This handout provides detailed information on insulin administration. See the handouts “Diabetes Mellitus – Overview” and “Diabetes Mellitus – Principles of Treatment in Dogs” for more details on diabetes mellitus.
Receive weekly emails with helpful pet health advice, articles, and insights from our veterinarian community.
Dogs with diabetes are not automatically put to death. With the right care, many canine diabetics live healthy lives and have typical life spans.
Over-the-counter diets can also be taken into consideration if a dog refuses to consume one of the prescription foods that are offered. Since they frequently contain more fiber and fewer simple sugars than alternative foods, high-quality foods that are intended to aid in weight loss are a good choice. Remember that to manage a dog’s diabetes, almost any high-quality dog food can be matched with an appropriate insulin dose when necessary.
Designing a protocol that is convenient enough to be followed day in and day out while still meeting the dog’s medical needs depends on close communication between the veterinarian and owner. Never change your dog’s routine without first consulting your veterinarian.
A type of sugar called glucose is transported by insulin from the bloodstream into the cells, where it can be used as fuel. When the body lacks enough insulin, blood sugar levels can reach dangerously high levels, and cells effectively starve. Most canine patients with type 1 diabetes can be successfully managed with twice-daily insulin injections along with a suitable diet and lifestyle.
Learn More About Dosing & Administration
A controlled and regular dietary intake is necessary for good glycemic control. A dog with diabetes has very specific dietary needs, so each dog’s diet must be customized for them.
Body Weight is a Major Factor
Obese dogs need to consume fewer calories, either by eating less of their regular diet or by following a calorie-restricted diet. Increasing physical activity will also be beneficial in obese dogs. On the other hand, underweight dogs might need calorie-dense diets like pediatric or convalescent diets.
Consider Concurrent Diseases
It’s crucial to take into account any additional ailments and requirements your patient might have. It’s possible that managing your diet for these related issues is more important than adhering to a strict “diabetic” diet.
Timing of Meals
The dog’s daily food intake should traditionally be split into two meals. Meals should be timed so that the peak action of the administered insulin coexists with the absorption of glucose from the digestive tract. By doing so, episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia will be reduced due to fluctuations in blood glucose levels.
Dogs’ postprandial glucose surge has been shown to be slowed by fiber-rich diets, which improves glycemic control.
For Once-Daily Insulin Injections:
Determine how much food the dog needs overall each day.
Prior to the morning Vetsulin injection, administer the first meal (two-thirds of the daily recommended amount). Prior to giving the dog insulin, the owner can use this to make sure the dog is feeling well and eating normally.
When the crystalline portion’s action is at its peak, which is typically 8 to 10 hours after the first meal, the second meal (the remainder of the daily amount) is typically given.
For Twice-Daily Insulin Injections:
Just prior to the morning insulin injection, the first meal (half of the daily recommended amount) is consumed. This enables you to check the dog’s health and regular eating habits prior to administering insulin.
Prior to the second insulin injection, the second meal (the remainder of the daily allowance) is typically taken about 10 to 12 hours later.
When I have clients practice in front of me, I can see the fear leave their body after 1-2 practice shots, so make sure you get some practice with saline solution while you’re still at the clinic. It’s 90% mental/fear, and once you get over it, you’re home free; nobody ever needs a third; they walk out with confidence.
There isn’t a condition that makes owners more anxious than diabetes, in my opinion. It’s terrifying to have to give a shot to a pet you care about twice a day, every day. I’ll also provide an answer to the frequently asked question, “How far apart/early/late can I give the insulin?” Once you’ve done it a few times, it becomes second nature.
Check out the rest of the Diabetes series to learn how to tell if it’s working and when to be concerned.
Insulin is kept in the refrigerator. There are some human-made pens that can be left out for extended periods of time, but generally, plan on cooling the insulin. Bring a small cooler so you can transport the insulin home if you have a decent drive to the pharmacy or veterinarian’s office. It needs to be gently mixed before each dose. An insulin made especially for dogs and cats called Vetsulin can be shaken like a Polaroid photo. Other insulins must be gently rocked in the same manner as orange juice, not shaken.
Choose a time (actually two, separated by 12 hours), and keep to it. Most people do 7 am/7pm or something similar. Do what works for your schedule; I have a client who works late and administers the insulin at midnight and noon. I frequently give the animal the insulin after making sure it eats and eating well. A few veterinary professionals advise administering the shot 30 minutes before a meal. That makes the most biological sense, but what if the pet doesn’t eat? You would then have insulin in them that you couldn’t get out, and you would then be concerned about their blood sugar dropping too low. That won’t be a problem if we make sure they eat before the injection.
FAQ
Should I give my dog insulin after he eats?
Before administering an insulin injection to your dog, give them a meal because once given, insulin cannot be removed from the body. Give only a half dose of insulin if your dog refuses to eat or only consumes half of the food. Take your dog to the vet if this occurs more than once for an evaluation.
How long should you wait to give insulin after eating?
After taking a mealtime insulin, don’t wait more than 15 minutes before eating.
How much food should a dog eat before insulin?
Diabetes Meal Timing If your dog only receives one dose of insulin per day, the first meal should be 2/3 of the daily ration and administered prior to the insulin injection.
Can I give my dog insulin 3 hours late?
Try to space out your dates by as much as 11–12 hours. It is preferable to completely skip a dose if you have to administer a shot earlier or later than that +/- 1 hour window. I’d rather risk him going too low (very bad!) than have your pet have high blood sugar (not a big deal) due to missing an insulin shot.