Question
Do I feed my diabetic dog before the 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
Most vets want your dog to eat first and then get his insulin. Once the insulin is in, you can't take it back, so you need to know he has eaten. Follow the order on your vet's written plan, even if a website says something different. If he hasn't eaten, or only picked at his bowl, call your vet before you give the shot.
I never give insulin amounts here. Yours comes from your vet's written plan.
What you might notice at home
The clinic told you one thing, a website says another, and your dog is standing by the bowl waiting.
Most people feed first and then give insulin. Some inject while the dog is eating. If the bowl stays full one morning, call your vet before you give the insulin.
What to write down for the vet
- The order you were told, in your own words.
- The times you actually manage on a busy day.
- What to do when he doesn't finish his food. If nobody has told you, ask.
- Any vomiting around meal time.
What to take with you
Take the plan you already have so the clinic can check the order. If what you do at home has changed from what's on their paper, bring a blank schedule as well.
Sources
- My diabetic dog ate only part of the mealIf he eats only part of a meal
- My diabetic dog won't eat — what now?What to do when he will not eat
- Daily routine for a diabetic dog: meals, insulin and walksWhich comes first, meals or insulin
- Blank insulin scheduleA blank schedule for the clinic to check
- What if the morning meal ran late?When the day runs late
Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.
Related
Q&A
My diabetic dog won't eat — what now?
Call your vet before the next injection is due.
Q&A
My diabetic dog ate only part of the meal
If he leaves part of his meal, note what's left. If you've already given insulin, call your vet.
Q&A
How many hours apart should the two meals be?
Usually about twelve hours apart. If your vet gave you different times, use theirs.
Q&A
What if the morning meal ran late?
If your plan doesn't already say what to do when you're late, call your vet.