Question
The power went off. Is the insulin in the fridge still OK?
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
If the power goes and the fridge warms up with his insulin inside, keep the fridge door shut, and keep the vial out of sun and heat. If you need a cool box, wrap the ice pack so the vial never touches it or freezes. If the outage was long or you're unsure, call your vet or pharmacist before the next injection.
I never give insulin amounts here. Yours comes from your vet's written plan.
What to know at home
Power cuts are common in many homes, especially in summer. A closed fridge stays cool for a while, so opening it less helps. Insulin that got warm can look exactly the same, so you can't tell by looking. Don't put it in the freezer to cool it quickly, because freezing can spoil it too.
What to write down
- When the power went off and when it came back
- Where the insulin was kept during the cut
- The insulin name and opening date from the box
What to ask next
Ask your vet now for a plan for power cuts, such as a cool box, a neighbour's fridge or the clinic's fridge. Keep the clinic and pharmacy numbers on the fridge door. If your dog seems weak, wobbly or very unwell, call your vet right away.
Sources
- How should insulin be kept at home?How to store insulin at home
- Can I travel with a diabetic dog?Keeping insulin cool but not frozen
- How do I care for a diabetic dog in hot weather?A plan for hot days and power cuts
Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.
Related
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.
Q&A
How do I care for a diabetic dog in hot weather?
Keep clean water out, and keep your diabetic dog and his insulin out of the heat.
Q&A
Our insulin is recalled or out of stock. What now?
Call your vet or pharmacy as soon as you hear there's a problem with your dog's insulin.
Urgent help
Emergency or low blood sugar
Call a vet now if your dog is weak, collapsed or having a seizure.