Question
Family and guests keep giving him sweets and snacks. What can I do?
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
It's hard when relatives or guests slip him a biscuit, a sweet or festival food out of love. Extra food, especially sugary food, can push his glucose up and upset the plan. Tell everyone kindly that his meals come from one person. Give them a treat your vet has approved instead. If he ate something unusual and seems unwell, call your vet.
I never give insulin amounts here. Yours comes from your vet's written plan.
What to know at home
In a busy home, feeding a dog is often how people show they care, and festivals and visitors mean more food around. Sweets, biscuits and rich leftovers are the usual problem. Some sugar-free sweets contain xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs.
What to write down
- Anything extra he was given, and roughly when
- Who in the house feeds him, and when
- Any vomiting, diarrhoea or change in thirst afterwards
What to ask next
A short note on the fridge helps: who feeds him, which treats are allowed, and the vet's number. If he ate something with xylitol, or a lot of rich or fatty food, call your vet now. Don't try to make up for it with his insulin. Ask your vet first.
Sources
- My dog ate something he shouldn't. What now?What to do if he ate something
- What treats can my diabetic dog have?Treats he can have
- Can I give a snack between the two meals?Snacks between meals
- Which foods should a diabetic dog avoid?Sweets and xylitol to keep away
- Are roti, rice, curd, dal or eggs OK for a diabetic dog?Everyday kitchen foods
- Can fireworks, guests or a house move upset his diabetes?Festivals and visitors upset his day
Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.
Related
Q&A
My dog ate something he shouldn't. What now?
Call your vet, tell them what he ate and how he seems, and keep the wrapper.
Q&A
What treats can my diabetic dog have?
One small treat at the same time each day, if your vet's happy with it. Or use a bit of his measured meal.
Q&A
Which foods should a diabetic dog avoid?
Soft semi-moist food and sugary things are the big ones. Your vet may add more.
Urgent help
Emergency or low blood sugar
Call a vet now if your dog is weak, collapsed or having a seizure.