Glucose

In Switzerland, glucose is the most important sugar in your dog’s blood and its main source of energy. The body obtains it from carbohydrates in food and transports it via the blood to all organs; the brain and muscles, in particular, rely on a constant supply.

How does the dog’s body regulate blood sugar?

The pancreas controls glucose levels via two hormones: insulin lowers values that are too high by shuttling glucose into the cells. Glucagon raises values that are too low by releasing stored glucose from the liver.

In a healthy dog, blood sugar is 75-120 mg/dl after fasting. After eating, it rises temporarily and normalises within a few hours.

When should I have my dog’s blood sugar measured?

You should arrange for a blood sugar test if your dog suddenly drinks and urinates extremely much, yet loses weight despite having a good appetite. This combination indicates diabetes.

In puppies of small breeds (under 2 kg), a measurement is necessary if they tremble, stagger or appear apathetic; these can be signs of life-threatening hypoglycaemia.

Dogs with diagnosed diabetes need regular check-ups, usually every 3-4 months at the vet.

What happens when blood sugar is too high?

Hyperglycaemia (over 180 mg/dl fasting) is usually caused by diabetes mellitus. The body can no longer properly metabolise glucose because either too little insulin is produced or the cells no longer respond to it.

Stress can temporarily drive blood sugar up to 200-300 mg/dl; this is normal during vet visits and subsides again. Persistently elevated values due to medications such as cortisone or diseases of the pancreas require veterinary investigation.

When does blood sugar become dangerously low?

Hypoglycaemia (under 70 mg/dl) is an emergency. In diabetic dogs, it is usually caused by an insulin overdose or if the dog does not eat after the insulin injection.

Puppies develop hypoglycaemia if they have not eaten for too long; their glucose stores are still minimal. Dogs with liver disease or Addison’s disease also tend to have low values.

A hypoglycaemic dog shows weakness, trembling, disorientation up to convulsions. Immediate help is then needed: A teaspoon of honey on the oral mucosa and off to the vet.

How do I recognise blood sugar problems in my dog?

High blood sugar makes itself known through the “four Ps”: polydipsia (extreme thirst), polyuria (frequent urination), polyphagia (ravenous hunger) and weight loss despite a good appetite. A dull coat and tiredness are also often present.

Low blood sugar shows differently: the dog appears weak or confused, its movements become uncoordinated. In severe cases, muscle twitching or unconsciousness follows.

What examinations does the vet carry out?

The standard blood sugar test is carried out via a small blood sample from the vein. For a meaningful diabetes diagnosis, your dog should be fasting for 12 hours.

The fructosamine test shows the average blood sugar over the last 2-3 weeks. This helps with diabetes control because individual measurements can be distorted by stress.

Some vets use continuous glucose monitoring devices, small sensors under the skin that measure every few minutes for 14 days.

How is a blood sugar disorder treated?

Diabetes usually requires lifelong insulin injections, twice daily at fixed times before food. The dose is set individually and adjusted regularly.

In addition, special diabetic food with little sugar and lots of fibre helps. Fixed feeding times stabilise the blood sugar profile.

The vet treats acute hypoglycaemia with glucose infusions. At home, you help with honey or glucose on the tongue, but only if the dog is still responsive.