Question
Am I doing the right thing for my dog?
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
Almost every owner of a diabetic dog wonders this at some point, and asking it shows how much you care. A perfect glucose graph isn't the only way to judge how you're doing. Your dog's comfort, whether he still enjoys his day, and a routine you can keep up all count too. Tell your vet about your doubts, including the parts that feel impossible.
What to know at home
After a bad day it's easy to think a better owner would have done something different. A notebook helps you describe how your dog is doing. It isn't there to mark you.
What to write down
- What your dog still enjoys
- What has become painful or frightening
- Which jobs you can't keep up any more
What to ask next
Ask the vet what can be made simpler, and how you'll know if your dog is getting more or less comfortable. If the worry is too much, ask the clinic about support for owners. You don't have to wait until you've lost your dog to ask for it.
Sources
- I feel overwhelmed. Does it get easier?Feeling overwhelmed, and asking for help
- Can a diabetic dog still have a good quality of life?Judging how much he still enjoys life
- What should I write in a notebook for my diabetic dog?Keeping a daily note on how he is
- What if I can no longer manage my dog's care?When you can't keep up the care
- Does anyone else have a diabetic dog I can talk to?Finding other owners and support
- He had a bad low. How do I stop being scared it will happen again?Rebuilding confidence after a low
Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.