Freestyle Libre Monitoring

Owner's Guide for Dogs and Cats

The Freestyle Libre is a device that tracks your pet's blood sugar. It is meant to stay attached for 2 weeks, but it may fall off sooner.

The FreeStyle Libre system has two components: a sensor we attach to your pet’s skin and an app you use at home to scan the sensor. 

Using the Freestyle Libre

You will need to download the FreeStyle LibreLink app, using default settings, after the sensor application appointment.

Once you have the app downloaded you will begin to scan at least every 8 hours, by holding the phone within an inch or two from the sensor.

Once a newly-diagnosed patient’s blood glucose is regulated—and that initial process can take several adjustments to the insulin dose to stabilize blood glucose in an acceptable range—we normally recommend additional blood glucose monitoring using a new sensor every six months.

Sharing Readings with Your Veterinarian

After 7 days, contact our office to share readings (or sooner if the Freestyle Libre falls off). You can send us screenshots to our email address or share data with our office directly using the Libreview app. Your Veterinarian will review the data and discuss any changes to your pet's treatment.

Low and High Readings on the Freestyle Libre

Never change your pet’s insulin dose without speaking to your veterinarian. Insulin adjustments shouldn’t be based on a single blood sugar check but on the overall pattern. Your vet will let you know if any changes are needed. If the Freestyle Libre shows "too high to read," it means your pet’s blood sugar is over 400 mg/dL. While this isn’t an emergency right away, your vet will look at long-term trends to see if adjustments are needed. If the Freestyle Libre indicates low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and your pet seems sluggish, tired, weak, or unsteady, give a small meal. If your pet refuses food, apply a little Karo syrup to their gums. If this fails to improve their condition, seek emergency care.