Testing Your Dog's Urine for Glucose and Ketones

The veterinarian will probably ask you to test your dog's urine glucose at home. The test is easy to do and does not cost much. If your dog has had high blood glucose for several hours, glucose will usually be present in its urine. The amount of glucose in the urine depends on how high the blood glucose level was, and how long it stayed high.

Limitations of Urine Testing

Urine glucose testing can help you see the general trend in your dog's blood glucose over time. However, it cannot tell you what the blood glucose level is right now. The test only shows how well, on average, your dog's blood glucose has been controlled since the last time it urinated. The presence of glucose in your dog's urine indicates that the insulin dose may need to be changed either upward or downward.

It is not as hard as you may think! After a few tries, you will find a technique that works for both of you. Place a leash on your dog to make the collection easier.

How to Collect the Urine
It is not as hard as you may think! After a few tries, you will find a technique that works for both of you. Place a leash on your dog to make the collection easier.

For a female dog, use a clean, dry container such as a disposable, coated paper plate or bowl. When she squats, slip the container under her to collect the flow. Some owners collect the urine in a container lid, then pour the urine into that container for testing.

For a male who lifts his leg, you may find it easier to tape a plastic or coated paper cup to a yardstick or pole. Some people dedicate a soup ladle or bucket just for the job of catching urine.

If you plan to reuse the collection device, you will need to clean it well each time or the next test result may not be accurate.

Urine Testing Strips

Urine testing strips are an easy way to test for glucose and ketones. The strips change color based on the amount of glucose and ketones in the urine. A change in strip color can alert you and your veterinarian that your dog may need a change in its diet or insulin dose.

There are several brands of test strip available. Some test for glucose only, others test for glucose and ketones.