What Does a Blood Sugar Dog Do Exactly?
What Exactly Does a Blood Sugar Dog Do?
Like a continuous glucose monitor, but fuzzier and toothier, a blood sugar (BG) dog alerts people if they detect the scent of blood sugar levels crossing specific ranges. This indicates to diabetics that their blood sugar is off and helps alert them before the levels get too low or too high. By doing this, a BG dog helps keep a diabetic within normal ranges, aiding in the preparation and prevention of dangerous blood sugar fluctuations.
How Dogs Are Trained to Sniff Out Low Blood Sugar
Experts say (and I can attest) that dogs can detect the subtle odors when declining blood sugar changes body chemistry. During training, dogs are rewarded for offering a behavior when they detect this smell. For example, some dogs have noticed blood sugar changes even over the smell of fresh popcorn! For diabetics, this shift and the subsequent alert can be a poke of the nose, licking a hand, or another signaling method. My dog, Cocoa, looks at me earnestly, paws me, and uses her growly voice to say "low blood sugar" or "high blood sugar." Each dog-owner pair will have their unique communication style and relationship.
Once fully trained, dogs will alert not only their owners but also other diabetes sufferers whose body scent indicates blood sugar levels in the trained range. This alert provides a time-gap warning when blood sugar levels are heading in the wrong direction, helping to prevent extreme highs and lows. This can prevent being "knocked out for an hour" due to blood sugar swings, especially during dangerous drops.
The Training Process
Concurrent with basic obedience, additional recall and behavior training, advanced recall, and scent work are provided, with ongoing weekly training after the basics are established.
o Training basics: Step-by-Step Dog Training Guide
- Step 1: Collect scent samples during high and low blood sugar episodes. For scent training, you need to gather scent samples. Collect scent samples during high and low blood sugar episodes via saliva samples from your high and low blood sugar episodes (spit into clean cotton balls). Store the scents in separate airtight (scent-tight) containers in the freezer)
- Step 2: Associate the scent with a reward (treats, praise). Pair rewards, food, and praise with the scents to shape alert behaviors. Consistency and patience in training are key.
- Step 3: Gradually introduce distinct behaviors for different scent ranges (e.g., putting a nose on your leg, twirling) linked to the smell.
- Step 4: Practice daily in short training sessions, introduce distractions, and work in various locations gradually.
- Eventually, you and your dog will develop your language. You can also get creative. Cocoa, my blood sugar-alert dog, helps me by "saying” Low blood sugar and "High blood sugar." She uses her voice and emphasizes the Low and High just right.
Remember: Dogs thrive on routine. E.g., Meals and two walks every day at the same time of day. And they learn more quickly with positive reinforcement—celebrate their successes!
The Benefits of an Alert Dog
Chronic health conditions can be difficult and isolating. An alert dog can bring both medical and psychological benefits, reducing stress and providing companionship.
Consider Training Your Own Blood Sugar Dog
I encourage you to consider training your own pup to help with your blood sugars. I help my clients teach their dogs to be blood sugar alert while I help them with their blood sugars. I've written a guide to help you train your dog to begin alerting you to blood sugar levels. Let me know if you're interested in this guide or have any questions.
Stay healthy and safe in all ways!
Diabetic, Diabetic Coach and Integrative Holistic Strategist
