Question
He had a bad low. How do I stop being scared it will happen again?
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
After a frightening low, it's normal to feel jumpy at every injection and every quiet moment. Ask your vet why it happened and what changes, if any, they suggest. Keep a clear plan for lows on the fridge. If he's ever weak, shaky, wobbly or has a seizure again, call your vet or emergency clinic now.
I never give insulin amounts here. Yours comes from your vet's written plan.
What to know at home
Lows often have a reason that can be found, like a missed meal, extra exercise or a change in his body. Knowing the reason usually helps the fear settle. Don't hold back insulin or food on your own because you're afraid. Talk it through with your vet.
What to write down
- What happened before the low: food, walk, insulin time
- What you did and how quickly he recovered
- Questions that keep you up at night
What to ask next
Ask for a follow-up check, and ask whether home testing or a sensor would help you feel safer. Tell someone close how you're feeling. It's fine to ask the vet to go over the low plan again until it feels familiar.
Sources
- Emergency or low blood sugar: call your vet nowWhat to do if his sugar drops too low
- What should I keep ready in case my dog goes low?Making a plan for lows
- Could my dog go low at night while we're asleep?Lows during the night
- I feel overwhelmed. Does it get easier?When it all feels like too much
- Am I doing the right thing for my dog?Doubting whether you are doing right
Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.
Related
Q&A
What should I keep ready in case my dog goes low?
It's much easier to stay calm in a low if you've planned it on a good day.
Q&A
Could my dog go low at night while we're asleep?
A low can happen at any hour, including overnight, so learn the signs and make a plan with your vet.
Q&A
I feel overwhelmed. Does it get easier?
Feeling overwhelmed is very common, and it usually gets easier as the routine becomes familiar.
Urgent help
Emergency or low blood sugar
Call a vet now if your dog is weak, collapsed or having a seizure.