What if a urine strip shows ketones?

What you might see at home

The ketone square doesn't match the 'negative' colour on the pot. He might just seem a bit quiet, or he might already be vomiting and off his food. If the square has changed colour, don't wait for him to look really ill.

Ketones build up when his body can't use sugar properly and starts burning fat instead. A diabetic dog who has ketones and is unwell often needs hospital care. This is an emergency, so contact your vet straight away. They will decide the rest.

What to have ready when you call

• When you tested, and that it was urine.
• The ketone result in the words printed on the pot.
• Appetite, vomiting, breathing, and whether he can stand.
• When he last ate, and whether insulin time has passed.

What to do while you wait

Stay with him. Leave his water down if he's drinking calmly. Don't try home remedies from the internet. If he collapses or you can't wake him, go to an emergency clinic now.

What is DKA, and can a dog survive it?

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious emergency where ketones build up and the dog becomes very ill. A dog with DKA usually needs hospital treatment, close monitoring and tests to find what set it off. A urine strip can't tell you how bad it is, and a negative strip means nothing if your dog is clearly unwell.

Many dogs recover with treatment, but nobody can promise how it'll go for yours. Ask the hospital what they're treating, what improvement they're looking for and what you'll need to do at home afterwards. Don't try to treat DKA at home. If your dog is vomiting, weak or won't eat, call the vet or an emergency clinic now.