Diabetic Alert Dogs, also referred to as DADs, are trained to smell the compounds that are released from someone's body when blood sugar is high or low. Because of this, Diabetic Alert Dogs are able to alert their owners of dangerous levels of blood sugar before they become symptomatic.

Can my dog tell when my blood sugar is high?

Pups have the uncanny ability to detect changes in human physiology with their noses and blood sugar spikes and drops are areas of their smelling expertise. In fact, dogs are so talented, they're even trained to help alert people with diabetes before their blood sugar crashes.

Can dogs smell if you have high blood sugar?

Identifying the compound could lead to its use in technologies, such as a breathalyzer, to monitor blood sugar on the breath of people with diabetes, just like a dog does. “Humans aren't sensitive to the presence of isoprene, but dogs, with their incredible sense of smell, find it easy to identify,” Evans said.

How accurate are diabetic alert dogs?

The dogs in that study detected low blood sugar events 36% of the time. They also had false positives.

How to train a dog to alert for high blood sugar?

This can be done by getting a sample of the saliva when the diabetics blood levels are high/low. You put the sample into a zip lock bag and freeze it for future use. To train your dog to detect it, put the scent sample into a porous container and get your dog to sniff it. Once it sniffs it, reward with a treat!

How dogs can sniff out diabetes

How can I lower my dogs blood sugar quickly?

Short-acting insulin is given to bring the blood sugar level down quickly. Many patients with diabetic ketoacidosis also have very low levels of potassium, so potassium supplementation is provided.

What breeds are best for diabetic alert dogs?

Many breeds can excel at being Diabetic Alert Dogs! While the breed is not the most important factor, certain breeds are more likely to succeed than other. The most successful breeds for any type of service work are: Golden Retrievers, Poodles, Labrador Retrievers, and Collies.

How long does it take to train a dog to be a diabetic alert dog?

Our average DAD undergoes about 1600 hours of structured training between our facility, and the training you will be doing at home. They usually complete their intensive training around 2 years of age.

Does insurance cover diabetic alert dogs?

Medicare, Medicaid, and private medical insurance do not typically cover the cost of diabetic alert dogs. Yet you may find nonprofits that provide dogs for free or at a reduced cost, as well as other organizations that require payment for the dogs' training only.

How often should I check my diabetic dog's blood sugar?

Tracking results of glucose in the blood is an easy way to know if your insulin dose is correct. Urine glucose monitoring can also help but is not as precise. To create a glucose curve, blood glucose levels are checked about every two hours over a 12-hour period, if possible.

Can untrained dogs detect diabetes?

It is not recommended to try and train any dog to do this kind of work, as it takes a highly skilled animal to provide this service with accuracy. That said, some people report that their dog sometimes alerts on blood sugar drops without ever having been trained to do so.

Do dogs lick you if you have diabetes?

Fun fact: Diabetes alert dogs lick their owners to indicate they may have low blood sugar.

What is the smell of high blood sugar?

If your breath smells like acetone -- the same fruity scent as nail polish remover -- it may be a sign of high levels of ketones (acids your liver makes) in your blood. It's a problem mainly of type 1 diabetes but also can happen with type 2 if you get a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

What is the average cost of a diabetic alert dog?

The exact cost will depend on the particular organization and training program selected. But on average—an investment in a diabetic alert dog can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000. There are non-profits that grant dogs for free and only require that you pay for your training with the dog.

Can a dog have high blood sugar and not be diabetic?

Elevated blood sugar may be temporary, stress-induced (more common in cats), or a sign of a serious underlying disease such as pancreatitis or diabetes mellitus. High blood sugar is more common in female than male dogs, and is more likely to occur in older dogs.

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

Quickly prick a clean, hairless part of the ear with a sterile lancet or hypodermic needle. A small drop of blood will appear. Collect the drop onto the glucose test strip as per instructions provided. Gently but firmly press some clean cotton or gauze onto your pet's ear until it stops bleeding.

Is a diabetic alert dog worth it?

Overall, a well-trained diabetic alert dog can make a big impact in the life of a person with Type 1 diabetes, serving as an alert system, but also a helper and companion. Many diabetic patients report healthier A1C levels after living with a DAD and more independent life.

How do I qualify for a diabetic alert dog?

General Criteria for Diabetes Assist Dog Applicants:

Must have Type 1 diabetes complicated by hypoglycemic unawareness and can provide proof of diagnosis. Must be physically and financially able to take full responsibility for the dog after certification. Must be at least 18 years old.

How expensive is treating a dog with diabetes?

Spot's data shows that the average cost of treating diabetes in dogs is $455. Early diagnosis and proper management can help control your dog's diabetes and improve their overall health and well-being.

What is the best breed for a diabetic alert dog?

Diabetes-alert dogs are mostly Labradors or golden retrievers or mixes of these breeds, but they don't have to be. If you need a dog for diabetes alert alone, and don't need any help with mobility, any size dog can do the job.

How do service dogs alert for high blood sugar?

Diabetic Alert Dogs, also referred to as DADs, are trained to smell the compounds that are released from someone's body when blood sugar is high or low. Because of this, Diabetic Alert Dogs are able to alert their owners of dangerous levels of blood sugar before they become symptomatic.

How long does it take to stabilize blood sugar in dogs?

It may take a month or more to achieve good insulin regulation. Your veterinarian will work with you to try to achieve consistent regulation, but some dogs are difficult to keep regulated. "You can easily track blood sugar (glucose) levels with a home monitoring unit such as the AlphaTrak®2, or Freestyle Libre®."

What should diabetic dogs avoid?

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.

What is a good number for a diabetic dog?

Your veterinarian can help explain the glucose curve, and how they interpret these readings based on your pet. The glucose curve helps determine: Insulin effectiveness. Maximum and minimum blood glucose levels, which should ideally be between 100 and 250 mg/dL.

What is the best schedule for a diabetic dog?

The ultimate goal is to feed your dog two similar meals a day, approximately 12 hours apart, with less than 10% of the total nutrients for the day coming from treats. Insulin is given within an hour of eating each meal and this schedule should be maintained with as much regularity as possible.

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