Caninsulin for Dogs: Diabetes Dos & Don'ts

Diabetes in dogs is on the rise, but thankfully most dogs with diabetes go on to live healthy lives when they receive treatment. Caninsulin is one of the most commonly prescribed insulin medications for dogs and helps maintain normal blood sugar levels and restore quality of life to your favourite pup. If you’ve recently had a dog diagnosed with diabetes or are considering your options for insulin treatments with your veterinarian, read on to learn more about Caninsulin’s mechanism of action, how to properly administer it to your dog, as well as diet and blood sugar monitoring tips to better manage dog diabetes.

What are the symptoms of diabetes in dogs?

Diagnosing diabetes early can help ensure your dog has the best chance of managing their treatment with as few complications as possible. Diabetes in dogs occurs when they are unable to regulate blood sugar due to a lack of insulin or resistance to insulin.

Symptoms of diabetes in dogs include:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Unintentional weight loss, despite maintaining or increasing appetite
• Feeling tired all the time
• Cloudy eyes, which can indicate early cataracts
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Fruity smelling breath

Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms. Your vet will be able to officially diagnose your dog if they have diabetes and can help you develop a treatment plan, likely involving insulin like Caninsulin.

How does Caninsulin work?

Caninsulin is specially formulated to treat cats and dogs with diabetes. It uses porcine insulin, which is very similar to canine insulin — which is why your dog should easily tolerate the medication. Caninsulin allows glucose to exit the bloodstream and enter cells to be broken down into energy. This will help keep your dog feeling more alert and active while preventing complications associated with unmanaged blood sugar, like diabetic ketoacidosis.

Caninsulin usually takes effect within a few hours and can last anywhere from 12–24 hours. Your veterinarian will help you determine the right dose for your dog. Factors they may consider include how your dog reacts to insulin, their weight, activity level, and more.

Administering dog insulin injections

As with any injection, you may be a little nervous about giving your dog their insulin shot. But after a few tries, you will get the hang of it. Before you administer your dog’s insulin, keep these tips in mind:

• Use the right syringe. Caninsulin is U-40 insulin, which means there are 40 units of insulin per mL. Be sure to purchase U-40 insulin syringes. Using the wrong syringe can result in overdosing your dog.
• Store Caninsulin in the fridge. Caninsulin should never be frozen or overheated. Prior to each use, gently roll the vial between your hands. Do not shake the container.
• Rotate where you give the injection. Injection sites include the scruff of your dog’s neck or their abdomen. Try alternating where you give insulin injections to avoid skin irritation.
• Inject insulin at the same time every day. By giving insulin around the same time every day, preferably with meals, you can help keep your pup’s blood sugar stable.

Caninsulin also comes in a Caninsulin VetPen formulation, a pre-filled insulin pen that lets you dial up the exact dose and inject with the click of a button, rather than drawing insulin up from a vial with a separate syringe. Many owners find the VetPen more convenient and precise for day-to-day dosing, though your vet can help you decide which formulation suits your dog best.

As always, your veterinarian can help demonstrate how to give your dog an insulin injection. If you have any questions or are unsure about anything, reach out to your vet. Pills for Paws is always happy to answer any questions you may have about your prescription or how to use it.

Tips for feeding dogs with diabetes

Diet and when you feed your dog is crucial when on insulin therapy. Here are some do’s for feeding your dog on insulin:

• Feed your dog at the same time every day. Try to space out when you feed your dog with when you give them insulin. This will help avoid spikes in blood sugar.
• Find a diabetes-friendly dog food. Opt for dog food that has high-fibre and complex carbs. These foods are broken down slower and will help regulate your dog’s blood sugar. Ask your veterinarian for specific recommendations.
• Avoid sugary foods and treats. Pay attention to the labels on dog food and treats. Sugar can be hidden in many foods. There are plenty of treats made for diabetic dogs.
• Measure your dog’s food. Each meal should be the same size so you can avoid blood sugar spikes or dips. Your veterinarian will help you determine the best amount based on your dog’s needs.

Missing meals or feeding your dog at irregular times can cause your dog’s blood sugar to drop too low, which can be dangerous for dogs on insulin. Try your best to feed your dog consistently each day.

Monitoring your dog’s blood sugar levels

Monitoring your dog’s blood sugar levels will help you and your veterinarian determine if their insulin dosage needs to be changed.

• Keep track of your dog’s glucose levels. Your veterinarian may want you to test your dog’s blood sugar levels at home. There are pet-specific glucose meters that you can buy.
• Monitor for hypoglycaemia. If your dog’s blood sugar gets too low, they may experience trembling, appear weak or confused, and may even have a seizure. If you suspect your dog is experiencing hypoglycaemia, seek emergency treatment. Symptoms of high blood sugar may include fatigue, increased thirst, and increased urination.
• Monitor your dog. When your dog starts insulin therapy, you will become familiar with their normal behaviour. If you notice any drastic changes in behaviour, they may be experiencing a spike or drop in blood sugar. Some changes you may notice include energy levels, appetite, and mood.
• Take notes for your veterinarian. Write down when you give your dog insulin, when you feed your dog, and any symptoms you noticed. These notes can help your veterinarian determine if your dog’s insulin needs to be adjusted.

Visit your veterinarian regularly to make sure your dog’s insulin dosage is still correct, especially if it has been recently changed.

Why should you use Caninsulin?

Veterinarians have been using Caninsulin for years to treat dogs with diabetes because:

• Caninsulin has decades of research that support its safety and efficacy.
• It provides steady blood sugar control.
• Caninsulin is made with pets in mind.
• Caninsulin is available with U-40 syringes.

Save on Caninsulin Online at Pills for Paws

Having a dog diagnosed with diabetes doesn’t mean your dog can’t live the long and happy life you expect for them. With the right insulin treatment and routine, your dog’s diabetes can be managed. Pills for Paws offers Caninsulin as well as other trusted insulin medications for pets. Our prices are competitive and we want to provide you with the same quality you would expect from your veterinarian. If you have questions about starting insulin or are looking to treat your pup for the long haul, our team is here to help.

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