Question
Can older children help look after a diabetic dog?
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
Children often want to help, and it can be good for them and the dog. Give them safe jobs like fresh water, gentle play and telling an adult if the dog seems wobbly, weak or strange. Keep insulin, needles and the meter out of reach. Agree with your vet who gives the injections. If the dog seems unwell, an adult should call the vet.
I never give insulin amounts here. Yours comes from your vet's written plan.
What to know at home
Children can also be the ones slipping him snacks, so explain simply why his food is the same every day. Rough play straight after a meal and insulin can tire him out. A child who notices early that something's wrong is a real help.
What to write down
- Which jobs each person does
- A simple rule for treats in the house
- Who to tell if the dog seems unwell
What to ask next
Show children the signs of a low in plain words, and practise what they'd do: stay with the dog and fetch an adult. Keep used needles in a sharps container they can't open. Tell the vet who lives in the house when you plan the routine.
Sources
- How do I dispose of used syringes and lancets?Keeping used needles away from children
- Family and guests keep giving him sweets and snacks. What can I do?When family keep handing out snacks
- Emergency or low blood sugar: call your vet nowSigns of a low and who to call
- What should I keep ready in case my dog goes low?Showing everyone the plan for lows
- Daily routine for a diabetic dog: meals, insulin and walksSharing the daily routine at home
Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.
Related
Q&A
What if we might have given the insulin twice?
Call your vet or an emergency clinic right away, even if he looks fine. Write down the times you know.
Q&A
How do I dispose of used syringes and lancets?
Put used syringes and lancets in a hard sharps box and keep it away from children and pets.
Q&A
Family and guests keep giving him sweets and snacks. What can I do?
It's hard when relatives or guests slip him a biscuit, a sweet or festival food out of love.
Urgent help
Emergency or low blood sugar
Call a vet now if your dog is weak, collapsed or having a seizure.