Diabetic dogs require daily insulin injections to stabilize their blood sugar levels. Giving a dog an insulin shot can be a daunting task, especially if you have never given your pet an injection before. To give an insulin shot to a dog, start by drawing up the insulin properly. Then, administer the insulin correctly so your dog gets the medicine it needs.
Steps
Part 1
Part 1 of 2:
Drawing Up the Insulin
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Remove the cap on the needle. Start by removing the cap from the needle on the syringe. The syringe should come with a plastic cap to ensure it is sterile. [1] X Research source
- Once you remove the cap, pull the plunger back to the appropriate dose mark on the syringe. Your vet should tell you the dosage required for your dog.
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Roll the insulin between your hands. Insulin is a suspension, not a solution, so it needs to be mixed before you give it to your dog. Roll the insulin bottle or tube between your hands quickly a few times. Then, turn the bottle upside down to make sure there are no white insulin molecules at the bottom of the bottle.
- Never shake the insulin as this may break down the insulin molecules. Shaking will also cause the insulin to foam, making it difficult to measure it accurately when you draw it out.
- If there are still white insulin molecules at the bottom, roll the insulin again until it is mixed.
- Insulin that has been refrigerated should be left out at room temperature for an hour before it is injected. Cold insulin can be painful when injected.
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Insert the needle into the insulin bottle. After the insulin has been mixed, pull air up into the syringe by pulling the plunger back. Then insert the needle into the insulin bottle and push the plunger down to inject the air from the syringe into the bottle. [2] X Research source
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Draw out the insulin. Pull the plunger back up to draw out the insulin. Draw out more insulin than you need. Then, inject the excess back into the bottle by pushing down on the plunger. This will remove any air bubbles from the syringe.
- Always measure the dose at the edge of the plunger, where it is closest to the needle.
- If you get bubbles in the syringe, flick the syringe with your fingers until the bubbles rise to the top and then simply push the air out of the syringe with the plunger.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:
Administering the Insulin Shot
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Give the dog insulin after it has eaten. Always give the dog insulin as it is eating or right after it has eaten. This will ensure the insulin is absorbed properly into its bloodstream. Time the insulin shots for the dog’s meal and be ready to give the dog insulin during meal time. [3] X Research source
- You may want to record the time of the injection on a calendar so you can keep track of the insulin you are giving the dog.
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Hold the syringe in your dominant hand. If you are right handed, hold the syringe in your right hand. Then, wrap your left hand around the dog’s neck towards its back. This will allow you to then hold the dog still while you inject the insulin. [4] X Research source
- Alternatively, you can ask a friend, partner, or family member to hold the dog from behind with both hands. This will make it easier for you to administer the insulin properly without worrying about your dog moving or shifting around. However, this may not be necessary if the insulin is given while the dog is eating.
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Pick up a fold on your dog’s back or shoulders. Use your nondominant hand to lift up a fold of skin along your dog’s back or shoulders. You can also choose a fold of skin on the sides of the dog’s chest or abdomen. [5] X Research source
- Make sure you use a different injection site every time you give the dog insulin.
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Push the needle into your dog’s skin at a forty-five degree angle. Push the entire needle into the dog's skin. Be careful not to push the needle into your finger. [6] X Research source
- Keep in mind you do not need to sterilize the area with alcohol before you insert the needle. It is not an effective way to remove bacteria and is not necessary.
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Give the dog the injection. Pull back on the syringe plunger slightly and check that no blood enters the syringe. Then, push the plunger with your thumb to give the dog the injection. [7] X Research source
- If blood enters the syringe, this means the needle is in a blood vessel. Remove the needle and start again at a different injection site.
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Remove the needle from your dog’s skin. Once the insulin has been injected, remove it from your dog’s skin at the same angle. Put the cap back on the needle.
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Dispose of the syringe properly. All insulin needles are one use only and must be disposed of properly after they have been used. Use a needle clipping and storage device, such as Safe-Clip, or just put the needle and syringe in a puncture-resistant container. Do not simply throw it in the garbage, as this can be a health hazard. [8] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source
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Reward your dog. Praise your dog after the injection by scratching its head or giving it a treat. You can also use verbal praise like “Good job” or “Great going.”Advertisement
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Tips
- Always follow your vet’s instructions on the proper dosage for your diabetic dog. Diabetic dogs will need insulin once or twice a day at mealtime, depending on their condition.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/diabetes-mellitus-insulin-treatment-in-dogs
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/diabetes-mellitus-insulin-treatment-in-dogs
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/giving-injections-to-dogs
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/giving-injections-to-dogs
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/giving-injections-to-dogs
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/diabetes-mellitus-insulin-treatment-in-dogs
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/diabetes-mellitus-insulin-treatment-in-dogs
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/consumer-products/safely-using-sharps-needles-and-syringes-home-work-and-travel
About this article
Article Summary
X
To give an insulin shot to a dog, start by removing the cap from the needle and drawing insulin into the syringe. Then, hold the syringe in your dominant hand and use your other hand to pick up a fold of skin on your dog’s back or shoulder. Next, push the needle into the skin at a 45 degree angle and depress the plunger on the syringe to inject the insulin. Finally, remove the needle from your dog and dispose of it safely. For more tips from our Veterinary co-author, including how to keep track of your dog’s insulin doses, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "My dog was on a death spiral, lost 30 lbs in 3 weeks before I got him on insulin. Then he pulled right out of it, except he went blind in that three-week period. He is doing fine now, even being blind. I had no idea how severe diabetes was on a dog. Thanks." ..." more
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"My dog was on a death spiral, lost 30 lbs in 3 weeks before I got him on insulin. Then he pulled right out of it, except he went blind in that three-week period. He is doing fine now, even being blind. I had no idea how severe diabetes was on a dog. Thanks."
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"This article was very helpful to reassure me that I am doing things correctly. I have a female Husky about 11-12 years old. She waits around after eating to get her shot. Almost like she knows that it will make her feel better."
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"Looking for more tips on where to give my dog injections and this article had some suggestions for that and the pictures are helpful. I don't want my dog to be uncomfortable since we have to do it twice a day."
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"Very helpful. I didn't receive a pamphlet,etc. from the vet and almost forgot all the info. He gave us. a whole lot of instructions without a manual."
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