Your dog was just diagnosed diabetic.
Now what?

You’re probably being bombarded with a lot of technical information and wondering what the future holds for you and your dog. Let’s focus on the immediate situation, what you need, and what you need to do.

What to expect

We don’t want to sugar coat this; the first few months with your diabetic dog can be the most challenging. Your dog’s health and needs have instantly changed, and you may have to do things that can be new, uncomfortable or even scary.

Yes, it's scary

It gets easier

You’re not alone

We can tell you from experience that it gets easier. Before our 12-year old border terrier Parker became diabetic, we had never drawn blood or injected a needle. The idea of doing those things made us anxious and squeamish.

Today, testing Parker’s blood glucose and injecting him with insulin is as second nature as flossing and brushing in the morning. And it takes about as long, too.

You will get to that place. There’s a lot of help and support to tap into. There are at least 165,000⁽¹⁾ diabetic dogs in the US and Canada, so know that you're not alone.

1. Stem Cells Translational Medicine - Concise Review: Canine Diabetes Mellitus as a Translational Model for Innovative Regenerative Medicine Approaches - Moshref et al. 2019

DIABETES

means

NOT ENOUGH
INSULIN

(you'll give it instead)

Your twice-daily routine

Once you get into a rhythm, caring for your diabetic dog becomes second nature. Most dogs do best on a consistent morning and evening routine — about 12 hours apart — following the same steps each time.

TEST

Check your dog’s blood glucose before meals (or as advised by your vet). A simple ear- or paw-prick test helps you see if it’s safe to give insulin.

FEED

Give the same measured food at the same times every day. Consistency in what and when your dog eats keeps blood sugar steady and helps insulin work as expected.

INJECT

Give insulin right after eating, using the dose prescribed by your vet. Rotate injection spots, stay calm, and reward your dog with praise or a treat.

You have a new role in your dog’s life

You’ve just become your dog’s daily health partner. It might feel like a lot right now, but you’ll quickly learn the rhythm of testing, feeding, and giving insulin — and your dog will start to feel better because of you. A few simple habits will help you both succeed.

Stick to a routine

Your dog’s body runs best on a steady rhythm. Aim for insulin doses about 12 hours apart — at the same times every morning and evening.

A little flexibility (an hour either way) is fine, but consistency helps keep blood sugar stable and your dog feeling good.

An illustration of a 12hr cycle for insulin giving

Watch for highs and lows

Keep an eye on your dog’s patterns.

Highs: lots of peeing or thirst.

Lows: wobbling or weakness. Rub a little honey on their gums and call your vet.

A chart that shows what to look for with blood glucose highs and lows

Write things down

Keep a simple log of tests, meals, and insulin doses. It helps you and your vet spot patterns and make safe dose changes.

If more than one person helps, notes keep everyone on the same 12-hour schedule.

An example of the type of records a parent of a diabetic dog should keep

Work with your vet

Your vet is your partner in keeping your dog healthy. They’ll help you:

Set the starting dose and adjust it safely over time
Understand highs and lows and what to do if they happen
Review your records to spot trends or needed changes
Watch for health shifts that might affect insulin needs

It’s a lot to take in at first, but soon this new routine will feel natural. Your care makes a world of difference — and your dog can live a long, happy life with diabetes.

Pick up your supplies

You don’t need much to get started — just the everyday tools that help you test, feed, and give insulin safely. Your vet can guide you on what to buy first and what can wait until you’re settled into a routine.

Insulin and syringes

Blood glucose monitor and test strips

Low-fat food and protein treats

Food scale for measuring meals

Honey or corn syrup for lows

Notebook or app to log tests and doses

You've got this

The first few days are the hardest — every new habit feels big. But soon, testing, feeding, and giving insulin will feel routine. Most dogs bounce back quickly once treatment begins — and diabetes itself rarely shortens their lives when managed with care.