FAQ: can you check a dog’s blood sugar at home?

Testing your diabetic pet’s blood glucose at home is easy and accurate with AlphaTRAK 2. Using the lancing device is virtually painless for your pet. With a little practice, performing a blood glucose test will fit easily into your daily routine.

Can you check a dog’s blood sugar with a human meter?

Can you use a human glucose meter for dogs? No, a human glucose meter should not be used for dogs. They will not provide an accurate reading for a dog because the way blood sugar is stored is quite different between humans and dogs.

How can I test my dog’s blood sugar at home?

How to test your dog’s blood glucose at home – YouTube

What is normal blood sugar for a dog?

In the clinically normal dog, glucose concentration is maintained within a narrow range (3.3 mmol/L to 6.2 mmol/L or 60 mg/dL to 111 mg/dL) (2). Hypoglycemia in dogs is defined by a blood glucose level of ≤ 3.3 mmol/L (≤ 60 mg/dL) (1,4,6–8).

How does a dog act with low blood sugar?

Signs of hypoglycemia are loss of appetite, extreme lethargy, lack of coordination, trembling, muscle twitching, weakness, seizures, and discoloration of skin and gums. Most dogs will not eat or drink when they are in low sugar shock.

What is the difference between a human glucose meter and a dog glucose meter?

For these reasons, the glucose readings from a human blood glucose meter and one created specifically for animals are going to be different. Meters made for humans are calibrated for human plasma, therefore providing accurate results, while meters made for cats and dogs are calibrated for pet plasma.

What can diabetic dogs snack on?

Treats between meals are OK, but not necessary, it may be best to just stick with meals and no treats. Avoid snacks that list syrup, molasses, fructose, dextrose, or maltose on the ingredients label. Homemade dehydrated meats, carrots, snap peas, and even canned pumpkin are good options.

How much does it cost to test a dog for diabetes?

A non-routine appointment to diagnose dog diabetes can run from $225-500, including necessary blood tests. The veterinarian will diagnose whether your pup has type 1 diabetes (which is more common in canines) or type 2, the severity of the condition, and then prescribe the proper level of insulin therapy.

Where do you draw blood for glucose test on a dog?

In dogs, the best samples are often collected from the inside of the ear pinna rather than the outside.

How does a dog act with high blood sugar?

The only sign of high blood glucose is increased thirst. Other signs are associated with the underlying disease process, such as weight loss in cases of hyperthyroidism in cats, or panting in dogs with Cushing’s disease.


What happens when a dog’s blood sugar is too high?

Because of the excessively elevated glucose level, even more urine will be made and the dog will become dehydrated due to the loss of fluid. This combination of very high blood sugar and dehydration will eventually affect the brain’s ability to function normally, leading to depression, seizures and coma.

What are symptoms of high blood sugar in dogs?

Symptoms and Types

  • Increased thirst (polydipsia)
  • Increased urination (polyuria)
  • Depression.
  • Weight loss.
  • Obesity.
  • Excessive hunger.
  • Dehydration.
  • Cataract.

How can I raise my dog’s blood sugar quickly?

A highly concentrated sugar source like Karo syrup, pancake syrup or honey can work. Just be sure your puppy is still able to swallow before giving about a teaspoonful of the sugar source. If the dog is very groggy, offer a bit of water first. You can use a syringe if the dog doesn’t lap up the sugar water.

Can I give my puppy sugar water?

Can you give a puppy sugar water? As the liver isn’t fully developed, this condition is more common in puppies than adult dogs. Symptoms can include weakness, sleepiness, trembling or wobbly, and seizures. Feeding your puppy sugar water or a sugar syrup such as honey can be an effective treatment.

How much Karo syrup do you give a diabetic dog?

They include administering Karo syrup, cake icing, honey, fruit juices, colas, vanilla ice cream or Gatorade. About 1 teaspoon of these ‘quick sugars can be given to small dogs, 2-3 teaspoons for medium dogs, and 2 Tablespoons for larger breeds.

When should I test my dog’s blood sugar?

Determining the level of glucose in the blood is the most accurate means of monitoring. This should be done about every 1 to 3 months (based on what your veterinarian recommends) if your dog seems well regulated.

How do you use a pet glucometer?

Demonstration: Pet Gluco Veterinary Glucose Meter by Links Medical

Are eggs good for diabetic dogs?

Yes, eggs are good for a diabetic dog because they are a good protein source and won’t cause a rise in blood sugar levels. A healthy, nutritious and balanced diet is one of the keys to overall health.

Is peanut butter good for diabetic dogs?

Some dogs love peanut butter, and a good quality peanut butter, in moderation, shouldn’t pose a risk to your diabetic dog. But you do need to be very careful when choosing a brand. What is this? Many peanuts butters contain a lot of added sugar and fat, which can destabilize your dog’s blood glucose levels.

Is Chicken OK for diabetic dogs?

What to Feed a Diabetic Dog. Include high-quality protein from lean meats and fish in your dog’s diet. Lamb, beef, chicken, turkey, and many types of fish are all good protein sources. You can also add eggs to your pet’s diet and some dairy products, like low-fat cottage cheese.

What are 3 symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes?

The three most common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes include increased thirst, increased urination, and increased hunger. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that happens when blood sugar (glucose) is too high (hyperglycemia).

What are the first signs of diabetes in a dog?

What are the signs of diabetes in pets?

  • Excessive water drinking and increased urination.
  • Weight loss, even though there may be an increased appetite.
  • Decreased appetite.
  • Cloudy eyes (especially in dogs)
  • Chronic or recurring infections (including skin infections and urinary infections)

What happens to a dog with untreated diabetes?

If left untreated, the condition can lead to cataracts, increasing weakness in the legs (neuropathy), malnutrition, ketoacidosis, dehydration, and death. Diabetes mainly affects middle-age and older dogs, but there are juvenile cases.

How long can a dog live with high blood sugar?

Life Expectancy for Dogs With Diabetes

If you are able to give your dog insulin, diabetes may not affect life expectancy. “If they live past the first three months, they do really well. Excluding dogs that don’t make it through those first few months, the median survival is two years,” Dr. Behrend says.

Do diabetic dogs sleep a lot?

Diabetes takes a lot of vital energy from your dog. Your dog may seem more lethargic and sleep much longer than normal. Other symptoms of diabetes in dogs are weight loss, decreased appetite, and vomiting. … With early prevention and treatment, most dogs can live a relatively normal life.

Do diabetic dogs drink more water?

Diabetes Mellitus

Excess sugar in the blood is excreted by the kidneys into the urine and drags water along with it. In this case, excessive urination can cause excessive thirst in dogs.

Should I limit my diabetic dogs water?

Please know that Diabetic Dogs are prone to UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections). This happens because when BG (Blood Glucose) goes above 180, the sugar will spill into their urine. … This is yet another reason to not withhold water from your pup. They need to continually flush their system when their numbers are too high.

Can you reverse diabetes in dogs?

Unfortunately diabetes is not curable in dogs, and the vast majority of diabetic dogs require insulin injections for life once diagnosed.

Is honey OK for dogs?

Honey is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. It contains natural sugars and small amounts of vitamins and minerals, and is used as a sweetener in many foods and beverages. … Raw honey should not be fed to puppies or dogs with compromised immune systems, as it may contain the presence of botulism spores.

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