📊 Monitoring Glucose in Diabetic Dogs and Cats – A 2025 Vet’s Guide to Home and Hospital Care

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

🧪 Why Monitoring Matters

Finding the right insulin dose for your pet requires regular monitoring. Whether using high-tech sensors or traditional glucometers, monitoring glucose helps prevent low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and keeps diabetes in check. 🐾💉

🏡 Home Monitoring Options

1. 📲 FreeStyle Libre (Continuous Monitoring)

The FreeStyle Libre is a human device easily adapted for dogs and cats. A small round sensor is attached to shaved skin (often the shoulder), reading tissue glucose every few minutes. Owners can scan the device with a phone or reader. 📶

Benefits:

• ✔️ No blood collection required
• 🏡 No vet visits for glucose curves
• 📅 Tracks multiple days of data

Limitations:

• 🚫 Some pets pull off the device early
• 📉 Subcutaneous readings may lag behind blood glucose by ~15 minutes
• 🔗 Only one device can pair per sensor

⚠️ Most pets won’t tolerate the full 14 days; sweaters or T-shirts can help protect the sensor.

2. 💉 Glucometer + Lancets (Spot Checks & Curves)

This traditional method involves pricking the ear or paw with a lancet and testing a drop of blood with a veterinary glucometer. 🩸

Benefits:

• 📈 Allows spot checks at any time
• 🛠️ No need for implanted devices

Challenges:

• 🩺 Requires blood sampling skill and cooperation from your pet
• 📋 Owners must manually record glucose values and feeding times

3. 💧 Urine Ketone Monitoring

Use Ketostix (available at drugstores) to monitor ketones in urine—an early warning for diabetic ketoacidosis. This is especially important if your pet seems unwell or stops eating. 🧪

Three consecutive days of positive results = call your vet. 🔴

🚻 Collecting Urine at Home:

• 🐕 For male dogs: use a cup or a “grabber” tool during walks
• 🐕 For female dogs: slip a paper plate under them while urinating
• 🐈 For cats: use cellophane in the litter box or minimal litter

🏥 In-Clinic Monitoring

1. 🧪 Fructosamine Test

This blood test gives an average glucose level over 2 weeks. It’s helpful if at-home curves aren’t possible, though it can’t detect highs/lows within that window. 📉

2. 📈 Hospital Glucose Curve

• 🏥 Pet stays at the clinic all day
• 🕗 Blood samples taken every 2 hours
• 🍽️ Some vets ask you to feed at home first; others feed at the clinic

This is needed after insulin dose changes or if home monitoring isn’t possible. 🎯

📓 Creating a Glucose Curve at Home

• 🕣 Test glucose before food/insulin
• ⏱️ Measure every 2 hours throughout the day
• 📝 Record insulin doses, meals, activity
• 📤 Share with your vet for interpretation

📌 Extra Notes

• ❌ Urine glucose testing is outdated and confusing. Stick to blood glucose and ketone strips.
• ✅ Clean teeth and monitor for infection, as diabetic pets are prone to urinary and oral infections.

📲 Ask A Vet for Glucose Support

Need help reading curves or deciding on a monitor? Get real-time support from a vet with the Ask A Vet App. 🐶📱🐱

Upload glucose logs, ask about equipment, and get treatment updates at AskAVet.com. We’re here to help. 🩺

✅ Summary: Monitoring Methods at a Glance

💬 Final Words from Dr Duncan Houston

Monitoring your pet’s blood glucose doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right combination of home tools and vet visits, you’ll be able to keep diabetes under control and help your dog or cat live their best life. 🐾❤️

Need help choosing a monitor or building a glucose curve schedule? Download the Ask A Vet App or visit AskAVet.com for tailored support. 🩺🐶🐱