How to Give a Dog Insulin Shots

Canine diabetes is not a death sentence. Diabetes Mellitus is treatable, and your dog can have a long and healthy life with the aid of insulin injections. These are easy to administer, and can be done with little discomfort to your dog.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Ask your vet to give you a demonstration. A dog can receive an insulin shot in four locations: the flank, the belly, the side of the chest and the back of the neck. The back of the neck is usually the easiest. For a slide presentation, see Resources below.

2. Fill your syringe with insulin. Remove any air bubbles by gently tapping the syringe to make them rise up to the top (near the needle). Squirt them out along with a bit of insulin. You don’t want to inject bubbles into your pet.

3. Gently pinch a fold of skin between thumb and forefinger at the dog’s neck, between the shoulders.

4. Insert the needle into the fold, angling it parallel to the dog’s back, so that the insulin enters just beneath the skin. This allows for gradual absorption of the insulin into the system.

5. Press the plunger, then remove the needle. Take a few moments to praise your dog, even giving him a diabetic-approved treat. This way they develop a positive association with the process, making you both more comfortable.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask you vet for diabetic-approved treats with which to reward your dog. Once they are diagnosed as diabetics, they can no longer have the standard off-the-shelf treats you used to buy, as these will aggravate the situation.
• Never reuse a syringe or a needle. Make sure they are properly disposed of (do not toss in the trash). Ask your vet as to the best disposal procedures.

Resources

• About Canine Diabetes
• Pet Diabetes Resources

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Ask a Dog Vet Online Now