Why Do Dogs Lick Diabetic Feet?

Dogs have shared a bond with humans for thousands of years. Over time, our four-legged friends have evolved exceptional olfactory abilities, making them highly attuned to the world around them. They can detect the minutest changes in scents, which includes the changes that occur within the human body due to health conditions like diabetes. This keen sense of smell, combined with their natural instinct to care for their pack members, may explain the curious behavior of some dogs licking diabetic feet.

The Science Behind the Lick: Dogs and the Scent of Diabetes

1. Sensing the Change

A diabetic individual’s metabolism produces chemical compounds as a result of fluctuating blood sugar levels. These compounds are often excreted through sweat and can significantly alter an individual’s natural scent. While the changes might be undetectable to us, for dogs, these chemical shifts are evident.

2. Dogs and the Glycemic Alert

Certain breeds have been trained to assist individuals with diabetes by detecting hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) before they become dangerous. These medical alert dogs respond to the change in scent by performing specific actions, such as booping their owners or even licking them, to alert them of a potential issue.

When a Simple Lick Isn’t So Simple

1. Licking as a Sign of Concern

Dogs licking the feet of diabetics might be more than just an endearing behavior. For many, it’s a genuine expression of concern. Dogs are known to comfort their pack members when they sense something is amiss. By licking, they’re trying to offer care, while possibly drawing the person’s attention to a potential health concern.

2. Distinguishing Affection from Alert

Of course, not all foot-licking behaviors can be attributed to a dog sensing diabetes. Dogs lick for various reasons, including grooming, affection, or because they like the taste of human sweat. However, if your pooch suddenly starts to obsessively lick your feet or shows interest in areas where they didn’t before, it might be worth paying closer attention.

Beyond the Lick: Other Indicators from our Canine Companions

While foot licking is one of the most talked-about behaviors, dogs might display other signs when they sense diabetes or its complications:

• Increased Alertness: Dogs might become noticeably more attentive or restless when they detect abnormal glucose levels. They may follow their owner more closely or show signs of anxiety.
• Nudging or Poking: Apart from licking, dogs may nudge, poke, or even softly bite their owner to get their attention.
• Changes in Play Behavior: Some dogs might fetch a glucose meter or another related item to signal their owner.

Conclusion: Trusting Canine Instincts

The world of dogs is filled with scents, many of which we cannot comprehend. Their ability to pick up on our health changes serves as a testament to their incredible evolution alongside humans. While foot licking can be attributed to several factors, it’s essential to recognize when it could be indicative of something more significant. Always consult with healthcare professionals if you notice sudden or unusual behaviors in your dog related to your health. And remember, while dogs are amazing creatures with incredible abilities, they are not a substitute for regular medical check-ups and consultations.

FAQs about Dogs and Diabetic Feet Licking

1. Are all dogs capable of detecting diabetes through scent?

While all dogs have a superior sense of smell compared to humans, not all dogs will necessarily react or be attuned to the scent changes associated with diabetes. Some breeds or individual dogs might be more predisposed or trained to pick up on these specific scents, but generalizing this ability to all dogs would be inaccurate.

2. How reliable is a dog’s sense in detecting low or high blood sugar?

Professional diabetic alert dogs undergo rigorous training to detect blood sugar fluctuations and are typically quite reliable. However, an average pet dog, even if they do occasionally pick up on these scent changes, should not be solely relied upon for medical indications. It’s always recommended to use medically-approved devices for blood sugar readings.

3. Can dogs predict other medical conditions besides diabetes?

Yes, research has shown that dogs can detect various conditions, including certain types of cancer, migraines, and even seizures before they happen. Their keen sense of smell enables them to pick up on the chemical changes the body undergoes during various medical situations.

4. Should I train my dog to detect my blood sugar levels?

Training a dog to become a diabetic alert dog is an intensive process. If you’re considering this, it’s crucial to consult with professionals who specialize in such training. Remember, while dogs can be a supplementary aid, they should not replace regular medical tools and consultations.

5. My dog has started licking my feet suddenly but I don’t have diabetes. What could be the reason?

Dogs might lick feet for various reasons, including showing affection, grooming, or being attracted to the salts in human sweat. External factors like a change in your skincare products, lotions, or even new shoes could lead to increased licking. If the behavior is sudden and persistent, it might be worth consulting a veterinarian to understand any potential underlying causes related to the dog or a doctor to ensure there are no health concerns with you.

6. How can I discourage my dog from excessive licking?

If your dog’s licking becomes problematic, consider the following steps:

• Distraction: Engage them with toys or play when they start licking.
• Training: Use commands like “stop” or “no” followed by rewards when they obey.
• Check for health issues: Sometimes, dogs lick due to underlying health problems, such as skin infections or allergies. A vet consultation can help in this regard.

7. Are there any risks associated with dogs licking human feet?

While occasional licking is generally harmless, frequent foot-licking could expose the individual to bacteria from the dog’s mouth, especially if there are open wounds or cracks on the feet. Additionally, if your feet have residual lotions, creams, or medications, they could be ingested by the dog, potentially leading to health concerns for them.

8. How do diabetic alert dogs communicate potential blood sugar fluctuations?

Different dogs are trained to alert in various ways. Some might paw at the person, while others may bark, lick, or fetch a specific item like a glucose meter. The type of alert often depends on the dog’s training and the individual’s preference.

9. Can other animals detect diabetes or medical conditions like dogs?

While dogs are the most commonly recognized for this ability due to their exceptional olfactory senses, other animals have demonstrated some level of medical detection. For instance, anecdotal evidence suggests that some cats have alerted their owners to seizures. However, extensive research in this area, especially concerning animals other than dogs, remains limited.

10. Are there differences between breeds in detecting diabetes?

While certain breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Poodles are popularly trained as diabetic alert dogs due to their trainability and temperament, there isn’t concrete evidence to suggest that specific breeds are more inherently adept at detecting diabetes. The success lies more in the individual dog’s training, sensitivity, and bond with the diabetic person.

11. Can dogs detect diabetes in themselves?

While dogs have a heightened sense of smell, there isn’t substantial evidence to suggest they can self-diagnose diabetes. However, symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, or changes in appetite could be indicative of diabetes in dogs and warrant a visit to the vet.

12. How long does it take to train a diabetic alert dog?

The training duration can vary based on the dog’s age, individual learning pace, and the training program’s specifics. On average, training a diabetic alert dog can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, including foundational obedience training followed by specialized scent detection training.

13. Are diabetic alert dogs recognized as service animals?

Yes, in many countries, diabetic alert dogs are classified as service animals, given their role in assisting individuals with medical conditions. This recognition allows them to accompany their handlers in public places where other dogs might not be permitted.

14. How do trainers ensure that a dog reliably alerts to blood sugar changes and not other scents?

Training for diabetic alert dogs involves using samples of the individual’s saliva or sweat at varying blood sugar levels. Over time, with repetition and positive reinforcement, the dog learns to differentiate these specific scents from others and react appropriately. The training is consistent and rigorous to ensure reliability.

15. Can a regular pet dog be trained to become a diabetic alert dog?

While it’s possible to train a pet dog to detect blood sugar changes, success largely depends on the dog’s age, temperament, trainability, and the bond they share with the diabetic individual. It’s always recommended to consult with a professional trainer experienced in this specialized field.

16. Do diabetic alert dogs require any specific care or diet?

While they don’t need a specific diet solely because they are diabetic alert dogs, it’s essential to ensure they maintain good health to perform their duties effectively. Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, proper exercise, and mental stimulation are vital. It’s also crucial to understand that they’re not just service animals but pets who require love, care, and downtime.

17. How does a dog’s age impact their ability to detect diabetes?

While dogs of various ages have successfully been trained as diabetic alert dogs, younger dogs are often preferred due to their adaptability and the potential for longer service lives. However, age isn’t the sole determining factor; the individual dog’s health, sensitivity, and training responsiveness play crucial roles.

18. Is there a risk of a diabetic alert dog becoming “burned out” or less responsive over time?

Like any service animal, diabetic alert dogs can experience periods of stress or distraction. Regular breaks, playtime, and ensuring they aren’t overworked are essential. Periodic retraining or “refresher” courses might also benefit the dog, ensuring their alert skills remain sharp.

19. Can diabetic alert dogs live with other pets?

Yes, most diabetic alert dogs can cohabit with other pets. However, it’s essential that the dog’s role as a service animal is respected and that other pets don’t distract them from their duties. The integration process should be monitored and gradual, ensuring all animals feel comfortable and secure.