Insulin
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Insulin for pets in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to address questions people often ask. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It also does not replace medical guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
Insulin is used for diabetes. It is given by an injection placed under the skin (this is called a “subcutaneous” injection, meaning the medicine goes just under the skin).
Supplies Required
To give insulin, you will need:
- the insulin bottle (vial) or insulin pen
- insulin syringes or pen needles
- alcohol wipes
- a container made for throwing away used needles (“sharps” container)
Make sure your pet has eaten a complete meal before you give insulin. Talk with your veterinarian before giving insulin if your pet is throwing up or is not eating well.
Call your veterinarian if you see signs of low blood sugar. These signs include:
- weakness
- low energy
- muscle twitching
- changes in behavior
- seizures
- Alcohol wipes
- Insulin vial or pen
- Insulin syringes or pen needles
- Insulin syringes must match the strength (concentration) of the insulin. Use U100 syringes only with U100 insulin, and use U40 syringes only with U40 insulin.
- Pen needles are made to fit certain insulin pens. Use only the pen needles that are meant for your animal’s specific pen type.
- Sharps disposal container
- Your veterinarian or pharmacist can help you get a sharps container or suggest suitable options.
- Optional:
- Treats to distract or reward your animal
- An assistant to help hold your animal during the injection
Preparation
Insulin vials or pens with insulin syringes
- If the product directions say to do so, gently roll or shake the vial. Some insulin products do not need mixing.
- Look at the insulin. Do not use it if you can see crystals or specks, if the color looks wrong, or if it is past the expiration date.
- If you are starting a new vial, take off the vial cap. If you are using a pen, remove the pen cap.
- Clean the rubber top with an alcohol wipe. Wait until it is fully dry.
- Take the needle cover off by pulling it straight off.
- Pull back the syringe plunger so the syringe fills with air equal to the insulin dose you plan to draw up. Put the needle into the vial or pen and push that air in.
- Keep the syringe in the vial or pen and turn the vial upside down. Make sure the needle tip stays completely in the liquid. Pull back the plunger until you reach the prescribed number of units.
- Look for air bubbles in the syringe. If you see bubbles, lightly tap the syringe with your finger so the bubbles move to the top. Slowly push the plunger until the air is gone. Then draw up more insulin until the plunger is back at the correct dose.
- Pull the needle out of the vial or pen. Do not put it down.
- The insulin is now ready to be injected.
Insulin pens with pen needles
- Take off the pen cap.
- Clean the rubber tip of the pen with an alcohol swab.
- Put on the correct pen needle and tighten it so it is firmly attached.
- Carefully remove the needle’s outer cap. Keep this outer cap, because you will need it to take the needle off after the injection.
- If the product directions require it, roll or shake the insulin pen.
- Remove the inner needle cap and throw it away.
- Before every injection, prime the pen:
- Rotate the dose dial to 1 or 2 units (depending on the pen). Hold the pen with the needle pointing upward and look for bubbles. If you see bubbles, gently tap the pen so the bubbles rise to the top.
- Press the button to push insulin out until the dial returns to zero. If insulin comes out of the needle in a steady way, the pen is working and ready.
- Turn the dose dial to the number of units your veterinarian prescribed. Always check the dose again before giving it.
a. If you dial past the correct dose, do not try to force the dial backward. Instead, push out the wrong amount into the trash, then dial again to the correct dose.
- The insulin is now ready to be injected.
Administration
Select the injection site
Common injection areas are near the shoulders and hips.
- Shoulders: Choose the area between the spine and either the left or right shoulder blade.
- Hips: Choose the area between the spine and either the left or right hip bone.
Change the injection location each time you give a dose.
Using an insulin vial or pen with insulin syringes
- With your non-dominant hand, lift and pinch a fold of skin to make a “tent.”
- Hold the syringe in your dominant hand. Keep it alongside your animal so the needle points toward the pinched skin. Then angle the needle toward your pet’s body at about 30 to 45 degrees.
- Push the needle into the skin with a steady, firm motion.
- Think of the pinched skin as a small tent. Put the needle in where the tent flap would be.
- Be careful not to push the needle through the fold so it comes out the other side.
- To avoid losing part of the dose by accident, keep your finger off the plunger until the needle is already in the skin.
- While the needle is still in the skin, gently pull back on the plunger a little.
- If blood appears in the syringe, the needle went into a blood vessel. Take the needle and syringe out and try again in a different spot.
- If the syringe fills with air, the needle may have passed through the skin fold. Pull the syringe back slightly, or choose a slightly different place, and check again.
- If you do not see blood and the syringe does not fill with air, you can give the insulin by slowly pressing the plunger all the way down so the full dose goes in.
- Pull the needle out. Do not massage or rub the area after the injection.
- Right away, place the used needle and syringe into your sharps container. To reduce the chance of accidental needle injuries, do not put the cap back on the needle and do not take the needle off the syringe.
Tips for Success with Insulin for pets in Perth
- Use a fresh needle and a new syringe every time you give insulin.
- Some insulin pens can also be used with needles and syringes the same way as a vial. If you were given insulin syringes to use with your insulin pen (instead of pen needles), use the pen as if it were a vial and follow the vial instructions.
- Before you inject, always confirm you have the correct syringe and that you are giving the correct number of units.
- Move to a different injection spot each time to help prevent scar tissue from forming where you inject.
- Avoid giving injections into skin that is scarred, pitted, thick, hard, lumpy, irritated, red, scaly, or painful.
- In the beginning, it may be simpler if one person prepares and gives the insulin while another person holds the animal. After you have more practice, one person can often do the whole process.
- After the injection, it may help to give your animal a low-carbohydrate treat and lots of attention so the experience becomes more positive.
When to Call Your Veterinarian
- Contact your veterinarian if you see signs of low blood sugar. These signs include weakness, low energy, muscle twitching, changes in behavior, or seizures.
- Contact your veterinarian if you are having any difficulty giving the injections.
Human Health Concerns
To reduce the risk of needle injuries:
- Needle injuries can cause pain and infection. If you accidentally stick yourself with a needle, contact your doctor.
- Put used needles into a sharps container right after use.
- Do not recap needles before throwing them away.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”
Medication Refills for Chronic Pet Conditions and Medication Supply at Home may be relevant for pets receiving insulin for pets in Perth.