Know the signs that mean your dog needs immediate attention.
Save key numbers — vet and nearest emergency clinic — under “Favourites” in your phone.
Keep a one-page summary sheet (insulin dose, feeding schedule, vet contact) on the fridge or in your dog’s travel bag in case you need to see a vet who isn’t your regular one.
True diabetic emergencies are not very common, especially if you and your vet have a good plan in place to keep your dog’s condition under control. In the beginning, though, it’s completely normal to feel a lot more nervous because you’re still learning what “normal” looks like for a dog on insulin therapy and you will probably make a few mistakes along the way as you are learning the process of caring for a diabetic dog. Many owners go through more than a few sleepless nights worrying if a small change — like a slight shift in behaviour or a few uneaten kibble pieces — could signal a crisis. With time and experience, you’ll gain confidence in knowing what matters and when to act versus when it’s okay to wait-and-see.
Our three main goals with a diabetes emergency plan are straighforward: to help you recognise the warning signs of the two major life-threatening complications of diabetes (hypoglycaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis), to ensure you can reach veterinary care quickly if you do notice those signs, and to make sure you have the right information on hand so your vet can provide prompt and appropriate treatment.
Knowing the warning signs of diabetes-related emergencies helps you act quickly and get your dog the care they need before the situation becomes life-threatening.
Cause: Too much insulin or extra activity without enough food leading to dangerously low blood sugar levels
Early warning signs:
Late warning signs (emergency):
Cause: Too little insulin for the body’s needs, often triggered by sudden stressors that increase demand for glucose
Warning signs to watch for:
Visit the Hypoglycaemia and Diabetic Ketoacidosis pages for more information about these conditions and how they are treated.
It’s also worth remembering that diabetic dogs, like any other dogs, can still develop unrelated emergencies (such as injuries, infections, or poisonings), so having a plan for who to call and what to do is valuable for more than just diabetes.
Talk with your family. Decide in advance how much treatment you are willing and able to pursue if your dog develops DKA or any other emergency requiring intensive care. Having this discussion now helps avoid rushed decisions in a crisis. It can also be useful to look into the different payment and financing options ahead of time so you know what support is available if an emergency occurs.
Know who to call. Write down and/or store in your phone:
Your regular vet’s number for business hours
The nearest after-hours/emergency clinic number
Record key information. Keep a written copy (or note in your phone) with:
Your dog’s name, age, breed, and microchip number
Current insulin type and dose
Feeding schedule and usual diet
Other medications or health problems
Your regular vet’s contact details
It’s also important to plan for emergencies that might happen to you. Illness, injury, or unexpected events could prevent you from giving insulin or feeding your dog on time. Think about a trusted friend, family member, or neighbour who could act as a back-up caregiver, and make sure they know the essentials of your dog’s routine. A simple written handover with feeding times, insulin dose, and your vet’s contact details can make all the difference in keeping your dog safe.
5. Monitoring Plan
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