Question
What happens to my dog's care if I get ill or have to go away suddenly?
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 a real worry when you're the one who knows the routine. Choose a backup person now and ask your vet or nurse to train them while your dog is well. Keep the written plan, supplies and vet numbers in one place they can find. If your dog becomes weak or wobbly while they're in charge, they should call the vet right away.
I never give insulin amounts here. Yours comes from your vet's written plan.
What to know at home
A trained second person makes a sudden hospital stay or family emergency much less frightening. Practising together once or twice helps them feel confident. They need to use the same chart, so nobody doubles up the injection.
What to write down
- Meal and injection times, and where the supplies are kept
- What to do if he won't eat or an injection goes wrong
- Vet, emergency clinic and your own contact numbers
What to ask next
Ask your vet to note the backup person on his file if they can. Go over the plan together every few months, especially after any treatment change. Leave a short note on the fridge so anyone can find the essentials fast.
Sources
- Can I travel with a diabetic dog?Training a sitter or family member to give insulin
- Blank insulin scheduleOne shared schedule for everyone
- What if we might have given the insulin twice?Avoiding a doubled-up injection
- Can older children help look after a diabetic dog?Children helping with care
- Emergency or low blood sugar: call your vet nowSigns that need a vet now
Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.
Related
Q&A
Can I travel with a diabetic dog?
Talk to your vet before a long trip. Pack the written plan, his usual food and the clinic's number.
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
Can I leave my diabetic dog alone while I work?
Whether your dog can stay alone while you work depends on how settled their diabetes is, the care plan and how long you're out.
Urgent help
Emergency or low blood sugar
Call a vet now if your dog is weak, collapsed or having a seizure.