Oct 14, 2026

Help! My Dog is Still Itchy! | Ask Dr. Joi

By |2026-10-15T09:02:21-04:00Updated: October 14th, 2026|Pet Care, Pet Newsletter|34 Comments

Key Takeaways

  • Persistent itching despite allergy medication may signal a secondary bacterial or yeast infection, parasites, or another underlying cause that needs veterinary evaluation.
  • Managing canine allergies often requires a combination of treatments, including itch control, bathing, parasite prevention, and treatment of secondary infections.
  • If your dog’s itching is severe, worsening, or causing significant distress, contact […]
Oct 14, 2026

Timing is Everything

By |2026-10-16T08:51:05-04:00Updated: October 14th, 2026|Pet Care, Pet Diabetes, Pet Newsletter|582 Comments

A friend recently told me that she always comes up with the perfect comeback. Her problem is that she thinks of it 20 minutes too late. Yep, sometimes timing is everything. When it comes to diabetes care of our pets, timing can make the difference between a well regulated diabetic pet and a "mostly" regulated diabetic pet.

Aug 24, 2026

What Is The Best Food To Feed A Diabetic Dog?

By |2026-09-04T08:30:56-04:00Updated: August 24th, 2026|Pet Care, Pet Diabetes, Pet Diet & Nutrition, Pet Newsletter|0 Comments

Key Takeaways

  • The best diet for a diabetic dog depends on its overall health, including weight, kidney function, history of pancreatitis, and food allergies.
  • Complex carbohydrates and fiber help support healthy blood sugar levels in diabetic dogs, unlike the low-carb diets often recommended for diabetic cats.
  • Consistent meal timing is essential. Feed your dog at the same time as […]
Aug 24, 2026

Pet Treats, Pet Insulin Injection Timing and Dr. Joi’s Thoughts

By |2026-08-24T14:31:00-04:00Updated: August 24th, 2026|Pet Care, Pet Diabetes, Pet Diet & Nutrition, Pet Newsletter|6 Comments

Key Takeaways

  • Consistency matters, but occasional insulin delays are usually manageable. Work with your veterinarian to adjust dosing if an injection is significantly early or late.
  • Treat recommendations differ for dogs and cats. Diabetic cats benefit from low-carb treats, while diabetic dogs do well with low-fat treats containing complex carbohydrates.
  • Offer treats around mealtime so insulin […]
Aug 24, 2026

Low Carb Diet for Diabetic Cats | Ask Dr. Joi

By |2026-08-24T14:24:52-04:00Updated: August 24th, 2026|Pet Care, Pet Diabetes, Pet Diet & Nutrition, Pet Newsletter|2 Comments

Key Takeaways

  • Low-carb canned diets may improve blood sugar control and can even lead to diabetic remission in some cats, but insulin doses often need adjustment.
  • Aim for canned foods with less than 10% carbohydrates, and work with your veterinarian before making any dietary or insulin changes.
  • Consider your cat’s overall health, especially kidney disease, since […]
May 13, 2026

Best Ways to Combat Heat with a Diabetic Pet

By |2026-05-13T13:12:45-04:00Updated: May 13th, 2026|Pet Care, Pet Newsletter|2 Comments

Key Takeaways

  • Diabetic pets are at greater risk of dehydration, especially when blood glucose levels are high.
  • Provide multiple water sources and avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day.
  • Regulating blood glucose can help reduce dehydration risks in diabetic dogs and cats.

Why Heat Safety Matters for Pets

I live in South Florida. Perhaps the general […]

Apr 7, 2026

Tips & Tricks For Collecting The Perfect Blood Sample From Your Pet

By |2026-04-14T08:30:13-04:00Updated: April 7th, 2026|Pet Care, Pet Diabetes, Pet Newsletter|27 Comments

As a veterinarian, I have a strong preference for my clients with diabetic pets to run their blood glucose curves at home. It is less stressful for the pet at home than to be kenneled in a vet clinic for the day. Anxiety in the clinic can falsely elevate the blood glucose, a phenomenon known as "stress hyperglycemia".

Jan 14, 2026

Giving a Pet Insulin Injection and Missing | Ask Dr. Joi

By |2026-01-19T09:41:51-05:00Updated: January 14th, 2026|Pet Care, Pet Diabetes, Pet Newsletter|133 Comments

I get some great questions from clients. They inspire me with article ideas and keep me in tune with diabetic pet owners. I enjoy interacting with our readers, and sometimes the questions are worthy of a newsletter. I bet if one person has this question and takes the time to write me, there are likely lots of folks with a similar question. Todays question is about grabbing too much skin during an pet insulin injection.

Jan 14, 2026

What Should I Feed My Diabetic Pet? | Ask Dr. Joi

By |2026-09-04T09:15:17-04:00Updated: January 14th, 2026|Pet Care, Pet Diabetes, Pet Diet & Nutrition, Pet Newsletter|6 Comments

Key Takeaways

  • There is no single “perfect” food for diabetic pets, but diets should be tailored by species, favoring complex carbohydrates for dogs and lower-carb options for cats.
  • Most diabetic dogs and cats benefit from low-fat diets, especially if pancreatitis is a concern, with fat content typically kept under 10%.
  • Consistency matters as much as food […]
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