs, and your veterinarian will guide you to the best choice for y