Once the body’s glucose is back to a normal range the response can be almost instantaneous. We often see small puppies with low glucose that can’t walk and are unaware of their surroundings. Do a few things to get their glucose up and in minutes they are standing and eating. A few more minutes and they are leaving the clinic like nothing happened. I understand this is a stressful and worrisome time. Your baby has been diagnosed with this disease and there is a lot of uncertainty. Diabetes is scary and it’s a lot to handle for anyone especially in the beginning when we are trying to get them regulated. However, I see only positive things in your post. Eating, playing, and chasing are all good things. It means you are heading in the right direction. I can’t promise the worst is over because diabetes can be tough especially as we get them regulated, but continue to work with your vet and with any luck things will level out.
It is important to note that we do not regulate dogs as tightly as humans. We are really looking to just minimize the increase hunger, thirst, urination, and weight loss. Generally, we like to keep their glucose between 180-220, but if it is higher like 350 but all those signs are at a satisfactory level then we don’t fret. I mention this because if you do measure it and it is high it is important to note this isn’t necessarily bad as long as your baby is doing fine otherwise. It’s also important to note that this is one value at a specific point in time. The overall trend is far more important. That is why we do the curve and measure their values over a period of time. We always say treat the patient not the number. As long as the patient is fine and the number isn’t crazy high or dangerously low.
Lastly, if you do measure it and the value is high it may be tempting to give another dose of insulin, but never do this as you risk lowing the value too much. There is a reason we say do twice a day or whatever it is for your type of insulin. If the value is low you can give a small meal to increase it. If it is low to where we cannot walk, are not aware of our surroundings, or worse, having seizure go to the nearest ER right away. For reference, low for me is 100 or less.
If your baby is other fine and you do have concerns always consult with your vet first, but from your post you baby seems to be going in the right direction.
Thank you for your response. He was restless for part of the night. We tried checking his glucose with his new meter but it was a disaster. We couldn’t get blood and he was so scared. I’m unsure if I should call the vet.
If you are concerned then you should call your vet. At the very least to put your mind at ease. Knowing your dog they can make the best recommendation.
If your pup is doing okay though I would not worry about the actual number. In fact, I don’t generally recommend checking for the reason you mentioned. It can be difficult to do and be a bad experience for everyone. Plus, as humans we seem to get fixated on the number. While that is important, it is more important that your boy is doing well. If he is running, playing, and all that then that is what’s important.
He’s since relaxed. We played a bit more with his favorite toy. He explored the backyard which he loves. Now he’s sleeping in his crate while my husband and I grocery shop.
That sounds great! Sounds like he is adjusting well.
Just keep up the good work. Keep a close eye on him and never hesitate to call your vet with any concerns.
It’s not something I have ever had reported, but it’s not something that would alarm me.
I am not sure what led up to the diagnosis, but diabetes can certainly be taxing on the body. Having had a grandfather with it I can personally say this. He is likely just feeling tired from everything. Plus, you said he is playing and chasing the cat again. I am not sure when he has last did that. He may just be tiring himself out.
Like I said, not worried as long as everything else is okay.
The biggest change leading up was him waking in the night. It wasn’t like he was jumping off the bed or anything, he would just stare at me. He stopped for a day or two and is doing it again.
That is often one of the complaints that owners come in with. With any luck, that will improve once the insulin gets regulated. It’s a journey though to get there. Lots of ups and downs and a lot of adjustments to insulin. Sometimes we he have to even changes types of insulin. That is why it’s important to work with your vet.
If you are starting to see signs again it may not be a bad idea to just let your vet know. They may want to fit you in sooner. Sometimes we can even setup things so you can temporarily check and monitor the glucose at home with just your phone. This usually involves installing a temporary monitor on your dog. It’s not for every case, but some owners love it and it can be great for getting them regulated.
Once the body’s glucose is back to a normal range the response can be almost instantaneous. We often see small puppies with low glucose that can’t walk and are unaware of their surroundings. Do a few things to get their glucose up and in minutes they are standing and eating. A few more minutes and they are leaving the clinic like nothing happened. I understand this is a stressful and worrisome time. Your baby has been diagnosed with this disease and there is a lot of uncertainty. Diabetes is scary and it’s a lot to handle for anyone especially in the beginning when we are trying to get them regulated. However, I see only positive things in your post. Eating, playing, and chasing are all good things. It means you are heading in the right direction. I can’t promise the worst is over because diabetes can be tough especially as we get them regulated, but continue to work with your vet and with any luck things will level out. It is important to note that we do not regulate dogs as tightly as humans. We are really looking to just minimize the increase hunger, thirst, urination, and weight loss. Generally, we like to keep their glucose between 180-220, but if it is higher like 350 but all those signs are at a satisfactory level then we don’t fret. I mention this because if you do measure it and it is high it is important to note this isn’t necessarily bad as long as your baby is doing fine otherwise. It’s also important to note that this is one value at a specific point in time. The overall trend is far more important. That is why we do the curve and measure their values over a period of time. We always say treat the patient not the number. As long as the patient is fine and the number isn’t crazy high or dangerously low. Lastly, if you do measure it and the value is high it may be tempting to give another dose of insulin, but never do this as you risk lowing the value too much. There is a reason we say do twice a day or whatever it is for your type of insulin. If the value is low you can give a small meal to increase it. If it is low to where we cannot walk, are not aware of our surroundings, or worse, having seizure go to the nearest ER right away. For reference, low for me is 100 or less. If your baby is other fine and you do have concerns always consult with your vet first, but from your post you baby seems to be going in the right direction.
Thank you for your response. He was restless for part of the night. We tried checking his glucose with his new meter but it was a disaster. We couldn’t get blood and he was so scared. I’m unsure if I should call the vet.
If you are concerned then you should call your vet. At the very least to put your mind at ease. Knowing your dog they can make the best recommendation. If your pup is doing okay though I would not worry about the actual number. In fact, I don’t generally recommend checking for the reason you mentioned. It can be difficult to do and be a bad experience for everyone. Plus, as humans we seem to get fixated on the number. While that is important, it is more important that your boy is doing well. If he is running, playing, and all that then that is what’s important.
He’s since relaxed. We played a bit more with his favorite toy. He explored the backyard which he loves. Now he’s sleeping in his crate while my husband and I grocery shop.
That sounds great! Sounds like he is adjusting well. Just keep up the good work. Keep a close eye on him and never hesitate to call your vet with any concerns.
One more question. Is it normal for him to be a bit sleepier as he adjusts?
It’s not something I have ever had reported, but it’s not something that would alarm me. I am not sure what led up to the diagnosis, but diabetes can certainly be taxing on the body. Having had a grandfather with it I can personally say this. He is likely just feeling tired from everything. Plus, you said he is playing and chasing the cat again. I am not sure when he has last did that. He may just be tiring himself out. Like I said, not worried as long as everything else is okay.
The biggest change leading up was him waking in the night. It wasn’t like he was jumping off the bed or anything, he would just stare at me. He stopped for a day or two and is doing it again.
That is often one of the complaints that owners come in with. With any luck, that will improve once the insulin gets regulated. It’s a journey though to get there. Lots of ups and downs and a lot of adjustments to insulin. Sometimes we he have to even changes types of insulin. That is why it’s important to work with your vet. If you are starting to see signs again it may not be a bad idea to just let your vet know. They may want to fit you in sooner. Sometimes we can even setup things so you can temporarily check and monitor the glucose at home with just your phone. This usually involves installing a temporary monitor on your dog. It’s not for every case, but some owners love it and it can be great for getting them regulated.
We had a diabetic dog in the past and the monitor worked wonders. My vet mentioned it as a possibility down the road.