Diabetic Emergencies in Pets: Recognizing and Responding to Blood Sugar Crises

Managing diabetes in pets—especially dogs and cats as they age—requires daily care, close monitoring, and a quick response when something goes wrong. One of the biggest risks diabetic pets face is a sudden blood sugar emergency, either too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia). These situations can escalate quickly, and knowing the signs can make the difference between a manageable incident and a life-threatening crisis.

At the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, our team is here to help you navigate these challenges with skilled emergency care and expert guidance.

Understanding Diabetes in Pets

What Is Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition where your pet’s body can’t regulate blood glucose properly, either because it doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it effectively.

Common causes include:

  • Insulin deficiency (Type 1-like): Often seen in dogs, where the pancreas fails to produce insulin.
  • Insulin resistance (Type 2-like): More common in overweight or older cats, where the body doesn’t respond well to insulin.

Early Signs of Diabetes in Pets

  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Unexplained weight loss despite normal or increased appetite
  • Lethargy or low energy
  • Cataracts (especially in diabetic dogs)
  • Recurring skin or urinary infections

Learn more in AAHA’s Diabetes in Pets Guide

Recognizing Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

What Is It?

Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar drops dangerously low—most commonly in pets receiving insulin therapy. It can happen unexpectedly and progress rapidly.

Causes

  • Too much insulin (accidental overdose or miscalculated dose)
  • Missed or delayed meals
  • Increased exercise without adjusting insulin
  • Underlying illness that impacts metabolism

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

  • Weakness or staggering
  • Disorientation, “spacing out,” or staring
  • Trembling or twitching
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness or collapse

What to Do Immediately

  1. Rub corn syrup or honey on your pet’s gums—only if your pet is conscious and not choking.
  2. Offer food, if your pet is alert and able to eat.
  3. Contact your veterinarian or emergency hospital immediately.

Even if your pet seems better, follow-up care is essential.

More on pet first aid for hypoglycemia – Red Cross Guide

Recognizing Hyperglycemia and Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

What Is Hyperglycemia?

This occurs when there’s too little insulin and too much sugar in the blood. Untreated, it can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)—a dangerous and often life-threatening complication.

Causes of Hyperglycemia

  • Missed insulin doses
  • Dietary changes or eating sugary/high-carb foods
  • Infections or other illnesses
  • Stress or inflammation

Warning Signs

  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes)
  • Rapid breathing
  • Fruity or sweet-smelling breath (a sign of ketones)

What Is Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?

DKA happens when the body starts breaking down fat for energy, producing acidic ketones that build up in the bloodstream. DKA requires emergency hospitalization and intensive care.

Signs of DKA

  • Severe lethargy or collapse
  • Vomiting and refusal to eat
  • Panting or labored breathing
  • Weak pulse or low body temperature

Learn more from Today’s Veterinary Nurse

Monitoring and Prevention: Your Daily Toolkit

Blood Sugar Monitoring

  • Use a veterinary glucose meter at home if recommended.
  • Keep a daily log of readings, appetite, energy, and insulin doses.
  • Bring your log to every vet visit for trend analysis.

Cornell Guide to Managing Canine Diabetes

Insulin Therapy Tips

  • Administer insulin at the same time every day.
  • Double-check the dosage and syringe type.
  • Rotate injection sites to prevent skin irritation.
  • Never adjust the dose without veterinary guidance.

How to Use Blood Glucose Curves – AAHA Guidelines

Diet and Exercise

  • Feed a consistent diet, typically high in fiber and low in simple carbs.
  • Avoid table scraps, human food, or treats with sugar.
  • Maintain moderate, daily exercise—but avoid sudden increases in activity.

Senior pet care and diabetes – ASPCA Guide

When to Seek Emergency Care

Call or Visit Your Vet Immediately If Your Pet Has:

  • Seizures or collapses
  • Rapid breathing or heavy panting
  • Persistent vomiting or refusal to eat
  • Signs of dehydration or sunken eyes
  • Weakness or confusion following insulin

Use this AAHA resource to decide: Is this a pet emergency?

Long-Term Complications to Monitor

Diabetic Cataracts

  • Common in dogs with poor control of blood sugar
  • Leads to cloudy vision or blindness
  • Early detection can preserve vision or guide surgical options

Explore Cataract Treatment Options

Dental and Urinary Health

  • Diabetic pets are prone to gum disease and urinary tract infections.
  • Keep up with dental cleanings and routine urine testing to avoid setbacks in diabetes control.

We’re Here When You Need Us

At the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center of Northern Arizona, our team is trained to recognize and treat diabetic emergencies in pets. Whether your pet is having a crisis or you simply need help fine-tuning their diabetes care plan, we’re here to support you—day or night.

  • 24/7 Emergency Stabilization
  • In-House Diagnostics and Blood Sugar Testing
  • Supportive Care and Hospitalization
  • Expert Consultations for Ongoing Diabetes Management

Contact Us Today or save our number for when you need it most.

Diabetic emergencies are serious—but they’re manageable when you know the signs and act fast. With daily monitoring, a solid care routine, and a trusted veterinary team, your pet can live a healthy, active life with diabetes.