Glucose Monitors for Dogs: An Important Tool to Manage Canine Diabetes
Key takeaways:
Glucose monitors are devices used to track glucose (blood sugar) levels in dogs with diabetes.
There are two types of glucose monitors: traditional and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs).
Traditional monitors use blood samples, test strips, and handheld meters to measure glucose. CGMs use a sensor implanted on a dog’s upper back to load data to an app.
Table of contents
If your dog has diabetes, a glucose monitor will play an important role in their treatment plan. Glucose monitors measure a dog’s glucose, or blood sugar, levels. This information can help your veterinarian adjust your dog’s insulin to keep their blood sugar stable.
There are two types of glucose monitors and each measures blood sugar in a different way. Read on to learn about your dog’s options.
How does a glucose monitor work for dogs?
There are two types of glucose monitors: traditional and continuous glucose monitors.
Search and compare options
Continuous glucose monitors
A continuous glucose monitor, or CGM, uses a small sensor to track your dog’s blood sugar levels. The sensor is placed just under the skin on your dog’s upper back, during a quick and mostly painless procedure. CGMs send updates to an app every few minutes. This can be a big help if you’re short on time or want to spot patterns in your dog’s blood sugar.
CGMs make glucose tracking easy. But there are a few things you need to be aware of. Some dogs find ways to remove the sensor. CGMs are also more expensive than traditional monitors, and you’ll need to replace the sensor every 7 to 15 days. Lastly, CGMs are made for humans and not supported by manufacturers for use in dogs.
CGMs are only available for dogs with a veterinarian’s prescription.
Traditional monitors
A traditional glucose monitor checks your dog’s blood sugar using a small blood sample. You’ll gently lance your dog’s ear or paw pad. This allows you to draw a drop of blood. The drop is placed on a test strip that’s inserted into a handheld meter. You’ll see the results in just a few seconds. Then, you can write down your dog’s blood sugar level or upload it to an app.
Some dog owners may find traditional glucose monitoring stressful. Not everyone feels comfortable drawing blood, especially from a beloved pet. And frequent blood draws may not work with a busy schedule. On the other hand, these monitors are more affordable than CGMs.
You can find traditional glucose monitors over the counter at pet stores and online retailers.
Insulin for dogs: Insulin is the first-choice treatment for dogs with diabetes. Learn what to expect if your dog is prescribed insulin.
Do you know how often to feed your dog? Regular meals can help keep your dog’s blood sugar in check. Here’s what experts recommend for dogs.
Human medications for pets: Your pet can take some of the same medications as humans.Check out how to fill one of these prescriptions for your pet.
What glucose monitors are available for dogs?
There are a number of glucose monitors available for dogs. Below, we’ll review your CGM and traditional monitor options.
Continuous glucose monitors for dogs
Two CGMs have been studied on dogs. They both use sensors inserted into a dog’s back and provide accurate readings. They upload data to an app every 1 to 5 minutes.
Brand name | Cost | How long sensors last | How often it reads glucose | Additional info |
Up to 15 days | Every minute | Older models will be discontinued on September 30, 2025. | ||
$172-$190 for 3 sensors | Up to 10.5 days | Every 5 minutes | The Dexcom G7 can connect to Apple Watches. |
Traditional monitors for dogs
Starter kits for a traditional monitor come with a meter, test strips, a lancing device, lancets, and a carrying case. Some also include a logbook or a connection to an app.
Brand name | Starter kit cost | Starter kit contents | Replacement strips cost |
$75 | 50 test strips, 30 lancets | $60 for 50 strips | |
$33 | 25 test strips, 26 lancets | $22 for 25 strips | |
$46 | 25 test strips, 100 lancets | $29-$49 for 50 strips | |
$55 | 25 test strips, 25 lancets | $45 for 50 strips | |
$43 | 25 test strips, 25 lancets | $40-$55 for 50 strips |
How to check your dog’s glucose level
Checking your dog’s glucose levels is easier than you might think. After you decide which type of monitor you’re going to use, there are a few basic things you need to learn.
How to place a continuous glucose monitor
If you opt for a CGM, your first step is to learn how to place the sensor.
Work with your veterinarian to place a CGM on your dog the first time or two. You can watch them or ask them to walk you through the process. Eventually, you’ll be ready to try it at home.
Here are nine steps to place a CGM sensor:
Shave a small area on your dog’s upper back, above the shoulders. (Ask your veterinarian to show you the best spot.)
Wipe the skin with an alcohol prep pad.
Open the box and take out the sensor and applicator.
Load the sensor into the applicator.
Add a few drops of tissue glue or super glue to the disc’s edges.
Take a moment to calm and comfort your pup.
Press the applicator firmly against your dog’s skin until you hear a clicking sound.
Rub the sensor’s edges down to make sure the glue sticks.
Scan your phone’s app above the sensor to see your dog’s blood sugar levels.
CGMs typically check and load blood sugar readings to an app every few minutes.
How to track glucose with a traditional monitor
If you decide to use a traditional monitor, you’ll have to draw a blood sample. You can draw blood from the ear flap, paw pad, or inner lip. Many dogs tolerate an ear prick best.
Follow these seven steps to use a traditional glucose monitor:
If your glucose monitor is made for dogs and cats, insert the code card for dogs.
Insert a test strip into the meter.
Place a lancet into the lancet device, using the manufacturer’s instructions.
Massage your dog’s ear to increase blood flow.
Press the lancet device against your dog’s ear and apply firm pressure. You should see a drop of blood.
Touch the test strip to the blood sample. The meter will display your dog’s blood glucose level within seconds.
Write down the results in a logbook or upload the numbers to an app.
Normal glucose levels in dogs
A normal glucose level in dogs is 80 mg/dL to 120 mg/dL. Dogs with diabetes often have slightly higher blood sugar levels. These dogs should maintain a blood sugar level of 100 mg/dL to 250 mg/dL for most of the day. Staying within this range can help minimize diabetes symptoms and complications. Your veterinarian will adjust your dog’s insulin to keep them stable.
Can you use a human glucose monitor on your dog?
CGMs, like the FreeStyle Libre and Dexcom devices, are made for humans but can also be used on dogs. Studies suggest that these monitors also provide accurate measurements in dogs.
Traditional glucose monitors made for people are designed to measure human blood sugar, so they may not be accurate in pets. If you choose to go the traditional route, look for a monitor made just for dogs. Pet-specific monitors are calibrated to give accurate readings in animals.
Does pet insurance cover glucose monitors for dogs?
If your dog is diagnosed with diabetes after you sign up for pet insurance, a glucose monitor may be covered. Check your plan’s benefits.
Most pet insurance plans won’t cover preexisting conditions. That means if your dog was diagnosed before you enrolled in pet insurance, your plan won’t cover glucose monitors or insulin.
Frequently asked questions
Signs of low blood glucose in dogs include:
Confusion
Loss of consciousness
Shaking
Weakness
Wobbliness
Collapse
Muscle twitching or tremors
Vision trouble
Glucose monitors rarely hurt dogs. The traditional models require a quick prick to draw blood. Dogs typically don’t react to it. Continuous glucose monitors, or CGMs, use a sensor that’s inserted into your dog’s back. The procedure is relatively painless.
Continuous glucose monitors and traditional models made for pets are reliable devices for measuring blood sugar levels. Veterinarians trust them to provide accurate readings and manage canine diabetes.
The bottom line
Dogs with diabetes will need ongoing glucose monitoring to help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) use a sensor inserted into your dog’s skin to measure blood sugar. CGMs load readings to an app every few minutes. Traditional glucose monitors use a blood sample, test strips, and a hand-held device to measure blood sugar.
Several traditional monitors are made specifically for dogs. Tests show they provide accurate measurements. Traditional glucose monitors are available over the counter. Two CGMs, the Dexcom series and the FreeStyle Libre devices, have been tested on dogs. Of the two, the FreeStyle Libre is most widely recommended and prescribed by veterinarians.
Why trust our experts?
References
American Animal Hospital Association. (2018). How to test your dog's blood glucose at home [video]. YouTube.
Brooks, W. (2023). Diabetes mellitus: Introduction. Veterinary Partner.
Cook, A. K. (2012). Monitoring methods for dogs and cats with diabetes mellitus. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology.
Del Baldo, F., et al. (2021). Accuracy of a flash glucose monitoring system in cats and determination of the time lag between blood glucose and interstitial glucose concentrations. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
eBmonitor. (n.d.). eBpet. Visgeneer.
FreeStyle Libre. (n.d.). Transition to FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus or 2 Plus. Abbott.
GluNEO. (2014). GluNEO blood glucose monitoring system for self testing. Infopia.
Hammond-Lenzer, M., et al. (2022). Flash glucose monitoring with FreeStyle Libre in cats and dogs. Veterinary Partner.
Idowu, O., et al. (2018). Hypoglycemia in dogs: Causes, management, and diagnosis. The Canadian Veterinary Journal.
Linklater, A. (2020). Continuous glucose monitoring in veterinary patients. Today’s Veterinary Practice.
Moon, A. (2022). Glucose monitoring options in dogs and cats. Veterinary Practice News.
Packer, R. A. (2020). The secret to successful at-home glucose monitoring: Simplicity. DVM360.
PetTest. (n.d.). PetTest classic meter kit. Advocate.
Purdue Veterinary Medicine. (2021). How to attach the Freestyle Libre glucose monitor in dogs and cats [video]. YouTube.
UltiMed. (n.d.). iPet Pro.
Wilson, S. (2016). Blood glucose curves help keep diabetic pets on the straight and narrow. Veterinary Information Network.
