Q&A
My diabetic dog won't eat — what now?
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
If your diabetic dog won't eat, call your vet or an emergency clinic before his next insulin time. Tell them what you're seeing, and stick to the written plan they already gave you. While you wait, write down when he last ate, how he seems, and whether he's been sick.
I never give insulin amounts here. Yours comes from your vet's written plan.
What you might notice at home
He might walk away from the bowl, take one mouthful and leave, or leave a meal he always finishes. He might also be quieter than usual, or be sick.
Don't worry about saying it perfectly. Just call your vet and tell them what you saw.
What to write down for the vet
- When he last ate, and whether he finished
- How he seems, in your own words
- Vomiting, loose stool, or weakness, if any
- What time he had his insulin, if he's had it
- The name of the food, if it's new
- A glucose reading, if you already took one
You don't need to write the insulin amount. Your vet already has the plan.
What to take with you
Keep that note ready, along with the food bag (or a clear photo of the label) and your vet's written plan. If the clinic asks for a photo of the plan, send it.
Your vet will tell you what to do next, so keep your phone close.
Sources
- Emergency or low blood sugar: call your vet nowEmergency steps if he is weak or low
- When the day goes wrong: urgent helpWhat to tell the vet when he won't eat
- My diabetic dog ate only part of the mealIf he ate only part of the meal
- My diabetic dog won't eat the prescription foodIf he refuses his prescription food
- My diabetic dog has diarrhoea or an upset stomach.Upset stomach, vomiting and insulin
Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.
Related
Guide
Starting out with a diabetic dog
The first few weeks: the words you'll hear, a blank schedule, and a simple morning note.
Printable
Blank insulin schedule
The amount lines are left blank. Copy this from your vet's plan.
Log
A week to show the vet
Write down times, meals, readings and how he seems for a week, then show your vet.