Indulging her passion for vacation vagary through the written word on a full-time basis since 2010, travel funster Jodi Thornton-OConnell guides readers to the unexpected, quirky, and awe-inspiring.
Loose folds of skin or fatty areas make ideal areas to give your dog an injection. The idea is to deposit the insulin in the fat under the skin. Pick up a piece of skin with the hand that is not holding the syringe and gently pull it away from the body in a little tent shape. Insert the needle so the medicine will penetrate into the fatty area below the skin. An injection that is too shallow will prevent the full dose of insulin from absorbing into his system. Poking too deeply will insert the needle into his muscle, causing pain.
Loose skin at the back of the neck between the shoulders is one of the easiest places to give your dog his insulin. Hold the syringe in the hand that you write with and raise the fold of skin with the other. Insert the needle through the skin at a 45-degree angle, taking care not to push it out the other side. Make sure the needle is not into a blood vessel by pulling back slightly on the plunger. If you see blood come into the syringe, youll need to extract the needle and try again.
Even if you dont like needles, giving your dog an insulin injection need not be a scary experience. Small, thin syringe needles and single-use pens make the job quick and painless. It is important to vary the site where you inject your dog so he does not become sore from repeated pokes. Choose the best sites along his body where the skin is easily pulled away from the muscle.
Some veterinarians think that insulin is most readily absorbed when injected in the side of the chest or abdomen. You can give the shot while the dog is resting on his side. Laying your dog on his side is ideal if your dog tends to wiggle around during the procedure. Have your helper place a hand on his head and hindquarters to steady him in a prone position while you administer the shot. Choose a site between his front shoulder and rear leg where the skin is easily pulled away from the body.
Steps for Giving Your Dog Insulin
Insulin injections are administered subcutaneously (under the skin). Please make sure that you double check your insulin dose before administration. You may need someone to help you hold your pet. Gently tent the skin over the shoulder blades. You will create a small “triangle” of skin. This is where you will administer the injection. Quickly insert your syringe. Pull the plunger back gently to make sure you do not draw back any blood or air. If you do, just remove the syringe and start over. If you do not have blood or air in the syringe, go ahead and push the plunger forward. Remove the syringe and you’re done!
How to Administer Insulin to Your Dog at Home
Dogs with diabetes arent able to make enough insulin, a hormone that allows the body to store energy from food and move glucose into cells. Because this condition has serious and potentially fatal consequences, diabetic dogs are typically treated with insulin injections one or two times each day.
Because insulin is not a sturdy substance, it is important to handle it gently and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or excessive motion. Store unopened bottles of insulin in your refrigerator. After they have been opened, it is still advisable to keep insulin in the fridge. It can tolerate short periods of time at room temperature in an area where itâs out of direct sunlight.
Before attempting to give your dog insulin, it is wise to practice loading the syringe with the appropriate amount of sterile water or saline. You can even use an apple or orange to practice giving insulin injections until you feel you are ready to try it on your dog.
Because there are many different kinds of dog insulin syringes, make sure you buy the size and type recommended by your veterinarian.
Its also important to remember that insulin must be given to your dog after a full meal.Â