Question
Lumps, bleeding or soreness at the injection site: is it a problem?
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
Finding a lump or a spot of blood where you gave his shot can be alarming. Tell your vet, especially if it doesn't go away or he seems sore. A photo isn't enough to know what it is, so ask the vet to check the spot and watch you give a shot. If you're not sure a shot went in, call the vet before giving another.
What to know at home
Tell the vet what you can see. Is it getting bigger or red, is anything coming out, does he flinch when you touch it? They'll tell you whether he needs to come in and how to keep going safely. Don't put cream on it yourself.
What to write down
- When the change appeared
- Which device was used and any difficulty
- Pain, swelling, bleeding or discharge
What to ask next
Ask the vet to check how you inject and that your syringes match your insulin. If you think you gave an extra or wrong shot and he becomes weak or wobbly, this is an emergency. Get to a vet straight away.
Sources
- Should I pull back the plunger, and how fast do I inject?Having the vet watch you inject
- How do I make insulin time easier for my dog?When a spot looks swollen or sore
- What if we might have given the insulin twice?If a dose may have gone in twice
- Which syringe matches my insulin?Matching the syringe to your insulin
Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.
Related
Q&A
Should I pull back the plunger, and how fast do I inject?
Ask your vet or nurse to show you with your own supplies, then watch you do it.
Q&A
How do I make insulin time easier for my dog?
Do it at mealtime, stay calm and praise him. If you're struggling, ask your vet to watch you do it once.
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.
Urgent help
Emergency or low blood sugar
Call a vet now if your dog is weak, collapsed or having a seizure.