When does a diabetic dog need a vet the same day?

Signs to act on now

He doesn't come when you call. His legs slide. He vomits around injection time. He's eaten almost nothing and he's already had his injection. Any one of these is enough to call. You don't need to tick them all.

A dog who just looks 'very tired' can still be in trouble. Even a mild low can look like a dog who's flat and doesn't respond. If you're not sure, call your vet. Don't wait.

What to say on the phone

• What he is doing this minute.
• When he last ate, and whether he's had his injection.
• Any meter figure you already trust, with the clock time.
• Ketones, if you know how to check and you did.

What can wait for an ordinary appointment

One odd reading in a dog who's eating, walking and acting like himself can usually be a message to your vet rather than a rush across town. Still send them the number, but don't change his insulin because of it. If you can't tell which situation you're in, call.

The meter says HI or over 500. Is that an emergency?

HI means the reading is above what the meter can show, which needs attention, but it doesn't mean your dog has DKA. Call your vet soon and tell them exactly what the screen showed and how your dog seems. Don't give extra insulin to bring it down.

If your dog is vomiting, not eating, very weak, collapsing or breathing oddly, get emergency help now. Don't hold off care to keep re-testing. If your dog seems normal, still ask the vet what checks they want, including whether the meter itself needs checking.

My diabetic dog is vomiting. Should I still give insulin?

Call the vet before the next injection. Insulin lowers blood sugar, and a dog who can't keep food down can drop too low. Don't decide alone whether to give the next injection or change it. Tell the vet whether the insulin is already in and whether any food or water has stayed down.

If your dog is very weak, collapses, is barely responding or has trouble breathing, get emergency help now. Don't follow a general fasting rule or guess a smaller injection to get through the day. Ask the vet what to do now and when your dog needs to be seen.

My diabetic dog is lethargic and sleeping all day.

It's easy to put extra sleep down to age, but in a diabetic dog it can matter. New or unusual tiredness, trouble waking up, poor response or weakness needs a call to the vet soon, especially around insulin times. If your dog has collapsed, is confused, wobbly or having a seizure, get emergency care now.

Tell the vet how this is different from a normal nap, when it started and whether your dog ate. Don't wait for things to get much worse, and don't let one normal-looking reading talk you out of calling. You know your dog best, so if you're worried, ring your vet.