Introduction
Managing a diabetic dog that refuses to eat can be extremely challenging for pet owners. When a diabetic dog does not eat, their blood sugar levels can quickly plummet, putting them at risk of life-threatening complications. However, giving insulin injections to a dog with very low blood sugar can also be dangerous. Therefore, pet owners need strategies to encourage their diabetic dog to eat, while also working closely with their veterinarian on proper insulin dosage adjustments during periods of anorexia.
Background on Dog Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrine disease in dogs that is characterized by high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). It occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces (AKC). This leads to impaired metabolism and abnormal absorption of glucose from the blood into cells.
There are two main types of DM in dogs:
- Type 1 DM is an insulin deficiency where the dog’s pancreas stops producing insulin. This is the most common type in dogs.
- Type 2 DM is an insulin resistance where the body cannot properly use insulin. This is less common in dogs.
Some potential causes and risk factors for diabetes in dogs include: genetics, autoimmune disease, chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), medications like steroids, infections, cancer, obesity, and damage to pancreatic cells (PetMD). Older, obese, female dogs are at a higher risk of developing diabetes.
Insulin’s Role
Insulin is a hormone that is critical for regulating blood sugar levels in dogs. When a dog has diabetes, their body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot properly utilize the insulin it produces, leading to chronically high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).
Insulin helps move glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the body where it can be used for energy. Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in the blood while cells are starved for energy. This can lead to serious complications like cataracts, nerve damage, infections, ketoacidosis and even death if left untreated.
That’s why injectable insulin is the cornerstone of treatment for diabetes in dogs. Once or twice daily insulin injections provide the missing hormone diabetic dogs need to help maintain normal blood glucose levels. Tight regulation of blood sugar with insulin helps prevent the damaging effects of prolonged hyperglycemia in diabetic dogs. Insulin therapy can add months or years to a diabetic dog’s life.1
Dangers of Low Blood Sugar
Insulin lowers blood sugar by moving glucose from the blood into the cells. If a diabetic dog does not eat after receiving an insulin injection, the blood sugar can drop dangerously low (VCAA). This condition is called hypoglycemia.
Mild hypoglycemia can cause lethargy, weakness, and muscle tremors. More severe hypoglycemia leads to loss of coordination, seizures, and unconsciousness (ToeGrips). Extremely low blood sugar can be fatal if left untreated.
Without glucose from food, the cells are starved of energy. The brain is especially sensitive to low blood sugar. Neurological signs like disorientation and seizures occur as hypoglycemia worsens. Eventually, the dog can fall into a coma and die (Pets4Homes).
It’s critical to recognize the signs of low blood sugar and treat it quickly. Speak to your vet about an emergency glucagon injection to raise blood sugar if your diabetic dog is unable or unwilling to eat.
Effects of Not Eating
Not eating enough food can have serious consequences for people with diabetes. When a person with diabetes skips a meal or does not eat, their blood sugar levels can drop dangerously low, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This occurs because the body still produces some insulin even if food is not consumed. The insulin lowers blood sugar, but without food for energy, levels can plummet.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Common causes of diabetic hypoglycemia include: Taking too much insulin or diabetes medication. Not eating enough” (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-hypoglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20371525).
Hypoglycemia can cause shakiness, sweating, anxiety, fatigue, hunger, and irritability. If left untreated, it can lead to confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, and even death (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-hypoglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20371525). Skipping meals also disrupts the careful balance between food intake, activity, and medication dosing that people with diabetes must maintain.
According to EverydayHealth, “A skipped meal alters the balance between food intake and insulin production, and can cause your blood sugar levels to eventually drop. “For people with diabetes, maintaining an even blood glucose level is crucial. Skipping meals or snacks may jeopardize that control” (https://www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes/diet/diabetes-diet-things-happen-when-you-skip-meals/).
Vet Recommendations
A veterinarian should always be consulted if your diabetic dog is unwilling or unable to eat. The vet will typically advise against giving a full dose of insulin to a dog that has not eaten, as this can lead to life-threatening hypoglycemia.
Instead, the vet may recommend giving a reduced dose of insulin, such as half the usual amount. This provides some coverage without creating a severe dip in blood sugar levels. They may also suggest giving glucose supplements like corn syrup or honey to stabilize blood sugar before administering a partial insulin dose.
A vet can also check the dog’s glucose levels to determine if any insulin is actually needed at that time. Ongoing lack of appetite in a diabetic dog indicates an underlying issue that requires prompt veterinary attention to identify and resolve.
Potential Options
While withholding insulin completely can be dangerous, there are some alternative options to consider if your diabetic dog is refusing to eat.
One option is to lower the insulin dose, but consult your vet first. According to WebMD, your vet may recommend reducing the insulin dose by 25-50% if your dog isn’t eating. This can help prevent low blood sugar while still providing some coverage. Monitor your dog closely and contact the vet if any concerning symptoms arise.
You can also try giving several small meals throughout the day rather than one or two large meals. Small portions may be more enticing for a sick dog. Just be sure to accurately track how much food is consumed so you can administer the right insulin dose.
Adding flavor enhancers to their food can make it more appealing and irresistible. Things like low-sodium chicken broth, plain yogurt, or grated cheese can make the food more enticing. You can also try warming up the food to bring out the aroma.
Ultimately, work closely with your vet to find the right insulin and feeding adjustments for your individual dog. The goal is to provide critical insulin coverage while accommodating your dog’s changing needs.
When to Go to the Vet
If your diabetic dog refuses to eat for an extended period, it’s crucial to get them to the vet as soon as possible. Some signs that indicate a veterinary visit is needed urgently include:
- Vomiting or diarrhea – Can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances (YIKES! My Diabetic Dog Won’t Eat!)
- Lethargy or weakness – Indicates low blood sugar which can be life-threatening (My Diabetic Dog Won’t Eat: Now What?)
- Increased thirst or urine output – Signals high blood sugar which needs rapid treatment (Dealing with a diabetic dog that refuses food or won’t eat enough)
- Stupor or loss of consciousness – An emergency requiring immediate veterinary care
- Seizures or muscle twitches – Can be caused by critically low blood sugar
- Labored breathing – May indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication
If your diabetic dog shows any of these symptoms along with lack of appetite, get them evaluated by a vet right away. The longer treatment is delayed, the higher the risk of dangerous consequences.
Tips for Getting Your Dog to Eat
There are several strategies for encouraging a diabetic dog who is refusing to eat:
- Offer small, frequent meals throughout the day rather than one or two large meals. This can help prevent your dog from feeling overwhelmed or full too quickly. Aim for at least 4-6 small meals per day [1].
- Try warming up wet or canned food to increase the aroma and appeal. The smell may entice your dog to eat.
- Mix in a small amount of low-sodium broth, low-fat yogurt, or no-salt-added canned pumpkin to enhance flavor.
- Use pet-safe appetite stimulants recommended by your vet.
- Exercise your dog before meals to stimulate their appetite.
- Hand feed your dog and provide praise and encouragement while they eat.
- Try a variety of commercial diabetic dog foods until you find one your dog likes.
Be patient and keep trying different tactics until your diabetic dog’s appetite improves. Seek veterinary advice if your dog goes more than 24 hours without eating.
Conclusion
When your diabetic dog is refusing to eat, it can be concerning. You want to ensure they get the proper insulin dose, but also avoid dangerously low blood sugar levels. There are a few key takeaways when dealing with this situation:
– Monitor your dog closely for signs of low blood sugar like lethargy, muscle tremors, and unsteadiness. If those occur, contact your vet right away.
– Speak to your vet before adjusting or withholding insulin doses. They can advise you based on your dog’s specific health profile.
– Try tempting your dog with high-calorie nutritional supplements or very palatable foods like chicken, cheese, or peanut butter.
– Set a timeframe, such as 12-24 hours, for contacting your vet if your dog still refuses food. The exact timeframe depends on factors like when the last insulin dose was given.
– Your vet may recommend temporarily switching to injected dextrose or glucose solutions to control blood sugar until your dog eats again.
– With close monitoring and consultation with your vet, in most cases you can safely manage a situation where your diabetic dog is temporarily not eating. Stay alert to warning signs and be prepared to seek veterinary care if needed.