Question
Can a dog use human or pharmacy insulin?
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
Not every insulin on the chemist's shelf can replace your dog's prescription, even when you're running low. Your vet chooses the exact insulin and the syringe or pen. Ask the chemist and your vet to check the label together. A familiar name isn't a good reason to switch. If the wrong insulin may have been given, call your vet straight away.
I never give insulin amounts here. Yours comes from your vet's written plan.
What to know at home
The chemist can tell you what they've given you, but a different insulin won't follow your old plan. Check the box before you leave the shop, especially if they've offered a replacement or a different brand.
Check the vial and the syringe show the same U number, every time. Many human insulins and pharmacy syringes are U-100, while many vet insulins are U-40. Before you leave the counter, read both labels, and if they don't match, ask the chemist or call your vet.
What to write down
- The exact prescription and dispensed label
- Which device the clinic confirmed
- Any difference from the previous supply
What to ask next
If something doesn't match, ask your vet to sort it out before you inject. If the wrong insulin may already have been given, call the vet straight away and keep the box.
How do I arrange a reliable insulin supply?
Start with your vet. Ask for the exact product, the matching pen or syringes, and a reliable place to get them. Check the label and storage instructions with the vet or pharmacist.
Ask what the backup plan is if something goes out of stock. If you're close to running out, tell the vet when you need more instead of buying a different product yourself.
Sources
- Which insulins are used for dogs, and how do they differ?How insulins used for dogs differ
- Which syringe matches my insulin?Matching the syringe to the insulin
- Which syringes and needle size should I buy?Getting the matching syringes
- How do I confirm a safe source for prescribed supplies?Checking a safe source
- Our insulin is recalled or out of stock. What now?When insulin is out of stock
Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.
Related
Q&A
We are switching insulin types. What should we expect?
Get the new plan in writing before the first injection of the new insulin.
Q&A
My meter shows a number. What should I do?
Write down the number, the time and how he seems. Your vet is the one to say if it's good or bad.
Q&A
How should insulin be kept at home?
Follow what it says on the box. Keep it in the fridge, never frozen, and never in a hot car.
Urgent help
Emergency or low blood sugar
Call a vet now if your dog is weak, collapsed or having a seizure.