Jump to content
First Lightwith Sunny & Cooper
Help

Question

My diabetic dog died. Did I do something wrong?

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

I'm so sorry your dog has died. Going over the last meal, the last injection or the last decision again and again is very common when you're grieving, but it rarely tells you what happened. If you want answers, ask your vet to go through the records with you. You deserve a clear explanation and support, and pet-loss support can help with the guilt as well as the sadness.

WhatsApp

What to know at home

The questions may keep coming back even after a vet has explained what happened. You can ask the clinic to write it down for you: what they know, what they're not sure about, and whether anything more can be found out.

What to write down

  • Questions you want answered, whenever you are ready
  • Records or messages you want the vet to review
  • A person who can sit with you through the conversation

What to ask next

A pet-loss support service is there for you whenever you want it. You don't have to decide anything now, whether that's another dog, clearing away his things or how soon you should feel better.

WhatsAppEmail

Sources

Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.

Related

Q&A

Is it worth treating diabetes, especially in an older dog?

It's natural to wonder whether treatment is fair on an older dog, but age on its own doesn't decide it.

Q&A

Can a diabetic dog still have a good quality of life?

Yes, most diabetic dogs can still enjoy life, and you'll judge that best by watching your own dog.

Q&A

What does palliative or comfort care look like for a diabetic dog?

When your dog is near the end, comfort care should still be planned with your vet.