Diabetes mellitus in Dogs

Scroll down for links to online resources, videos, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Coven showing off her Freestyle Libre blood glucose monitor. It is about the size of a silver dollar.

Quick Tips

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• Dogs generally have what in human medicine is called Type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes. 
• Many of the oral diabetes medications that people take are toxic to dogs or only used for treatment of Type 2 diabetes.
• The goal of treatment is to avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), maintain normal body weight, and reduce excessive thirst and urination by keeping the blood glucose below the renal threshold (the point at which glucose "spills over" into the urine).
• Never adjust insulin dose based on a urine glucose strip.
• "Spot checks" for blood glucose only show what is happening at that moment and can help to determine if your dog's glucose is too low.  A glucose curve is needed to properly adjust the dose. 
• Keep corn syrup (e.g. Karo) on hand in case you suspect a hypoglycemic event.  (Yes, maple syrup is fine, but more liquid and messy.)
• Monitor your dog's 24 hour water intake and report it to your veterinarian if it exceeds about 1 cup for every 5 pounds of body weight. 

More Resources for Dogs

• Royal Veterinary College pet diabetes management app (Android or Apple​)
• American Association of Feline Practitioners catfriendly.com has specific Diabetes information
• Freestyle Libre wearable blood glucose monitor information
• VetPen, an alternative to syringes for insulin injection
• ​How to dispose of syringes, needles, and lancets in New Hampshire
• Video demonstrations of giving insulin injections and testing your dog's blood glucose are below

Coven with a coat to keep her wearable glucose monitor clean and in place.