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Expert: - 8/9/2010


Question
I have a 7 year old Lhasa apso named "Woody". Only last week, Woody was diagnosed with diabetes. I administer his insulin twice a day and he seems to be doing ok. However, I know that if a diabetic dog throws up his food, there might be problems with his insulin. Well, when i went for a run today, my dear little Woody found a pair of shorts and decided to eat them. He does this whenever he can find something on the floor or the couch and sometimes throws up afterward. I am very concerned that he will throw up. Do you think I should just feed him again if this happens? Please give me some advice.
Thank you and have a wonderful day

Answer
I think I would be more concerned about him getting an obstruction from eating a whole pair of shorts.
Are you checking his blood sugar? If he vomits something hours after he has eaten then he isn't losing food unless you see food in the vomit.
I would simply feed him at his normal times and give him his regular doses.

A dog that eats anything he finds on the floor might not be eating a highly nutritious food that is satisfying his energy needs.
I don't know what you are feeding him but if it's from the store you might want to reconsider his food.

Ask your vet about getting him on Science Diet for his blood sugars and for optimal nutrition.  

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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