The rice sock; the least expensive, most low-tech item in your diabetic dog’s toolbox

If you’ve ever had to conduct a blood glucose test on your dog, you know that in the beginning it can be tricky. It was the only time in my life I wished I had a third arm as two just didn’t seem enough to hold the dog still, find the vein and gather the blood. 

No one wants to poke their dog multiple times to draw a drop of blood for a blood glucose test. It’s hard on your pet and can lead to scarring if the same spot is used over and over. 

It helps to warm the test area as that draws the blood to the surface. This is where the rice sock comes in handy.

‍What is a rice sock?

A rice sock is what it sounds like; it’s an everyday sock that has the toe area filled with rice and bound closed. You microwave it for about 25 seconds and then hold it against the area where you plan to draw blood.

We test Parker’s blood glucose on the inside of his ears. There’s almost no fur so we can see when his skin is warm and it’s easy to see the droplet of blood to draw into the test strip on his blood glucose monitor. 

‍The best and safest material for a rice sock is 100% cotton

Cotton is considered the best because it’s:

• Microwave-safe: Cotton won’t melt or spark like synthetic fabrics can.
  
• Breathable & heat-tolerant: It holds heat well and releases it gently.
  
• Durable: Stands up to repeated heating without breaking down quickly.
  

What to avoid when making a rice sock

• Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, or spandex blends — these can melt or catch fire in the microwave.
  
• Socks with metallic threads or logos — even small amounts of metal – can spark and be dangerous.
  

Some things we’ve learned  about rice socks

• Use plain white or light-colored socks to avoid dyes that could heat unevenly or cause staining.
  
• Make sure the rice sock is not too tightly packed so it stays flexible and molds easily to the dog’s ear.
  
• Always test the heat on your own skin before applying it to your dog to avoid burns.

‍How to make a rice sock

What You’ll Need:

• 1 clean 100% cotton sock (no synthetic blends, no metallic threads)
  
• 1–1.5 cups of uncooked white rice (jasmine or long grain work well)
  
• A microwave
  
• A spoon or funnel (optional, for easy filling)
  
• A rubber band, string, or just a good knot
  

Steps:

1. Fill the Sock
   Pour 1 to 1.5 cups of uncooked rice into the sock. You want the sock about ⅔ full so it stays flexible if you plan to wrap around your dog’s ear. For Parker we use ½ cup of rice as he’s a medium-small dog and we hold the sock against his inner ear.
   
2. Seal It
   Tie a tight knot at the open end of the sock. You can also use a rubber band or string if you plan to untie and reuse it. Just make sure it’s secure so rice doesn’t spill.
   
3. Microwave It
   Microwave the sock for 15–20 seconds to start. Then check the temperature by holding it against your inner wrist. It should be warm, not hot — just enough to gently increase blood flow to the ear.
   
4. Apply to Dog’s Ear
   Hold the sock gently around the base of your dog’s ear for 30 seconds to a minute before testing. This makes it easier to get a blood sample, especially in colder weather or with reluctant dogs. In summer, we only have to hold it for 10 - 15 seconds with Parker.
   
5. Reuse
   Let the rice sock cool completely between uses. Store it in a dry place, and replace it if it gets dirty, smelly, or scorched over time.
   

Safety Tips

• Never leave the sock unattended in the microwave.
  
• Don’t overheat—rice can burn or catch fire if microwaved too long.
  
• Always test the temperature before touching your diabetic dog with it.
  
• Discard immediately if the sock smells burnt or the rice turns brown. 

A step in the right direction

Making a rice sock is a simple, inexpensive way to make blood glucose testing more comfortable for your diabetic dog. It’s a small step, but it can make a big difference in building a calm, consistent testing routine and strengthening the bond between you and your diabetic dog during their care.