Elevated blood glucose can occur transiently fairly often for various reasons (diet, stress, exertion, medications). Moderately elevated glucose can indicate infections (dental, kidneys, bladder, sepsis), inflammatory conditions (pancreatitis) and hormonal imbalances (Hyperadrenocorticism).

What foods raise blood sugar in dogs?

Semi-moist dog foods: These products generally have fructose, sucrose or simple carbohydrates that can elevate blood sugar levels. Look out for sugar, corn syrup or honey on your dog's food label to make sure you aren't feeding these ingredients.

How to lower dog 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 can I give my dog for low blood sugar?

Emergency management of hypoglycemia

If the patient is at home, owners can be instructed to rub corn syrup, honey, glucose syrup, or 50% dextrose on the tissues of the mouth, lining the cheek, followed by giving the same solution by mouth once the patient can swallow; then seek immediate veterinary medical attention.

What is too high for a diabetic dog's blood sugar?

Some diabetic dogs can have a glucose level as high as 800 mg/dl, but most will be in the range of 400-600 mg/dl. To keep the body from losing vital glucose, the kidneys do not allow glucose to be filtered out of the blood stream until an excessive level is reached.

How dogs can sniff out diabetes

How does a dog act when their sugar is high?

Because of this, diabetic pets often drink more water and urinate more frequently and in larger amounts. In diabetic pets, not enough glucose gets transported into the body's cells. As a result, the cells don't have enough energy to function normally, and body tissues become starved for energy.

What can cause high blood sugar in dogs besides diabetes?

Causes of High Blood Sugar in Dogs

Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, which can damage insulin-producing cells, inhibiting the dog's ability to process sugar sufficiently. Hyperadrenocorticism: Excess levels of cortisol in the bloodstream, affecting the dog's metabolic process.

How can I lower my dog's blood sugar without insulin?

In dogs with diabetes mellitus, diets with high insoluble fiber may help stabilize blood glucose levels. Diets high in insoluble fiber may reduce the peaks of blood sugar related to eating a high-carbohydrate, low fiber diet.

How to 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. However, addressing underlying causes, as well as spaying females and treating Cushing's disease, can allow the diabetes to be more easily and successfully controlled.

What can you give a dog for high blood sugar?

Diabetic animals don't have insulin to allow cells to use glucose for sugar, so the body will break down fat and muscle for energy. By feeding your dog a diet high in protein, they can maintain their muscles and body weight better. Fiber is used to slow digestion and allow slow absorption of glucose.

What is a natural insulin substitute for dogs?

Dandelion root: Dandelions have the potential to bolster your pet's natural insulin production. The pancreas makes insulin, and dandelions are known to boost pancreas function. A routine dandelion root supplement may decrease the need for insulin medicine in diabetic pets.

Are scrambled eggs good for diabetic dogs?

And unlike many of the foods we just discussed, eggs aren't very high in sugar. This makes them less likely to impact your dog's glucose levels. When feeding your dog eggs, you should always fully cook them to reduce the risk of salmonella. It is okay if they are scrambled or boiled.

What is the lifespan of a dog with diabetes?

Dogs with diabetes tend to have an average life expectancy of only two years after diagnosis. Keep in mind that older dogs may experience worsening diabetes as they reach their senior years or experience complications due to diabetes from a related condition.

How do dogs act when their sugar is low?

Dogs with low blood sugar exhibit signs like lethargy, loss of appetite, restlessness, increased thirst and urination, shivering, and seizures.

How do you get a dog's blood sugar down?

In diabetic dogs, the main treatment for regulating blood glucose is giving insulin by injection. Dogs with diabetes mellitus typically require two daily insulin injections, as well as a dietary change.

What should you not feed a diabetic dog?

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 can be mistaken for diabetes in dogs?

Keep in mind that the symptoms of diabetes in dogs can overlap with other diseases. For example, kidney and liver disease are linked to increased urination and thirst, while hyperthyroidism and some cancers can cause increased hunger.

How does a dog act when they have diabetes?

A diabetic animal will often be more tired than usual and show an unwillingness to participate in some of its regular activities. Diabetes can cause weakness in certain muscles in an animal, and since they may suffer from malnutrition, they will spend more time sleeping and less time being active.

What is the best food to feed a diabetic dog?

When it comes to managing diabetes in dogs, it's important to provide them with a well-balanced diet that helps regulate their blood sugar levels. You should choose a food which contains lean sources of protein such as skinless chicken, turkey, lean beef or fish.

What is a dangerously high blood sugar for a dog?

The normal level of glucose in the blood is 80-120 mg/dl (4.4-6.6 mmol/L). It may rise to 250-300 mg/dl (13.6-16.5 mmol/L) following a large or high-calorie meal. However, diabetes is the only common disease that will cause the blood glucose level to rise above 400 mg/dl (22 mmol/L).

Is a dog with diabetes suffering?

Often, these dogs are losing weight but eating and may be constantly hungry. Additionally, some diabetic dogs will show other signs like vomiting, diarrhea, or rapid vision loss from cataracts in dogs. And dogs with advanced diabetes may also experience some mental confusion.

Is chicken good for diabetic dogs?

Proteins such as skinned chicken breast, very low fat boiled or pan browned minced beef or white fish can work well. Surprisingly, some supermarket chickens will contain added sugars, salt or a mix of salt and corn oil. These chickens are not suitable for your diabetic dog and should be avoided.

How to treat high blood sugar in dogs at home?

In case of diabetes, the dog owner's life-long commitment and compliance is required for proper management of the disease. These animals also require special diets containing less concentrations of sugar. High-protein, low-carbohydrate, low-fat, and high fiber diet is often recommended for these patients.

What are 3 symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes in dogs?

The four main symptoms of diabetes mellitus are increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss, and increased appetite. Glucose is a vital substance that provides much of the energy needed by cells, but it must first be absorbed by the cells. Insulin tells the body's cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream.

Why did my dog suddenly get diabetes?

There is no one single cause of diabetes in dogs and cats. In some pets, it is a genetic condition; certain breeds such as Australian terriers, Beagles, Samoyeds, and Burmese are at higher risk.

---