Question
My diabetic dog ate only part of the meal
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 worrying when he walks away from half his meal, especially with insulin due. Call your vet, and call right away if you've already given the shot. Insulin lowers blood sugar, so without his usual food it can drop too low. Tell them what's left, how he seems and whether he's been sick. Follow only the plan your vet has given you.
I never give insulin amounts here. Yours comes from your vet's written plan.
What you might see at home
He starts eating and walks off. Or he eats the topping and leaves the rest. And insulin time is coming up, or it's already gone.
Most vets say to call them if your dog doesn't eat. It's worth asking your vet now, before it happens, what they want you to do if he leaves food or is sick.
What to write down for the vet
- What was offered, and what is still in the bowl.
- What time the meal was, and the injection if you've given it.
- Vomiting, weakness, trembling, or if he's hard to wake.
- Whether this is the first time or it's been happening.
What to do while you wait
Stay with him. If he's weak, wobbly, vomiting, or you can't wake him properly, that's an emergency. Call your vet or an emergency clinic now. The same-day page has all those signs in one place.
Don't try to make up the meal with a handful of something new, and don't change his insulin yourself.
Do I give insulin if my dog didn't eat?
Call your vet and ask what to do about the next injection. Insulin lowers blood sugar, so giving it to a dog who hasn't eaten can make the sugar drop too low. Don't decide alone whether to give it, give less or leave it out. Tell the vet whether the insulin is already in and how much of the meal was eaten.
If the insulin is already in and the meal isn't, call urgently. If your dog is weak, trembling, confused, collapses or has a seizure, get emergency care now. Don't lose time trying one topper after another.
Sources
- My diabetic dog won't eat — what now?What to do if he will not eat
- Do I feed my diabetic dog before the insulin?Feeding before insulin
- My diabetic dog only eats if I add a topperUsing a topper to get him eating
- When does a diabetic dog need a vet the same day?All the signs that need a call today
- Emergency or low blood sugar: call your vet nowEmergency steps for a low
Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.
Related
Q&A
My diabetic dog won't eat — what now?
Call your vet before the next injection is due.
Q&A
When does a diabetic dog need a vet the same day?
If he's weak, trembling, collapsing, vomiting or won't eat, call your vet now. Read the rest later.
Q&A
How much sugar should I give if my diabetic dog goes low?
I can't give you an amount. Call your vet, and follow the plan for lows they gave you if you have one.
Q&A
Do I feed my diabetic dog before the insulin?
Most vets say feed first, then give insulin. Follow the order your own vet wrote down.