Keeping your dog’s blood sugar levels in a healthy range is extremely important. When blood sugar gets too high, it can lead to diabetes and other health complications in dogs. Thankfully, there are several effective ways to bring your dog’s blood sugar down quickly when needed.
What causes high blood sugar in dogs?
There are a few potential causes for high blood sugar or hyperglycemia in dogs:
- Diabetes – Just like in people, diabetes is one of the most common causes of persistently high blood sugar in dogs. With diabetes, the body loses its ability to produce or respond properly to insulin.
- Stress – Stress, especially chronic stress, can cause cortisol and other hormone levels to rise, leading to increased gluconeogenesis (sugar production).
- Obesity – Carrying excess weight places extra demand on the body to produce insulin and control blood sugar.
- Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas can impair insulin production.
- High-sugar diet – Eating too many sugary and starchy foods can overload the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar.
- Medications – Some drugs like corticosteroids can increase blood sugar.
If your dog has persistently high blood sugar, especially if other symptoms like increased thirst and urination are present, take them to the vet to be evaluated for diabetes. But in mild or temporary cases, these tips can help reduce blood sugar.
Tips to lower blood sugar quickly in dogs
1. Encourage exercise
Exercise is one of the fastest, most effective ways to lower blood sugar in dogs, just like in people. Taking your dog for a brisk 20-30 minute walk can have a noticeable impact on lowering blood glucose levels. The exercise helps drive glucose out of the bloodstream and into muscles where it can be used for energy. Try to encourage active play with fetch or toys after the walk too. Just be careful not to overdo it if your dog is elderly or not conditioned for much exercise.
2. Feed a low-glycemic diet
Paying attention to the glycemic index of your dog’s diet can help keep blood sugar steady. Low glycemic foods release glucose more gradually into the bloodstream. High protein, fiber-rich foods like vegetables, beans, and nuts have lower glycemic indexes. Some examples of low-glycemic foods for dogs include:
- Meat, eggs, fish
- Leafy greens like spinach and kale
- Non-starchy veggies like broccoli, carrots, green beans
- Lentils, peas, chickpeas
- Whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal
Avoid feeding high glycemic foods like white rice, potatoes, corn, and simple carbohydrates which can spike blood sugar rapidly. Talk to your vet about an appropriate diet.
3. Add cinnamon to food
Some human studies have found cinnamon can mimic insulin and enhance glucose uptake. While less research has been done on dogs, adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to your dog’s food may provide blood sugar benefits. Use just a small amount since excess cinnamon can be toxic to dogs.
4. Try apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar may help regulate blood sugar in dogs, though evidence is limited. It contains acetic acid which can block some enzymes that help digest starches. Try adding a teaspoon or two to your dog’s water or food. But consult your vet first, especially if your dog is on medications. Too much ACV can cause digestive upset.
5. Provide plenty of water
Keeping your dog well hydrated will help flush excess blood glucose through the kidneys so it can be excreted through urine. Make sure fresh water is always available. Increase water intake even more during exercise, hot weather, or any time blood sugar is elevated.
6. Give insulin if prescribed
If your dog is diabetic, insulin injections will likely be necessary to control blood sugar. Work closely with your vet on proper insulin dosing and timing. Monitor your dog’s glucose levels at home if possible. Know the signs of low blood sugar like lethargy, unsteadiness, and seizures which require urgent vet attention.
7. Try fenugreek seeds
Some research indicates fenugreek seeds may help lower blood glucose in dogs, along with improving insulin response. Try sprinkling fenugreek on your dog’s food in small amounts after discussing with your vet. Stop giving fenugreek if it causes diarrhea.
8. Consider supplements
Certain supplements may also be beneficial for controlling blood sugar in dogs:
- Chromium – Can improve insulin sensitivity and carb metabolism.
- Berberine – Found in herbs like Oregon grape, berberine may mimic insulin.
- B vitamins – Help regulate energy and glucose metabolism.
- Magnesium – Plays a role in insulin production and blood sugar control.
Consult your vet before giving supplements, especially with other medications or health conditions present. Proper dosing is important.
9. Give Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt can be a healthy treat option for dogs with elevated blood sugar. The high protein content can slow glucose absorption and hunger. Probiotics may also improve gut health and insulin response. Just avoid added sugars. Check with your vet about how much yogurt is appropriate.
10. Try herbs
Some herbs have shown blood sugar regulating effects in preliminary canine studies, but more research is still needed:
- Bitter melon – Contains compounds like lectins and charantin that mimic insulin.
- Ginseng – May enhance insulin production and sensitivity.
- Aloe vera – Can improve glucose absorption and activate insulin receptors.
Only give pet-safe herbs under the guidance of your vet and monitor for side effects.
Emergency treatment for severely high blood sugar
In cases of diabetic crisis or severely elevated blood sugar causing vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, weakness, or other concerning symptoms, emergency vet treatment is needed. Vets can provide IV fluids, insulin, and other medications to stabilize blood glucose. Bring a urine sample to test for ketoacidosis which can develop with very high blood sugar levels. Prompt treatment is vital to prevent complications including kidney damage, brain swelling, and even death.
Regular vet visits, home blood sugar monitoring, proper diet and exercise, and insulin therapy as directed are the keys to keeping your diabetic dog’s blood sugar controlled and avoiding crises.
When to seek vet assistance
Always consult your vet promptly if your dog has persistently high blood sugar or any signs of diabetes like increased thirst, urination, or appetite changes. Get emergency care right away for vomiting, collapse, weakness, high fever, seizures, or other worrying symptoms possibly related to extreme high or low blood sugar levels.
See your vet immediately if you notice:
- Lethargy, sluggishness
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Increased thirst and urination
- Weight loss despite increased appetite
- Labored breathing
- Weakness or trembling, inability to stand
- Seizures
- Confusion, disorientation
- Collapse or unconsciousness
Don’t try to diagnose or manage diabetes at home without your vet’s help. Blood tests and urinalysis are needed for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Trying to lower blood sugar without medical oversight could be dangerous. Insulin therapy requires careful dosing and monitoring to avoid further complications.
Prevention
While diabetes can affect any dog, the following steps can help reduce risk:
- Feed a healthy diet – Low-calorie, low-glycemic, high-fiber and protein.
- Avoid excess treats and table scraps.
- Maintain healthy weight to reduce obesity risk.
- Ensure adequate exercise every day.
- Give supplements if vet recommends for better glucose metabolism.
- Have annual vet exams to catch early signs.
- Keep stress low.
Genetics and other factors beyond your control also play a role in diabetes risk. But a healthy lifestyle offers the best prevention and can help catch diabetes early when it’s most treatable.
The takeaway
There are several effective strategies available to help lower high blood sugar in dogs quickly when needed, from exercise and diet changes to certain supplements. But diabetes requires close medical management and monitoring, especially insulin treatment, to stabilize glucose levels and prevent complications. Always consult your vet promptly about persistent hyperglycemia or any signs of diabetes in your dog. With proper care and attention, most diabetic dogs can still live long, happy lives. Consistent wellness exams, healthy nutrition, maintaining ideal body weight, medication compliance, and at-home glucose testing when possible are the keys to successfully managing diabetes in dogs.