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The best kids’ days out this Halloween

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10 of the best Halloween costumes for dogs that are spooky yet adorable

The :a[best dog food]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/the-best-dog-food/' } for diabetic dogs is typically high in fibre and low in simple carbohydrates. When a dog eats, the sugar from the food enters the bloodstream. Normally, insulin is produced to help move sugar into cells, fuelling muscles and vital organs. However, diabetic dogs cannot produce sufficient insulin on their own, leading to elevated blood sugar levels after meals. Like humans with diabetes, dogs require insulin injections to help move glucose from the bloodstream into the body's cells, where it is metabolised for energy.

There are some dog breeds that are more likely to develop diabetes than others. In addition, being overweight also increases the likelihood of developing diabetes. Pet Plan's veterinary expert, Brian Faulkner, describes in detail :a[what signs to look for in a diabetic dog]{href='https://www.petplan.co.uk/pet-information/blog/has-your-dog-got-diabetes/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}. Noticeable symptoms are thirst and hunger. Then, more severe signs, including dehydration, collapse and a diabetic coma. Badly controlled diabetes can affect the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and blood vessels. If left untreated, diabetes can cause serious illness and even be fatal.

## Best dog food for diabetic dogs at a glance

The good news is that with a consistent eating routine and proper treatment, diabetic dogs can lead a happy, healthy life. They require careful monitoring and a combination of a balanced diet, exercise and insulin. Consistency is key to managing the condition effectively. For example, you may find it beneficial to base your pet's diet around :a[dry dog food]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/dry-dog-food/' } as it can be precisely weighed, making it easier to provide consistent portions at each meal, which helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

It’s important to monitor the amount of carbohydrates in dog food because carbohydrates break down into sugar, which is harmful to diabetic animals if not properly managed. In some cases, :a[dog food for weight loss]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/best-dog-food-for-weight-loss/' } is suggested for diabetic dogs because it is high in protein, low in fat and calorie-controlled. However, primarily you should choose a food that is high in fibre and low in simple carbohydrates, not just focused on weight loss. Certain foods are better for diabetic dogs, so seek out advice from your vet.

**Dietetic food should only be given with the guidance of a vet.**

## How we chose the best dog food for diabetic dogs

All of these dog foods for diabetic dogs have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered the nutrition, quality and value in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching dog foods for diabetic dogs to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval. And, with help from veterinary experts, we share their knowledge to ensure everything we choose is paw-fect for your pet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJB7LPiTQVo

Diabetes in dogs cannot be cured, but it can be managed. The aim is to get a dog's blood sugar level into a normal range and maintain it. This is done by insulin injections, a controlled diet and exercise. Instead of food treats, give attention and play as rewards. The PDSA have a comprehensive :a[guide to diabetes in dogs]{href='https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/diabetes-in-dogs' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}.

It means a lifelong commitment to a routine of a strict diet, exercise and insulin injections at the same time every day. A dog with well-managed diabetes can live just as long as a dog without the condition. You must give your dog insulin injections twice daily with their food. You can't control diabetes in dogs without medication.

Diabetic dogs need to be fed the same amount of food at the same time every day, twice daily, 12 hours apart. Weigh out your dog's food so you know exactly how much you're giving them. Refrain from giving snacks or treats between meals, and be careful of leaving your leftovers in reachable areas where they could be snaffled.

The aim is to be able to anticipate how high their blood sugar level is going to rise after a meal, and that the right amount of insulin is being given to bring their blood sugar level back down. The risk is that if a dog eats too much, their blood sugar level will go too high. If they eat less than usual, their blood sugar level may go dangerously low and could result in hypoglycaemia (or a hypo), which is an emergency situation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keMXzOqazrg

Exercise lowers blood sugar levels. Walks need to be kept the same duration each day, to maintain blood sugar levels. This keeps a balance between how much they are being fed, their level of activity and how much insulin to inject. This will keep their blood sugar level at a safe level. If you want to increase or decrease their amount of exercise do so gradually.

Your dog will need regular vet check-ups, and your vet will guide you on how to inject your dog and how much insulin to give. The injection is usually at the back of the neck, just under the skin.

:a[Laura Crotch-Harvey]{href='https://burnspet.co.uk/team/laura-crotch-harvey/?' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}, Nutrition Manager, Burns Pet Nutrition, answers some key questions about dogs and diabetes.

"The most common symptoms of diabetes in dogs are excessive drinking and urination. Some dogs may also experience increased appetite, weight loss and lethargy. Just like in humans, overweight or obese dogs are at a higher risk of developing diabetes. As well as this, certain breeds, such as :a[Cocker Spaniels]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/best-dog-food-for-cocker-spaniels/' }, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers, are also more prone to diabetes. Dogs typically develop diabetes at a middle or older age.

"If you have any concerns about your dog, you should take them to the vet for tests on their blood and urine to diagnose diabetes."

## What is the ideal balance of macronutrients (proteins, fats and carbohydrates) for my diabetic dog?

"There are no specific protein, fat, and carbohydrate levels recommended for dogs with diabetes. It's important to consider your individual dog's needs. For example, an overweight dog with diabetes may have different dietary requirements than an underweight dog with diabetes and this will need discussing further with your vet.

"The diet doesn't necessarily need to be high in protein, but feeding high-quality protein is important to support muscle maintenance. Higher protein diets may also be higher in fat, so it's important to be mindful of this.

"In general, a low level of fat (12% or under) will be suitable for most dogs with diabetes, and this is especially important for overweight dogs.

"Fibre is included as part of the carbohydrates, and a high-fibre diet is important for diabetes as it provides a steadier release of energy and helps avoid spikes in blood glucose."

## Should I choose prescription dog food, or are there over-the-counter options that work just as well?

"You don’t need a prescription diet for a diabetic dog; many over-the-counter products will be suitable. For example, at Burns, we have the **:a[Burns Weight Control Chicken & Oats]{href='https://burnspet.co.uk/dog-food/weight-control-chicken-oats/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}**, which isn’t a prescription product but meets the criteria for a diabetic dog due to its low sugar content and high fibre, providing a steady release of energy.

"The guidelines for a dog with diabetes focus on the total sugar content in the food, which should be low to avoid blood sugar spikes after a meal. The sugar level should be less than 62g/kg of the food if the moisture level is 12%. It's important to consider the moisture level, as wet and dry pet foods can have different nutrient levels due to the varying amounts of water they contain. If the food is marketed as suitable for diabetes, the total sugar content should be labelled on the bag. If not, you can contact the company to ask the level or if they have any suitable options."

## How can I incorporate fibre into my dog’s diet, and how much is recommended?

"A high-fibre diet is very beneficial for dogs with diabetes, and the best way to ensure this is by feeding them complete dog food that is also high in fibre. Feeding a high-fibre dog food rather than adding extras is preferable, as adding extra food can cause an increase in the dog's glucose levels.

"If your dog is having difficulty with the available diets, any additional food should be added under the supervision of a vet, as it may impact the required insulin levels. Oats are an excellent high-fibre ingredient with a low glycaemic index."

## How frequently and in what portions should I feed my diabetic dog?

"Diabetic dogs should be fed at the same time every day to help you understand their blood glucose levels throughout the day. Ideally, they should be fed 12 hours apart if possible.

"The amount of food given will depend on the food you have chosen to feed and there will be a guideline on the packaging. Feeding amounts are normally based on the dog's weight, age, activity level and if they have been neutered. If the dog is overweight, remember to feed for their target weight and not their current weight. The feeding amounts given by the brand are normally recommended over the day and then split evenly between two meals. It should also be consistent (so no extra treats on a weekend!)."

## What treats can I feed to a diabetic dog?

"Try to keep treats to a minimum as anything extra given can cause blood glucose levels to rise. Any treats given should also be given at the same time every day. Look for ones that are high in fibre as well as low in fat and sugar, if possible. You can also use a couple of kibbles out of their main dog food (saved from their daily allowance) as treats, again if you give them the same time every day. Account for any treats given by reducing their daily feeding amounts slightly. Avoid treats like peanut butter or those including added sugar."

_This article contains expert commentary from Laura Crotch-Harvey, Nutrition Manager, :a[Burns Pet Nutrition]{href='https://burnspet.co.uk/?' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}._

_:a[Natalie Knowles]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/author/natalie-knowles/' } is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things cats and dogs. In her other life Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator._

Best dog food for diabetic dogs – nutritionally balanced and diet-controlled options

**_When I met a new fella, a painful problem was making things between the sheets tricky. Would I ever get doctors to listen? By Tanya Witham, 57_**

The music started and my dance partner and I began jiving enthusiastically around the floor.

I loved dancing to rock 'n’ roll music so much, I’d set up my own club.

But as I twirled around, I became aware of a feeling down below. Horrified, I realised I was leaking.

_Can anyone tell?_ I wondered. _Can I last until the end of the record without completely losing control?_

Luckily, I did — but as soon as the song ended, I told my partner: ‘Just off to the loo.’

I hurried to the ladies’, where I breathed a sigh of relief when I realised my leak wasn’t as bad as I’d feared.

But the following week, I took a spare pair of knickers with me just in case the same thing happened again.

It was a good job I did, because after one particularly lively jitterbug, I had to do a quick change, stuffing my wet undies into a plastic bag I’d put in my handbag.

Next time, I bit the bullet and wore a pad. By the end of the night it was soaked through and I knew I had to face facts — my incontinence was getting worse.

When I was 20, I’d had a son who’d weighed a hefty 10lb. Then 12 years later, my daughter had become stuck in the birth canal.

I was in labour for 20 hours until she was born, weighing 8lb 4oz.

Afterwards, I was diagnosed with a prolapsed bladder. Pelvic floor exercises helped to stem some of the leakage, but sometimes if I coughed or lifted something, a trickle would appear.

Now 17 years on from my daughter’s birth, the trickle had got a lot worse and was blighting my rock 'n’ roll evenings.

I went to the GP who recommended a pelvic mesh. It was a net-like device that would be inserted into my vagina, to give extra support to my weakened internal tissue and stop the leaks.

‘I’ll be able to dance without rushing off to the toilet,’ I told my daughter.

I had the procedure to put the mesh in place and was advised to take life easy for the next six months.

‘It’s worked,’ I said happily to my daughter after a few weeks.

I was looking forward to hoofing it up on the dancefloor without worrying.

But six months after the op, I started to feel pains in my legs and tests showed I had E. coli.

_How on earth did I catch that?_ I wondered.

I took a course of antibiotics, but once they were finished, the pain flared up again.

A cold sensation down my legs took hold and I couldn’t seem to get warm. Then sharp stabbing pains behind my knees began making me flinch too.

‘They’re like electric shocks,’ I told the GP.

Soon the pain began to affect my groin area.

‘Could it be the mesh?’ I asked doctors.

By now, when I walked, it felt as if something was pulling and cutting at the top of my legs.

Despite that, I was determined it wouldn’t stop me getting out and about.

I’d been a single mum since my daughter’s birth. But one night in a bar, I got chatting to a guy called Paul.

A few weeks later, my car sputtered to a halt and when I got out to call for help, another car pulled up beside me.

‘It’s OK,’ I said. ‘I’ve phoned a friend.’

Paul stayed with me until my friend arrived.

Soon we were going out. But trying to be intimate was agony. I felt as if something inside was stabbing me.

‘You’d be better off without me,’ I said, tearfully. ‘We can’t be a proper couple.’

Paul wrapped me in his arms and said: ‘I’m here for you.’

‘I don’t want to be like this any more,’ I sobbed.

Convinced my problems were caused by the mesh, I did some research and discovered there were hundreds of women suffering severe pain like me.

‘Just take this thing out of me,’ I begged doctors.

But they seemed reluctant, so I went for a private consultation and was referred back to the NHS for surgery.

Nearly seven years after the mesh had been inserted, it was removed.

‘We’ve got it all,’ said the surgeon.

I saw a photo and was horrified. My flesh had grown through the mesh.

And four months later, a little scared, Paul and I finally became a proper couple.

I’m much better now, but I still feel so angry for the many other women who have suffered such agony because of the pelvic mesh.

But I’m glad that my dancing days will soon be back.

No nookie here! Every time we tried, I felt a stabbing pain

**_Kei was feeling low, then someone special hopped into her heart_**_..._

Huddled together, a litter of fur babies lay before me.

As I leant over to take a closer look, I noticed there was something else moving too…

‘Urgh!’ I gasped, clocking the fleas that were bouncing off the small creatures.

My boyfriend, Josh, picked up one of the baby rabbits.

He was just three weeks old and my heart melted at the sight of him.

‘We've got to get him away from here,’ I whispered.

We'd made a five-hour car journey to a rabbit meat farm to find a pet.

Josh had had a pet rabbit for 16 years previously and fancied another one.

‘At least we won’t have to walk it like a dog,’ he laughed.

And I liked the idea of having a bunny to stroke.

I was depressed because I'd lost the two restaurants I owned during the pandemic, and I knew just how powerful an impact animals could have on mental health.

‘We’ll take him,’ I said firmly, determined to save him from becoming the filling in a pie.

The bunny was a Flemish Giant breed, and he would grow to a massive size.

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