How to Administer Insulin to a Dog

A diagnosis of diabetes can be stressful for both the dog and its owner. If an owner is willing to put forth some time and effort in monitoring the dog's condition on a daily basis, a diabetic dog can live many normal, happy and healthy years.

Things You'll Need

• Insulin
• Insulin needles

Instructions

Prepare the Dose

1. Take the insulin out of the refrigerator.

2. Roll the vial of insulin gently between the palms of your hands. This warms the insulin, which makes the injection less painful for the dog.

3. Take the needle guard off of the syringe.

4. Turn the vial stopper side down.

5. Insert the needle of the syringe into the vial through the rubber stopper.

6. Flush any air out of the syringe. Pull the plunger back, draw in some insulin, and then push the plunger back in, allowing the air and insulin out of the needle and back into the vial. Repeat this step twice.

7. Extract the prescribed dose of insulin into the syringe from the upside down vial.

8. Thump the syringe gently to insure no bubbles are formed in the insulin dose.

9. Replace the needle guard over the needle.

10. Return the insulin vial to the refrigerator.

Administer the Insulin

1. Place your dog on a table, counter top or kneel on the floor next to your dog so you are at the same level.

2. Remove the needle guard from the needle.

3. Hold the needle with one hand and gently pick up a fold of the dog's skin with the opposite hand. Squeeze and pull the skin away from the dog's body to form the shape of a triangle or tent.

4. Inject the needle through the dog's skin near the base of the "tent" at about a 45 degree angle and press the plunger with your thumb. Be sure that the needle does not come out the other side of the skin.

5. Replace the needle guard and dispose of the needle in a puncture resistant container.

6. Reward your dog with a veterinarian approved treat and a big hug.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your vet or groomer to shave the hair around the injection sites. This makes it easier for you to see the needle go into the dog's skin and catch any possible misfires

• Never corner the dog when giving the injection. The process needs to be as stress free as possible, for both owner and dog.

• Never shake the vial of insulin. This may render the insulin ineffective.

• Always consult your veterinarian if you have any questions regarding the injections or any reactions the dog has.

• If some insulin leaks out at the injection site or the needle goes through the fold of skin and the dog does not receive the entire dose of insulin, DO NOT give the dog more insulin. Wait for the next scheduled dose. Too much insulin can be fatal to your dog.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish