Testing Your Dog's Blood Sugar: Can You Use Your Own Glucose Meter?

If you're a dog owner, you may be wondering if you can use your own meter to check your dog's blood sugar levels. The short answer is yes, it is possible to use a human glucometer to check your dog's blood sugar levels. However, it is always recommended to use a veterinary model if possible, as these are designed specifically for use on animals and tend to be more accurate.

Home monitoring of blood glucose levels is an important part of managing your dog's diabetes. By regularly checking your dog's blood sugar, you can ensure that they are receiving the correct amount of insulin and that their blood sugar levels are within a healthy range. This will help to prevent long-term complications from diabetes and ensure your dog maintains a good quality of life.

How to check your dog's blood sugar with a meter

If your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes, you can monitor their blood sugar at home with a glucose meter. This will help you and your veterinarian ensure that your dog is receiving the correct amount of insulin.

Equipment/Materials Needed:

• A recommended blood glucose home monitor (veterinary-specific monitors are preferred)
• A sterile lancet or needle
• Petroleum jelly/Vaseline
• Glucose test strips
• A lancing device
• A sharps container

Steps:

• Choose a blood collection site that will work best for your dog. The lateral ear margin is the most common collection site for dogs with floppy ears, such as spaniels. Other options include the inside of the upper lip or the callus on the elbows.
• Warm the sample area by rubbing it with your fingers or applying a warm cloth. This will bring blood to the surface and make sample collection easier.
• Apply a thin film of petroleum jelly/Vaseline to the outermost quarter to half an inch of the ear flap (margin) on the haired side, directly where you will be pricking with the needle or lancet. This will cause the blood to bead on the skin surface, making it easier to collect.
• Place the needle horizontally so that the tip is touching the raised blood vessel that arcs around the margin of the ear flap, on the haired side. Do not aim the needle perpendicularly as you risk going through the ear entirely and injuring your finger.
• Prick the tip of the ear with the lancet or needle. This is a quick, superficial prick meant to draw a tiny amount of blood (one small drop). This should be absolutely painless.
• Place the glucose strip on the drop of blood, then insert the strip into the meter according to the instructions for that device.
• Place mild pressure on the ear flap directly on the site of the needle prick for 30 to 60 seconds to stop any bleeding.
• Record the glucose reading. If it is below 50 mg/dL or above 300 mg/dL, contact your veterinarian.
• Reward your dog with a diabetic-friendly treat after each blood sampling to make it a positive experience.
• Keep a diary of all blood glucose readings, including the date, time of day, and insulin administration and feeding times. Provide your veterinarian with a copy of this diary during your next visit.

Additional Information:

• It is important to monitor your dog's blood sugar regularly, especially if they are taking insulin.
• Avoid adjusting the insulin dose based on a single glucose reading. Instead, consult your veterinarian for advice.
• Your dog's diet, exercise routine, and insulin and feeding schedule should remain consistent every day to prevent false elevation or decrease in glucose levels.
• If your dog does not eat for one meal, give a half dose of insulin and check the glucose levels. If your dog does not eat for 24 hours, contact your veterinarian.
• It is advised to switch ears with each prick and change the location, as long as it is anywhere on the non-haired surface of the ear flap, preferably towards the tip.

Please note that while home blood glucose monitoring can be a powerful tool, it does not replace regular rechecks with the veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian for specific instructions and guidance on monitoring your dog's blood sugar.

What to do if your dog's blood sugar is low or high

You can check your dog's blood sugar at home using a blood glucose monitoring kit. This involves taking a blood sample from your dog's ear, elbow, or paw, and testing it with a glucometer. However, it is important to consult your veterinarian first and follow their recommendations for testing and interpreting the results.

If your dog's blood sugar is low (below 60 mg/dL), you should act quickly as this can be dangerous and even fatal if left untreated. If your dog is shivering or refusing to eat, rub a small amount of corn syrup or Nutri-Cal onto their gums and contact your veterinarian immediately. In less severe cases, oral liquid glucose may be sufficient to raise their blood sugar.

If your dog's blood sugar is high (above 300 mg/dL), this is not an immediate emergency, but you should still notify your veterinarian as it can lead to a deterioration of diabetes over time. Your veterinarian will advise you on the necessary treatment, which may include insulin injections and dietary changes.

In both cases, it is important to monitor your dog's blood sugar levels regularly and keep a diary of all readings. This will help your veterinarian make informed decisions about your dog's treatment and management of their diabetes.

Additionally, it is crucial to monitor your dog's appetite, water consumption, energy levels, and urine output, as these can be indicators of potential health issues. Any changes in these areas may signify the need for additional testing or adjustments in insulin dosage. It is important not to adjust the insulin dosage without consulting your veterinarian first.

What factors influence blood sugar levels in dogs

Several factors can influence blood sugar levels in dogs, and it is important to monitor these levels to ensure the correct amount of insulin is being administered. Here are some key factors that can impact a dog's blood sugar levels:

• Age: Young animals tend to have lower blood sugar levels, and this improves as they mature.
• Sepsis: The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream can lead to low blood sugar or hypoglycemia.
• Extreme Exercise: Intense physical activity can deplete glycogen stores, especially in lean dogs, resulting in hypoglycemia. This is commonly referred to as "hunting dog hypoglycemia."
• Xylitol Toxicity: Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum and some candies, can cause a significant insulin release in dogs, leading to hypoglycemia.
• Stress: Stress can induce high blood sugar or hyperglycemia, particularly in cats. A trip to the veterinarian can be a stressful event for pets, so it is important to consider this factor when interpreting blood glucose results.
• Acromegaly: The excessive production of growth hormones can lead to hyperglycemia.
• Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's Disease): This condition is characterised by high levels of cortisol in the bloodstream, which can impact blood sugar levels.
• Corticosteroid Use: The use of oral or topical corticosteroids can result in hyperglycemia.
• Diet: A diet high in sugar can temporarily increase blood sugar levels.
• Exertion, Excitement, or Stress: Physical or mental exertion, as well as stress, can lead to transient elevations in blood sugar levels.
• Infections: Certain infections, such as dental, kidney, bladder, or sepsis, can cause moderately elevated blood glucose levels.
• Inflammatory Conditions: Inflammatory conditions like pancreatitis can damage insulin-producing cells, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like Hyperadrenocorticism, where there are excess levels of cortisol in the bloodstream, can affect the metabolic process and blood sugar levels.

How to monitor blood sugar levels at home

If you or your pet have been diagnosed with diabetes, monitoring blood sugar levels at home can help to ensure the correct amount of insulin is being administered. It is also useful for ruling out low blood sugar related to insulin administration if the patient seems unwell.

Equipment/Materials Needed:

• A blood glucose home monitor (a veterinary-specific monitor is preferable for pets)
• A sterile lancet or needle
• Petroleum jelly/Vaseline

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Troubleshooting: Do not attempt to take a blood glucose reading when the patient is agitated or stressed. For pets, the veterinarian will indicate the times you should check the glucose levels. Sometimes, a blood glucose curve will be recommended, which involves taking several readings throughout one day.
• Restraint: You should be able to complete this procedure alone. However, if the patient is active, you may need an assistant to keep them still for a few seconds. If the patient becomes difficult to handle, stop the process and consult a veterinarian.
• Collection Site: For cats, place a cotton ball on the non-haired (inside) surface of the ear flap, holding it in place with your left thumb and forefinger if you are right-handed. This reduces the risk of needlestick injury. The process is similar for dogs, but those with thick haircoats may need to have the hair shaved from the ear flap. Other sites that can be used for dogs include the elbow callus, the side of the paw pad, or the inner lip.
• Prepare the Ear: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly/Vaseline to the outermost quarter to half an inch (0.5 to 1 cm) of the ear flap (margin) on the haired side, directly where you will be pricking with the needle or lancet. This will cause the blood to bead on the skin surface, making it easier to collect.
• Prick the Ear: Take the needle in your right hand and place it horizontally so that the tip touches the raised blood vessel that arcs around the margin of the ear flap, on the haired side. Do not aim the needle perpendicularly to the surface, as you risk going through the entire ear flap and injuring your finger. Prick the tip of the ear with a sterile lancet or needle to draw a tiny amount of blood (one small drop). This should be a quick, superficial prick that is deep enough to reach the small vein.
• Collect the Blood: Place the glucose strip on the drop of blood, then insert the strip into the meter according to the device instructions.
• Stop the Bleeding: Apply mild pressure to the ear flap directly on the site of the needle prick for 30 to 60 seconds to stop any bleeding.
• Check the Results: If the glucose reading is "low" (less than 50 mg/dL or 2.8 mmol/L) or "high" (greater than 300 mg/dL or 16.7 mmol/L), contact your veterinarian for further instructions.
• Reward the Patient: It is important to reward your pet with a diabetic-friendly treat after each blood sampling to create a positive experience.
• Keep a Diary: Maintain a diary of all blood glucose readings, including the date, time of day, and insulin administration and feeding times for comparison. Provide your veterinarian with a copy of this diary during your next visit.
• Consult the Veterinarian: Although home blood glucose readings are useful for dose adjustments, avoid changing the dose based on a single reading. Consult your veterinarian for advice if you think the readings are consistently too low or too high.
• Regulate Diet and Exercise: Ensure your pet is receiving a veterinarian-recommended diet and regular exercise, as these factors can affect glucose levels.

Additional Notes:

• It is advised to switch ears with each prick and change the location to anywhere on the non-haired surface of the ear flap, preferably towards the tip.
• For dogs with a callus (thick dark skin) over the elbow, this is an excellent option for collecting blood.
• The goal is to obtain a drop of blood from the raised, branch-like network of blood vessels just below the skin surface. This is painless because there are no significant nerve endings in this region.
• New technology has allowed for home glucose monitoring with simple devices such as the AlphaTRAK®2, OneTouch Ultra® glucometer, or the newer FreeStyle Libre®, which uses a skin-mounted sensor.
• Human glucometers can be used for pets, but veterinary models are generally more accurate, require smaller samples, and are supported by the manufacturers for veterinary use.

How to choose the right blood glucose meter

If your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes, you may be considering monitoring their blood sugar levels at home. Here are some tips on how to choose the right blood glucose meter:

Accuracy and Reliability:

Start by ensuring that the meter you choose is accurate and reliable. Surprisingly, a recent study found that 66% of the top commercially available meters did not meet accuracy standards. Look for a meter that utilises innovative technology to detect and correct for variations in results, such as differences in red blood cell proportions, environmental conditions, and manufacturing variability.

Blood Sample Size:

Choose a meter that requires only a tiny blood sample, such as 0.5 microliters or less. This will be more comfortable for your dog and reduce the risk of errors or wasted test strips. If you plan on testing frequently, a thinner lancet may also be preferable as it will be less painful for your dog.

Ease of Use:

Select a meter with a simple design that is quick and easy to use. A meter that is too complicated or time-consuming may deter you from testing as often as needed. Helpful features to look out for include testing reminders and hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic alarms.

Meter and Display Size:

Modern-day meters come in various shapes and sizes. Consider whether you want a compact meter for discreet, on-the-go testing or a larger device that is easier to grip and hold. Also, ensure that the numbers on the display are large enough to read, and that the screen is easy to view in dim lighting or at night.

Coding Requirements:

Some meters require manual coding, which means inputting a code every time you start a new pack of test strips. A "No Code" meter is already calibrated and will save you time and effort. Most brands are moving towards code-free technology, but double-check before you buy.

Data Capabilities:

Consider how you want to maintain your dog's blood glucose readings. Do you want to write them down by hand, or would you prefer to store them on the meter or another device? Check the memory size of the meter, as some can hold hundreds or thousands of readings with time and date stamps, while others may only store a maximum of 100.

Some meters also offer features such as tracking glucose level averages over specific time periods and the option to download data to sync with your computer or smartphone.

Testing Time:

The time it takes to get a reading is an important consideration, especially if you will be testing multiple times a day. Most people find a testing time of 5-6 seconds or less to be ideal.

Cost:

The cost of a blood glucose meter will depend on its features, and you may need to pay extra for certain advanced features such as a colour screen or Bluetooth capabilities. Also, remember that the cost of test strips is an ongoing expense, and they can range from less than $0.25 to over $1 each. Check the cost of test strips designed for the meter you choose, and consider the total daily test strip cost if you will be testing frequently.

Insurance Coverage:

If you have pet insurance, check with your provider to see if they cover the cost of a blood glucose meter and/or testing strips. There may be specific brands or models that are covered by your plan.

Alternate Site Sampling:

Some meters allow you to collect a blood sample from other parts of the body besides the fingertip, such as the palm, forearm, calf, or thigh. This can be beneficial if you are testing frequently, as it gives your dog's fingers a break. However, keep in mind that test results from alternate sites may be less accurate due to physiological differences in circulation.

Remember to consult with your veterinarian to get their recommendations and guidance on choosing the right blood glucose meter for your dog's specific needs.

Frequently asked questions