Administering Insulin
Since diabetes is a condition that results from a lack of or inefficient performance of insulin, diabetic patients often require insulin injections to regulate the levels of insulin and glucose in the blood stream.
Your veterinary surgeon will determine if your pet requires insulin injections and will design a treatment plan that works best for you and your pet. Proper dosing and timing are important for your pet's treatment.
Always follow your veterinary surgeon's instructions on type of insulin, type of syringe and dose. Never adjust insulin without first consulting your veterinary surgeon.
Tips For Administering Insulin (only if your pet has been prescribed insulin):
- Check your pet’s blood glucose twice a day before meals (or as recommended by your veterinary surgeon.)
- Be certain that your pet eats a prescribed amount of food before administering insulin
- Check that you are using the prescribed syringe size
- Record your pet’s blood glucose readings, exercise, amount of food eaten, time of dose and amount of insulin administered on a daily basis
- Gently roll insulin bottle to mix the solution
- Never modify the insulin dose, diet or schedule without consulting your veterinary surgeon.
- Do not exercise your pet heavily after insulin administration
- Do not let insulin freeze
Note: The health information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace a discussion with a veterinary surgeon. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a veterinary surgeon and unique characteristics of each patient should be considered.
