{"id":630404,"date":"2024-11-13T13:16:37","date_gmt":"2024-11-13T18:16:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630404"},"modified":"2025-11-03T13:40:33","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T18:40:33","slug":"freestyle-libre-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/freestyle-libre-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"FreeStyle Libre for dogs: Uses, dosage, and safety"},"content":{"rendered":"

FreeStyle Libre<\/span><\/a> is a prescription continuous glucose monitor. It consists of a sensor worn on the skin that monitors tissue glucose levels and a smartphone app or dedicated reader that scans and stores blood glucose level readings. While FreeStyle Libre is used long-term in people, veterinarians use it for a few days to two weeks to manage insulin treatment in dogs. FreeStyle Libre is not FDA approved for veterinary use. The manufacturer will not provide any support or help when the device is used on animals.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/b> Save up to 80% on FreeStyle Libre<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

What is FreeStyle Libre used for in dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

FreeStyle Libre is a medical device that continually monitors glucose levels in diabetic patients who are taking insulin. Sensors are placed on the skin and can send readings to a device or app.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

People on insulin also have the option of using a continuous glucose monitor to get real-time measurements of glucose concentrations. Almost all require a prescription. FreeStyle Libre is one option. A <\/span>sensor the size of a large coin<\/span><\/a> is affixed to the skin. A small needle on the underside of the sensor penetrates the skin. The sensor continuously reads tissue glucose levels. Readings are taken by placing a monitoring device or smartphone on or near the sensor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In people, these devices can be used for months or years. Long-term use on a dog is not practical. Many dogs dislodge the sensors or get them off in a few days; as many as<\/span> 60% to 80%<\/span><\/a> of dogs manage to get the sensor loose within the 14-day period the sensor is worn. Though not practical for long-term use, veterinarians can use FreeStyle Libre as an alternative to lengthy or expensive hospital stays when assessing insulin treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Diabetes<\/span><\/h3>\n

Diabetes is a common disease in dogs, affecting about<\/span> 1%<\/span><\/a> of dogs. While most people have Type 2 diabetes, most dogs are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Canine Type 2 diabetes is rare. No matter what type of diabetes a dog has, the standard treatment is insulin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Insulin treatment often requires a lengthy assessment process called blood glucose curves. A BGC is typically a<\/span> 12-hour<\/span><\/a> in-hospital procedure in which the dog\u2019s blood glucose levels are tested every two hours. These tests allow veterinarians to fine-tune insulin dosages to prevent blood sugar problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If possible, veterinarians will typically perform their first BGC shortly after insulin therapy starts. After that, the<\/span> America Animal Hospital Association<\/span><\/a> recommends blood glucose curves:<\/span><\/p>\n