Question
How should insulin be kept at home?
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
Follow the storage instructions on the box. Most vets say keep it in the fridge, never let it freeze, and keep it away from sun and heat, because heat can make it weaker. If it was left out and you're unsure, call your vet before the next injection. Never change the amount to make up for it.
I never give insulin amounts here. Yours comes from your vet's written plan.
What you might notice at home
The vial gets pushed to the back of the fridge where it can freeze, or it sits in a bag in the sun on a trip.
Heat and direct sun make insulin weaker, so it goes in the fridge, but it must never freeze. Different insulins are handled differently, so follow the instructions on your box and ask your vet whether to shake yours.
Keep the matching syringes stored right next to the insulin. Check the vial and the syringe show the same U number, every time.
What to ask the clinic
- Where in the fridge to keep it, and how cold is too cold.
- What to do if it gets left out, and after how many hours it matters.
- Whether your insulin should be rolled, gently turned, or not moved at all.
- How long it lasts once the vial is opened. Check the label too.
What to take with you
Take the box with you if you're not sure how to handle it. If you're travelling, sort out a cool pack that won't freeze the vial before you leave. Ask your vet what else to pack for a longer trip.
The insulin seems to have stopped working. Could the vial be bad?
A weaker effect doesn't automatically mean a bad vial. Storage, handling, the injection and your dog's health all need a look. Tell the vet about any heat, freezing, damaged packaging or change in how the insulin looks, and let them decide whether you need a new one.
Never give extra insulin to make up for it, and don't switch products yourself. Bring the vial and box if they ask. If your dog seems unwell, get them seen, even if you think the fridge is to blame.
How long is an opened vial good for?
It's hard to know when an opened vial should go in the bin. How long it lasts depends on the exact product and its leaflet, and there's no one rule for all of them. Write down the date you opened it and ask the vet or pharmacy when to throw it out and how to store it.
You can't tell from looking whether a vial still works. Mention any worries about heat, freezing or handling. If it's running out sooner than you expected, ask about getting more. Don't stretch it out or assume another product will last longer.
Do I shake or roll the insulin, and how do I draw it up?
Drawing up insulin feels fiddly at first. There's no single shake-or-roll rule, because it depends on the exact insulin and some have their own mixing instructions. Ask whoever gave you the insulin to show you with your own vial or pen, and follow the label and your written plan.
Drawing up, getting bubbles out and reading syringe markings are best shown to you in person. If foam, the look of the insulin or any step worries you, ask the vet before you inject. If something wasn't clear, ask for another lesson.
Sources
- The power went off. Is the insulin in the fridge still OK?If the fridge loses power
- Can I travel with a diabetic dog?Carrying insulin when you travel
- Glucose stays high even on insulin. Why?If insulin seems to have stopped working
- Which insulins are used for dogs, and how do they differ?Why some insulins are handled differently
- How do I care for a diabetic dog in hot weather?Keeping insulin cool on hot days
Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.
Related
Q&A
Can I travel with a diabetic dog?
Talk to your vet before a long trip. Pack the written plan, his usual food and the clinic's number.
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.
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.
Q&A
What insulin amount should I give my diabetic dog?
I can't tell you that, and nobody online should. The amount is on the plan your vet wrote for your dog.