How to run a glucose curve at home for your diabetic dog

If you’re like us, you will want to run glucose curves at home. It can give more accurate results as our dogs are relaxed and in their usual environment. Our diabetic dog Parker can be anxious at times, so it makes a difference.

And it saves money. Having a diabetic dog can be costly, so finding safe, home-grown solutions is a good way to reduce vet bills.

It’s not difficult to run a curve, but you need the right equipment, the wherewithal to test your dog, and a patient pet who doesn’t mind all the poking across a 24-hour period.

What you will need

Based on our experience, you’ll need:

Pet-specific glucometer like the PetTest or AlphaTrak
Test strips designed for the glucometer
Lancet device; we like the PetTest Genteel
Something to warm the test area, like a home-made rice sock or rechargeable hand/glove warmer
Treats (low-carb, vet-approved) for praise and comfort
A log sheet or app for recording times and results

Follow your normal routine

Feed your dog their usual meal at the regular time, and give their insulin as prescribed. Consistency is key.‍

Take the first reading

Test your dog’s blood sugar right before the meal and insulin. This is your baseline “pre-insulin” reading.‍

Test every 2 hours

After the insulin injection, check the glucose at regular intervals. If you’re working with your vet, they will specify. If not, we typically do a test every two hours. Watch for sudden drops — if blood sugar falls too low, contact your vet immediately.

Record Everything

Note the time, glucose value, and any observations (energy level, appetite, unusual behaviour).

Share with your vet

Once the curve is complete, send your records to your vet. They will review the pattern and advise if adjustments are needed. You can also share with a canine diabetes facebook group.

Track your diabetic dog's blood sugar every two hours for 12 hours.

‍Tips for success

Stay calm — your dog can sense your emotions
Offer gentle praise or a tiny treat after each test
Warm the ear or sampling site to improve blood flow
Never adjust insulin dose without vet guidance

You're made to measure

A glucose curve is one of the best tools for managing canine diabetes. By tracking blood sugar levels through the day, you and your vet can keep your dog safe, comfortable, and healthy. With practice, home glucose curves become routine — and your diabetic dog will benefit from a life that’s stable, happy, and full of tail wags.

Parker, our diabetic dog, working on a laptop

We’re a couple of pet owners who’ve learned firsthand what it takes to care for a diabetic dog. When our own dog, Parker, was diagnosed, we were overwhelmed, so we built this site to make things a little clearer for others starting out. Everything here is designed to help you understand, plan, and feel more confident managing your dog’s diabetes.

Our story