Introduction
Giving dogs insulin injections can often seem daunting for owners, but it is a crucial part of managing diabetes in dogs. Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t utilize insulin properly, resulting in high blood sugar. Insulin injections help regulate blood sugar and prevent complications from diabetes.
However, giving insulin injections requires proper technique and care to be safe and effective. Some challenges owners face include: holding the dog still, choosing the right injection sites, accurately drawing up the proper dose, injecting the full dose without any leakage, avoiding air bubbles in the syringe, and minimizing pain. It takes time for owners and dogs alike to get comfortable with the process. Patience and consistency are key.
This guide will walk through step-by-step how to properly prepare for, give, and manage insulin injections for diabetic dogs. Learning how to overcome common mistakes will ensure better regulation of your dog’s blood sugar.
Preparing for the Injection
When giving your dog an insulin injection at home, it’s important to gather all of the necessary supplies ahead of time. This includes insulin, syringes, alcohol wipes, and treats. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, you should feed your dog before administering insulin, unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian (source).
Choose an appropriate injection site like the scruff, side, or hindquarters and make sure to rotate sites. Clean the area thoroughly with an alcohol wipe in a circular motion from the center outward. Let the alcohol dry completely before administering the shot. Preparing the supplies and injection site helps ensure proper insulin delivery and reduces the risk of infection.
Holding Your Dog
Properly holding or restraining your dog during insulin injections is crucial for administering the dose safely and reducing stress. Here are some techniques for keeping your dog still:
Ask someone to assist you with holding your dog if needed. Have the helper gently restrain your dog in their lap or against their body. Place one arm over your dog’s shoulder and neck region and use the other arm to hug their torso (1).
Sit on the floor with your dog between your legs with their back pressed against your chest. Wrap both arms around your dog in a hugging position to keep them contained (2).
Place a thick towel or small blanket over your dog’s head to create a calming effect. The light pressure can help distract anxious dogs during injections (3).
Give your dog a long-lasting chew treat or food puzzle to focus their attention while administering the shot.
Speak to your dog in a soothing, calm voice and stroke them to help them relax.
Practice brief handling exercises to gradually get your dog comfortable with touch. Reward them during and after with praise and treats.
Sources:
https://www.aaha.org/globalassets/02-guidelines/diabetes/diabetes-insulin-dog
Inserting the Needle
Inserting the needle into your dog’s skin can be uncomfortable for your pup, but there are some techniques you can use to make it as gentle as possible:
Pinch some skin between your thumb and forefinger to make a little tent. This moves the skin away from the underlying muscle, helping make the injection less painful. Insert the needle quickly into the tented skin at a 90 degree angle. The quicker the better, as a slow insertion tends to cause more discomfort. The ideal needle insertion spot is 1 to 2 inches away from the last injection site (1, 2).
You can also try giving the injection in an area with more scruff or fatty tissue, like the shoulders, hips or upper back. These areas have looser skin and more padding between the skin and muscle. Stay towards the sides of your dog’s body rather than directly on the spine (1, 2).
Distracting your dog with treats or pets while inserting the needle can also help ease any discomfort. Giving praise and providing positive reinforcement helps make the experience less stressful (1, 2).
With practice and patience, you’ll get into an easy routine. Just remember to work quickly and confidently – your calm demeanor helps keep your dog relaxed (2).
Sources:
1. https://www.aaha.org/globalassets/02-guidelines/diabetes/diabetes-insulin-dog
2. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/giving-insulin-injections-to-dogs
Injecting the Insulin
Once the needle is properly inserted into the layer of fat under your dog’s skin, you can proceed with injecting the insulin. Here are some tips for smoothly administering the full dose:
- Inject slowly to avoid causing discomfort or injecting air into your dog’s tissue. Pushing the plunger too fast can create pressure that leads to medication leaking out.
- Talk soothingly to keep your dog calm and still during the injection. Sudden movements could displace the needle or cause the dose to be inaccurate.
- Wait 5 seconds once the plunger is fully depressed before removing the needle. This prevents medication from tracking out of the injection site along the needle shaft.
- Massage the injection site gently after removing the needle. This helps distribute the insulin into the tissue and minimizes lumps or irritation.
- Double check the dosage dialed into the syringe and make sure you’ve administered the full amount. Giving less than the prescribed dose affects blood sugar control.
- Properly dispose of the used needle immediately to avoid anyone being injured by the sharp tip.
By taking it slow, staying calm, and following proper technique, you can successfully give insulin injections to keep your diabetic dog healthy.
Common Mistakes
There are some common mistakes to avoid when giving your dog insulin injections:
Skipping doses – It’s crucial to give insulin doses on a consistent schedule, about every 12 hours. Skipping doses can lead to spikes in blood sugar.
Incorrect angles – Inserting the needle at the wrong angle, like too shallow or too deep, can lead to missed doses. Aim for a 90 degree angle into the scruff or skin fold.
Going too fast – Injecting the insulin too quickly doesn’t give it time to properly absorb into the tissue. Take 5-10 seconds to push the plunger down slowly.
Not rotating injection sites – Using the same spot repeatedly can cause irritation or abscesses. Rotate between scruff, shoulders, hips, and sides.
Forgetting to remove air bubbles – Air bubbles in the syringe will displace insulin, leading to an incomplete dose. Always prime the needle first.
Incorrect needle length – Using too short a needle won’t reach the subcutaneous tissue. Use the proper size needles for your dog’s body weight.
Not mixing insulin – Cloudy insulins like Vetsulin need gentle rolling/inversion to mix before drawing up each dose.
Managing Pain
Giving insulin injections can be painful for dogs, so it’s important to make the process as comfortable as possible. Here are some tips for minimizing pain and discomfort during insulin injections:
Choose the injection site carefully. Rotate between back of the neck, side of the neck, or shoulder area. Avoid injecting in the same exact spot each time to prevent soreness (Source).
Use the proper needle size for your dog’s body weight. Smaller gauge needles cause less pain. Ask your vet for needle recommendations (Source).
Go slowly and inject gently without jerking the syringe. Quick injections can be more painful.
Give a treat, provide affection, or engage in play after the injection to distract your dog from any discomfort.
Talk to your vet about using a topical anesthetic if your dog seems to experience significant pain during injections. This can numb the injection site beforehand.
Make sure your dog is relaxed and calm before giving the injection. Anxiety can make the experience worse.
Reward and praise your dog during the process to create positive associations.
Following Up
After giving your dog an insulin injection, it is important to properly care for them and monitor their condition. Proper storage of insulin is also critical for maintaining its effectiveness.
Keep a close eye on your dog for the next few hours after injecting insulin. Look for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) like lethargy, weakness, tremors, and seizures (source). Offer your dog a small meal within 30 minutes after injecting to prevent hypoglycemia.
Store insulin in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit. Insulin should not freeze. Keep supplies handy but out of reach of pets. Check expiration dates and properly dispose of used needles (source).
Monitor your dog in the hours and days following injections. Look for signs the insulin is working like improved energy, appetite, and urination. Contact your vet if you have any concerns about dosing or your dog’s response.
Signs of Problems
It’s important to monitor your dog after giving insulin injections to watch for any adverse reactions or signs of problems. Here are some key things to look out for:
Hypoglycemia – Low blood sugar is the most common side effect. Symptoms include lethargy, weakness, unsteadiness, trembling, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Offer your dog some corn syrup or honey and contact your vet right away if you notice these signs.
Allergic Reaction – Some dogs may have an allergic reaction to insulin. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, hives, facial swelling, coughing, or wheezing. Discontinue use and call your vet if you notice these.
Abscess – Improper injection technique can lead to abscesses under the skin. Look for swollen, painful lumps around the injection site. Seek veterinary care for treatment.
Infection – If the injection site is not properly sterilized, bacteria can enter and cause an infection. Redness, heat, swelling and pus around the injection site indicate infection. Your vet will prescribe antibiotics.
Carefully monitoring your dog after each insulin injection and knowing the signs of problems can help avoid serious complications. Don’t hesitate to call your vet if anything seems off.
When to Ask for Help
Giving insulin injections can be challenging at first. Don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian for assistance and training if you are having trouble administering the shots properly.
Consult your vet right away if you notice any of the following signs that indicate your dog may need medical attention:
- You accidentally skip a dose or give too much insulin
- Your dog suddenly stops eating or acts lethargic
- You observe vomiting, diarrhea, or other concerning symptoms
- Your dog’s blood sugar levels are too high or too low based on home monitoring
- Your dog seems to be resisting the injections or acting aggressively
It’s important to keep your vet informed if you are struggling with any aspect of caring for your diabetic dog. They can provide hands-on training, adjust medication dosages, prescribe appetite stimulants if needed, and help manage any complications.
With proper technique and your veterinarian’s guidance, injecting insulin should become a manageable part of your dog’s daily routine. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.