We Go Over the Best Glucometers for Dogs: Updated

Written by Volia Schubiger
Updated: November 26, 2022
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There is no need to feel alone if your dog recently received a diagnosis of diabetes. Like humans, dogs and cats can develop blood sugar problems and may require insulin and monitoring. In some cases, your veterinarian will recommend that you purchase a monitoring device, starter kit, or glucometer for your dog. In this way, you can ensure that your dog receives the appropriate insulin dose by recording levels on a blood sugar chart.

Managing your diabetic dog is stressful enough without having to sift through all the glucometers for dogs that can be found online. By providing you with this list of reviews of some of the top options on the market, we’ve simplified the process for you. Additionally, we’ve added more details to our reviews to help you make an informed decision about which glucometer is best for your dog.

  1. AlphaTRAK 2 Blood Glucose Monitoring System Starter Kit for Dogs & Cats, 50 strips
    • Easy to use
    • Requires only a tiny blood sample
    • Designed for use with pets
    • Includes 50 test strips and 30 lancets
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. Pet Control HQ Blood Sugar Glucose Monitor System
    • Fast and accurate glucose readings
    • Contains a glucometer, 50 blood glucose test strips, 2 Code-Chips (one for dogs and one for cats), 50 Lancets, Lancing Device, Control Solution, Carrying Case, Logbook, User’s Manual, Quick Reference Guide
    • Allows easy and precise blood sugar monitoring
    • unique 2 Code-Chip test strips (for cats/dogs)


    Check Amazon
  3. iPet PRO Blood Glucose Monitoring System Starter Kit for Dogs & Cats
    • Includes meter, test strips, lance device, control solution, and gauge lancets
    • Accurate results in just five seconds
    • Exceeds the minimum acceptable accuracy criteria specified in ISO 15197:2013.
    • Designed specifically for pets


    Check Chewy Check Amazon

Top Picks: The Best Glucometers for Dogs Today

#1. Best Overall: AlphaTRAK 2 Blood Glucose Monitoring Starter Kit

In our overall review of pet glucometers, we picked AlphaTRAK 2 Blood Glucose Monitoring Starter Kit as the best choice.

The monitor’s user-friendliness is one of its best features. You only need to collect a small amount of blood from your pet. Thus, the testing process won’t be as painful or stressful for them.

Additionally, it is a very accurate glucometer, which is very important when making decisions about your dog’s treatment and dosage with your veterinarian. The device is calibrated to work with both dogs and cats.

Furthermore, it stores previous glucose readings, which may be helpful in tracking your pet’s blood glucose over time.

You will receive everything you need to monitor your dog’s blood sugar level when you purchase this kit. There are 50 test strips/tips, 30 lancets, a lancing device, and a control solution included with the meter. Moreover, each purchase comes with a convenient carrying case that keeps your dog’s testing supplies at hand at all times. AlphaTRAK offers replacement testing tips, lancets, and control solutions when you run out.

Verified Amazon customers highly recommend this kit, and it appears to be easy to use and accurate. As long as you carefully read and follow instructions, you should be able to get reliable results quite quickly.

There were a few problems with the lance experienced by some users. In order to get the lance settings right consistently, you and your pet may have to get used to the range of settings. If you want to take samples from your pet’s body, keep in mind that there are a few different locations you can choose from.

In addition, you may achieve the most accurate results by calibrating the device yourself or by asking your veterinarian for assistance.

Pros and Cons of the AlphaTRAK 2 Blood Glucose Monitoring Starter Kit

ProsCons
The device only needs the smallest blood sample, ensuring your dog is as pain-free and stress-free as possible.Due to the lance’s variety of settings, some users experienced some difficulties.
With the initial purchase of the kit, you will receive 50 test strips and 30 lancets.
Your dog’s testing supplies are always close at hand with the convenient carrying case.
Best Overall
AlphaTRAK 2 Blood Glucose Monitoring System Starter Kit for Dogs & Cats, 50 strips
  • Easy to use
  • Requires only a tiny blood sample
  • Designed for use with pets
  • Includes 50 test strips and 30 lancets
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Most User-Friendly: Pet Control HQ Blood Sugar Glucose Monitor System

Another excellent choice to consider is the Pet Control HQ Blood Sugar Glucose Monitor System. Veterinarians recommend this brand as one of the best glucometers for dogs as it can ensure accurate glucose readings. For accuracy, the glucometer kit uses GDH enzyme test strips. Two code chips are used in its design, one for dogs and one for cats, to enhance its accuracy.

This is a starter kit for those who are new to monitoring glucose levels. The kit contains a glucometer, two code chips (for dogs and cats), 50 test strips, 50 lancets, a lancing device, a control solution, a logbook, a user’s manual, a quick reference guide, a log book, and a carrying case. A user-friendly design makes it easy for dog owners to monitor their pup’s glucose levels. Within 10 seconds, the results of the test will be displayed.

When using glucometers for dogs or similar devices, it’s crucial to read the instructions thoroughly and calibrate the device correctly. It is also a good idea to have your veterinarian guide you through the process. Additionally, you shouldn’t leave the test strips out. You should always reseal them if they have been exposed to air for a long period of time.

Despite its relatively straightforward operation and accuracy, this product received overwhelmingly positive user reviews.

Pros and Cons of the Pet Control HQ Blood Sugar Glucose Monitor System

ProsCons
There is a logbook included so you can keep track of your dog’s results.Calibration of the device must be performed by a veterinarian.
The user-friendly design makes it extremely easy to use.
In order to ensure accuracy, the glucometer kit uses enzyme test strips containing GDH enzyme.
Most User-Friendly
Pet Control HQ Blood Sugar Glucose Monitor System
  • Fast and accurate glucose readings
  • Contains a glucometer, 50 blood glucose test strips, 2 Code-Chips (one for dogs and one for cats), 50 Lancets, Lancing Device, Control Solution, Carrying Case, Logbook, User’s Manual, Quick Reference Guide
  • Allows easy and precise blood sugar monitoring
  • unique 2 Code-Chip test strips (for cats/dogs)


Check Amazon

3. Best on a Budget: iPet PRO Blood Glucose Monitoring System

For those on a budget and wanting to monitor their dog’s glucose levels, we recommend the iPet PRO Blood Glucose Monitoring System. This kit is made by UltiCare, a company with over 25 years of experience.

This kit also includes all the supplies and devices needed to test and track the glucose levels of dogs. It includes a glucometer, lancing device, glucose chip, 25 test strips, 28-gauge lancets, control solution, user guide, logbook, and storage case.

Easy to use and highly accurate, the iPet PRO glucometer is designed with pet owners in mind. Results will be displayed after only five seconds, and the process is simple. Additionally, the device exceeds the minimum acceptable accuracy criteria so that you can be confident the results you see are accurate.

Errors are low and easily detected and corrected by the technology, offering peace of mind. With the ability to store up to 500 blood glucose tests, this glucometer is great for tracking blood glucose results over time.

The glucometer was designed specifically for veterinary use with dogs and cats. With this system, both capillary and venous blood samples can be collected, giving you more options for where to draw blood samples for you and your pet. The biggest disadvantage of this glucose monitoring system is its difficulty in using. The instructions are well written, but the setup takes some time. 

Pros and Cons of the iPet PRO Blood Glucose Monitoring System

ProsCons
Readout errors are low, and the technology is able to detect them.Setup requires additional time and can be challenging.
It will only take five seconds for the results to appear.
It is possible to store 500 blood glucose readings in the glucometer.
Best on a Budget
iPet PRO Blood Glucose Monitoring System Starter Kit for Dogs & Cats
  • Includes meter, test strips, lance device, control solution, and gauge lancets
  • Accurate results in just five seconds
  • Exceeds the minimum acceptable accuracy criteria specified in ISO 15197:2013.
  • Designed specifically for pets


Check Chewy Check Amazon

How to Choose the Best Glucometers for Dogs

Keeping track of your dog’s glucose levels requires the right monitoring device. Accurate readings are essential to managing and treating their diabetes. In order to select the right glucometer, you need to take into consideration a few key factors.

Choosing the best glucometers for your pup requires consideration of four main factors:

  • Quality and accuracy
  • Ease of use 
  • Budget 
  • Approved by vets and pet parents

In the following section, we will explore each of these factors in greater detail:

Quality and Accuracy

When choosing the right glucometer for dogs, accuracy should be the most important factor. Your dog’s glucometer is not much use if it doesn’t give accurate readings. The results of your readings will be shared with your veterinarian so that your puppy can be properly managed and dosed.

You can check for accuracy by reading reviews from other users or asking your veterinarian for advice. It’s also important to choose a product from a respected brand.

Ease of Use

Consider the user-friendliness of each monitoring device next. In addition to being easier to use, handheld models are less bulky and less expensive. You can get a sense of the user-friendliness of the different starter kits and handheld devices you’re considering by reading their directions. You should be able to easily operate any displays, settings, or buttons.

Also, make sure the meter comes with useful test strips/tips and lancets. You want to avoid creating extra pricks or collecting more blood than necessary to minimize stress and discomfort. In addition, you do not want to spend money having to replace supplies due to defects, user error, or other issues.

Budget

Consider your budget as well. It is important to keep in mind not only the cost of the starter kit, handheld meter, or other devices themselves, but also the recurring expenses of testing your dog. You should check the prices of compatible test strips/tips for each of the monitors you’re considering to make sure they won’t be prohibitively expensive.

Approved by Vets and Pet Parents

Ultimately, you should use your own best judgment and consult a trusted veterinarian before using any product. Before buying and using a pet glucometer, make sure you read its reviews and instructions thoroughly.

Without proper treatment, diabetes can have serious consequences. Your pet’s glucometer must be accurate, reliable, easy to use, and trustworthy. However, vet advice and verified customer reviews are the best ways to choose the best glucometers for dogs.

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About the Author

Volia Schubiger is a freelance copywriter and content editor with a passion and expertise in content creation, branding, and marketing. She has a background in Broadcast Journalism & Political Science from CUNY Brooklyn College. When she's not writing she loves traveling, perusing used book stores, and hanging out with her other half.

We Go Over the Best Glucometers for Dogs: Updated FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Can you use a human glucose meter for dogs?

Dogs should not be treated with a human glucose meter. Dogs store blood sugar differently than humans, so they won’t provide an accurate reading. Human blood glucose is almost half contained in red blood cells, but dog blood glucose is only about 12 to 13% contained in red blood cells.

What glucose can I give my dog?

It is best to check with your dog’s veterinarian before giving them any glucose or insulin.

How do you monitor a dog’s blood sugar?

It is necessary to use a glucometer designed for dogs to monitor a dog’s blood sugar levels. The information you record on a blood sugar chart and share with your veterinarian can help you manage your dog’s diabetes properly.

Can I check my dog’s blood sugar at home?

Using a dog glucometer at home can help you monitor your dog’s sugar levels and keep track of them. Your veterinarian can use this information to determine the appropriate insulin dose for your puppy.

How can I lower my dog’s blood sugar naturally?

Check with your veterinarian for specific recommendations based on your dog’s health and diabetic needs, but some herbal remedies may help lower blood sugar levels.

These include:
• Fenugreek
• Bitter melon
• Gymbena
• Cornsilk

Where is the best place to take blood from a dog?

Taking blood from a dog’s elbow callus is typically the recommended approach. This area should yield sufficient blood and won’t cause your dog much pain.

What should a dog’s glucose level be?

While glucose levels can vary depending on the time of day, a healthy dog’s level will typically be between 100 and 250 mg/dL. Diabetic dogs typically have a range somewhere between 90 and 216 mg/dL. If you notice changes in the typical range for your dog, you should consult with your veterinarian.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.