How to Properly Prepare and Administer Insulin Injections

Knowing how to administer insulin to your diabetic dog is essential for their health and well-being. Join Veterinary Center of Hardyston as we guide you step by step through how to give insulin safely and confidently at home.

How to Give Insulin to a Diabetic Dog

If your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes, giving insulin injections at home may be part of their daily care routine. While it may seem overwhelming at first, with the right technique and preparation, you can confidently support your pet’s health. Here’s a step-by-step guide to administering insulin safely and effectively at home.

Step 1: Have Your Supplies Near and Ready

  • Insulin prescribed by your veterinarian
  • Correct type of insulin syringe (U-40 or U-100 as instructed)
  • Sharps container for safe needle disposal

Step 2: Prepare the Insulin

Remove the insulin vial from its box and gently roll it between your hands for several seconds.

Important: Never shake insulin. Shaking can create air bubbles, which may affect the dosage. Rolling helps evenly mix the contents without compromising the medication.

Step 3: Prepare the Syringe

  1. Remove the white cap from the syringe.
  2. Remove the orange cap to expose the needle.

Step 4: Draw the Insulin

  1. Hold the insulin vial upside down.
  2. Insert the needle into the rubber stopper of the vial.
  3. Slowly draw back the syringe plunger to fill it with the prescribed dose of insulin.
  4. Check for air bubbles. If any are present, tap the syringe gently and expel the air before re-drawing.

Step 5: Choose the Injection Site

Pick a loose area of skin, typically along the back between the shoulder blades or along the side of the chest. Use a rotating site system to prevent irritation.

Gently lift the skin to create a “tent.” This helps you inject under the skin (subcutaneously) and not into the muscle.

Step 6: Administer the Injection

  1. With the bevel of the needle facing up, insert the needle at a 45-degree angle into the tented skin.
  2. Pull back slightly on the plunger to make sure no blood enters the syringe (indicating you’re not in a blood vessel).
  3. If no blood appears, push the plunger to inject the insulin.

Step 7: After the Injection

  • Carefully remove the needle and recap it.
  • Dispose of the needle in a sharps container.
  • Give your dog a treat and plenty of praise!

Need Help Managing Your Dog’s Diabetes?

At the Veterinary Center of Hardyston in Hamburg, NJ, we’re here to support you and your pet every step of the way. If you have questions about your dog’s insulin routine, contact our team at (973) 425-5146 or visit us in person for personalized care.

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