Question
What insulin amount should I give my diabetic dog?
Sunny, owner notes“I wish my dog lived as long as I do.”Updated
I'm an owner, not a vet. This is not veterinary advice, so check anything medical with your own vet.
Short answer
Your dog's insulin amount has to come from your vet, who has examined him, so I can't give you one. A number from another owner was worked out for a different dog. If you've lost the plan, call the clinic, ask them to tell you again and write it down. If he seems unwell, call before the next shot.
I never give insulin amounts here. Yours comes from your vet's written plan.
What I can't help with here
I won't give a starting amount, an amount per kilo, a different insulin to switch to, or a 'usual' range. That's prescribing, and only your vet can do it.
I also won't confirm a number you heard somewhere else. Saying 'yes, that sounds right' is the same as giving you one.
What to do instead
- Find the last written plan. If you can't, phone the clinic.
- Write down the times, what he ate, and how he seems. That part you can do yourself.
- Use the blank schedule. Leave the amount line empty until you copy it from your vet.
- If the hard part is giving the injection, ask the vet to watch you do it once.
What to take with you
Take your questions about timing, food, and which signs mean you should call. Your vet can go through all of those with you.
Sources
- Can I change my diabetic dog's insulin plan at home?Why changes to the plan go through your vet
- Blank insulin scheduleA schedule with the amount line left blank
- Should I pull back the plunger, and how fast do I inject?Asking your vet to watch you inject
- Emergency or low blood sugar: call your vet nowWhat to do if he seems unwell
Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.
Related
Q&A
Can I change my diabetic dog's insulin plan at home?
Please don't. Call the clinic, tell them what happened today, and let them decide.
Q&A
What if we might have given the insulin twice?
Call your vet or an emergency clinic right away, even if he looks fine. Write down the times you know.
Printable
Blank insulin schedule
The amount lines are left empty. Copy this from your vet's plan.
Guide
Starting out with a diabetic dog
From the diagnosis to a settled routine: what the tests mean, what to ask before you go home, how insulin and supplies work, and what the first weeks really look like.