Prevention
There is no specific method for preventing DKA, but careful treatment and monitoring of diabetic dogs is essential. Recognition of the common signs of diabetes mellitus in a dog--increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, and weight loss--also is important so the diagnosis of uncomplicated diabetes mellitus can be made, and appropriate treatment can be started before DKA develops. The feeding of high fat foods, which can trigger pancreatitis and then lead to DKA, should be avoided. In diabetic dogs, steroids such as prednisone should be used very carefully, if at all, because of the risk of insulin resistance and the frequent association of steroid administration with the development of DKA.