So my dog was recently diagnosed with diabetes, and wow I wasn’t expecting the costs to be this high. Insulin, vet visits, special food it all adds up fast. Anyone else dealing with this? How do you keep expenses under control?
Yeah, it’s not cheap at all. Just the initial diagnosis with bloodwork cost me almost $500. Have you looked into pet insurance?
Quin said:
Yeah, it’s not cheap at all. Just the initial diagnosis with bloodwork cost me almost $500. Have you looked into pet insurance?
Haven’t yet. Does it actually cover diabetes, or do they count it as a pre-existing condition?
@Raleigh
You gotta enroll your dog before they get diagnosed. If it’s pre-existing, most plans won’t cover it. But if your dog’s still young and healthy, it might be worth looking into for future stuff.
I cut down costs by shopping around for insulin. Some pharmacies and online stores sell it way cheaper than the vet’s office.
Isle said:
I cut down costs by shopping around for insulin. Some pharmacies and online stores sell it way cheaper than the vet’s office.
For real? I just buy whatever my vet gives me. Where do you get it cheaper?
@Tegan
Try big retailers like Costco or check online pet pharmacies. Just make sure you’re getting the right type!
The special food is another killer. $80 for a big bag? My dog eats like a vacuum. Anyone using alternatives?
Zan said:
The special food is another killer. $80 for a big bag? My dog eats like a vacuum. Anyone using alternatives?
You can sometimes find similar low-glycemic dog foods that aren’t prescription. Just check with your vet first.
If you haven’t already, try home monitoring. A glucose meter saves trips to the vet and lets you adjust things before they get bad.
Jaden said:
If you haven’t already, try home monitoring. A glucose meter saves trips to the vet and lets you adjust things before they get bad.
How hard is that to do? I’m worried I’ll mess it up.
@Raleigh
It’s easier than you think! Just a quick prick on the ear or paw pad, and you get the reading. Ask your vet to show you once, and you’ll be good.
One thing that helped my dog is regular exercise. It keeps their blood sugar more stable, and they seem happier too.
Yan said:
One thing that helped my dog is regular exercise. It keeps their blood sugar more stable, and they seem happier too.
Wait, exercise affects blood sugar?
Yan said:
One thing that helped my dog is regular exercise. It keeps their blood sugar more stable, and they seem happier too.
Wait, exercise affects blood sugar?
Yeah! Just like in people, exercise helps regulate glucose levels. But don’t overdo it—too much can actually cause low blood sugar.