Diabetic Dog Food

Could someone explain why I need a prescription from my vet for this dog food? I can understand it for insulin and syringes but dog food?

Looking at the ingredients I don't see any weed or anything like that, I just don't understand.

I get the insulin and syringes from my vet for my little guy, very well priced, I just don't understand the dog food prices from him or the internet.

Thanks

 

So you have to buy that specific food from the vet instead of ordering it online.

 

No, not at all. First two weeks his glucose was low 500s, too high. Last week down to 465 but they mentioned I might want to go to diabetic food.

I can get whatever kind from the internet or buy from him but I need a prescription from him to buy it on the internet.... dog food.

I must have been a druggie in a past life, I can inject his shots and he sits right there.

Until 3 weeks ago I had never heard of dogs having diabetes.

 

It's not unheard of - my ex-wife had a dog with diabetes. Her dad and I were the only ones who could give him the shots without complaint so be happy you're getting the job done.

 

No, a prescription is not required for the food because it contains anything medicated. As you've noted there is no medicine in it. The requirement for a prescription ties you to purchasing the food from your vet. You can try to get it online but prescription items require the seller to contact the prescribing vet to get their permission. Many vets simply ignore those requests which forces you to buy from them. It's mostly about creating a source of revenue for the vet.

 

Pilot Dane, has it pretty much right...they want to keep you tied to purchasing it from the vet.

One other point is the vet has been accustomed to the food and knows exactly how it works with other dogs who are also diabetic.

You may be able, once your dog is stable, to figure out what the percentages of protein, carb(sugars) and other elements are of the prescription food is, and find one close or the same...or insist your vet give you a hardcopy Rx for the food, and locate an online pet pharmacy that may be able to save you a bit of money.

My thought on this is, that if you trust your vet enough to treat your dog, trust in their requirement for the food. I also unless really pressed for cash, suggest buying from them, because you're supporting a local resource, instead of some out there company.

Just my thoughts, sorry to be late in replying but my health has been a real issues these last few weeks.

 

Went to the vet Friday, still high but weight is the same.

After a lot of looking and reading reviews I thought I'd try Hill's W/D and wouldn't you know it, they sell it for the same price as Chewy's.

I was looking at Vetsulin and syringe prices and they are right in line with everywhere else.

Vet tech also said a lot of people prefer home shipping, just let us know and we'll take care of the prescription. After we get him regulated I'll probably go that route when I don't have to go there every week or two.

As far as giving shots, I found some diabetic treats he really likes so I only give them before and after the shot, he has his mind on one thing..... treat.

Hope you're feeling better, the 'Golden Years' can be a real challenge some times.

Thanks all

 

As you discovered your local vet isn't killing you with high prices. My daughter used to work the front desk at a local vet and said their pay is deplorable, even the doctors. No where near what a people doc gets. I guess it is the love of animals.

Anyway, the prescription may be their way of monitoring your dogs progress.

Mine doesn't have diabetes but still gets a prescription canned food.

Bud

 

Yeah, guy I worked with once would do just about anything for a dog including send one in for spinal surgery with a vet neurosurgeon. A people neurosurgeon can clear seven figures a year easily but this guy couldn't even afford to buy the smaller, dog-sized tools. The surgery was $600 but on a human would probably have been mid five-figures.

 

No, not gouging at all but when you add it all up, insulin, syringes and gold plated test strips it is a few bucks.

Then after reading around 75% of dogs with diabetes go blind in 18 months, some in weeks. More asking and surgery and drops for both eyes is $4k or so. That would smart but I'd do it, he is only 9 years old.

The ex tells me this vet takes care of his employees including paying all their medical insurance so they tend to stick around. Even though it's an hours drive to get there I'd don't mind, very nice bunch of people.

 

I think it's all a matter of location and the particular practice. Not speaking of the vet techs or front desk help but my daughter is a vet in Pennsylvania, and she is paid very well (she also works long hours and very hard). She see's people from all degrees of income. If the client can afford it they charge a high price. If the client is poor, very often she will donate here services. Vet cost tend to be on the high side over all. They have all the same responsibilities and (more, depending on how you look at it) as humane doctors except for the HIPPA requirements. But generally speaking vets make out very well.

 

There you have it. I must have asked my dog a hundred times why he is drinking all that water.... he wouldn't say a word.