Question
My diabetic dog has diarrhoea or an upset stomach.
Sunny, owner notes“I wish my dog lived as long as I do.”Updated
I'm an owner, not a vet. This is not veterinary advice, so check anything medical with your own vet.
Short answer
An upset stomach is more worrying when your dog needs insulin with his meals. If it's putting him off his food or he's not himself, call your vet today. If he's vomiting, weak, refusing food or can't keep water down, call right away. Insulin lowers blood sugar, so his food and insulin need to be planned together while the vet finds the cause.
I never give insulin amounts here. Yours comes from your vet's written plan.
What to know at home
A tummy upset might be a separate illness, not just something he ate. Pancreatitis, an inflamed pancreas, is one thing vets think about, and only your vet can check for it. Don't try fasting him or giving human stomach medicine you read about online.
What to write down
- When it started and what changed
- Appetite, vomiting, energy and drinking
- Recent food, medicine or possible toxin exposure
What to ask next
Ask when he needs to be seen, and what to do about the next meal and the next insulin shot. Let your vet make the insulin decision. If he collapses or is very weak, this is an emergency. Go to an emergency vet now.
Sources
- Emergency or low blood sugar: call your vet nowWhen vomiting or weakness means call now
- My diabetic dog won't eat — what now?What to do when he will not eat
- My diabetic dog has had pancreatitis. What about food?Pancreatitis and what to feed
- When does a diabetic dog need a vet the same day?Signs he needs a vet the same day
- How can I tell if my diabetic dog is dehydrated?How to spot dehydration
Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.
Related
Q&A
My dog has diabetes and Cushing's. How does that work?
Yes, a dog can have both, and your vet will treat them as one plan.
Q&A
When does a diabetic dog need a vet the same day?
If he's weak, trembling, collapsing, vomiting or won't eat, call your vet now. Read the rest later.
Q&A
What should I write in a notebook for my diabetic dog?
Food, mood, water, injection times and your questions. Keep it short.
Urgent help
Emergency or low blood sugar
Call a vet now if your dog is weak, collapsed or having a seizure.