By: Dr. Barry Miller
Insulin will need to be stored in the refrigerator. Do not shake the bottle of insulin, roll it between your two hands. If you shake the bottle of insulin you can denature the protein or in other words, destroy the effectiveness of the insulin.
Making Peace:
Holding a needle in your hand is awkward….
Actually giving the injection can be even more awkward and scary….
Start with becoming familiar with the syringe and needle.
If it is your first time giving an injection, take time to pull back on the syringe and suck air into the chamber then press it out.
You can also use one syringe to test giving an injection. Simply fill the syringe chamber with water and take an orange (which can be similar to the feeling of entering the skin of your pet) and inject the water into the orange.
Notice how much pressure is needed for the needle to enter the skin of the orange and how much pressure is needed to evacuate the chamber of water into the orange. I recommend doing this multiple times until you feel comfortable with giving the injection.
Hopefully you will see how small the actual needle is and that typically this is not too painful for your pet.
Actually giving Insulin:
Where do I give the injection?
Once you draw up the dosage of insulin I recommend that you give the injection in the following sites alternating between right and left sides while slightly changing the actual point of injection slightly up or down and forward and backward:
1. in front of the shoulder at the point of the neck
2. at the back of the hips toward the tail base.
Why do I need to alternate the site of injection each time?
It is important to alternate the sites that you give the insulin injection and also move a little forward or backwards to vary the injection spot . For example, you can give it on the right back hip and then in the evening or next injection give it in the left hip. Next day, give it in the shoulders alternating right and left.
By alternating the injection sites you can avoid soreness in the area and prevent your pet from experiencing discomfort.
You will need several supplies including but not limited to: Lancets, a glucose monitor, glucose test strips, syringes and needles.
I recommend two glucose monitors: Alphatrak and Ipet.
Frequently asked Questions about Needles:
Where do I dispose of the needles?
Each state has needle disposal laws and you should check your state laws. A needle disposal unit is recommended.
Can I reuse needles?
It is recommended to use a needle only once and are intended for one time use. The needle itself dulls with each use and can cause more pain and trauma to the injection site. The other concern with re using needles is once the needle enters the skin and then is re entered into the bottle of insulin it can carry contaminants and contaminant your bottle of insulin. The needles are far less expensive than the cost of replacing a bottle of insulin.
Does Pet Insurance cover diabetes?
Yes, most pet insurance plans do cover diabetes in dogs if the insurance company doesn't deem it as a pre-existing condition. To learn more about these insurance companies, use resources like this to find a plan that fits your needs.
