Diabetic puppies need daily insulin injections to stabilize their blood sugar. However, giving insulin to a dog can be a nightmare, especially if you've never injected your pet before. To begin, fill the syringe to the recommended point. Then apply the injection in the right way to keep your puppy healthy at all times.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Filling the syringe
Step 1. Remove the cap from the needle
The first step is to remove the cap that protects the needle. Every syringe must come with a plastic cap to protect the needle from contaminants.
After removing the cap, pull the plunger to the point corresponding to the recommended dosage. Your veterinarian will determine how much insulin you should give your puppy with each application
Step 2. Roll the insulin between your hands
Insulin is a suspension, not a solution. Therefore, it needs to be shaken before application. Roll the insulin bottle between your hands quickly a few times. Then turn the bottle upside down to make sure no white insulin molecules are left at the bottom of the container.
- Never shake the insulin bottle. The speed of movement can break the molecules, in addition to foaming and making it difficult to correctly measure the substance.
- If insulin molecules are left at the bottom of the bottle, roll it between your hands again until it mixes well.
- Chilled insulin should be left at room temperature for one hour before being applied. An injection of cold insulin can cause pain.
Step 3. Insert the needle into the vial
After mixing the insulin, pull the plunger on the syringe to fill it with air. Then, insert the needle into the vial and push the plunger to push the air into the container.
Step 4. Fill the syringe with insulin
Pull the plunger to draw in the insulin. Allow a little of the recommended dosage to pass. Then squeeze the plunger to return the excess to the vial, removing any air bubbles from the syringe.
- Always measure the dosage at the end of the plunger, close to the needle.
- If the syringe has air bubbles, flick it a few times until the bubbles rise. Then simply push the air out with the plunger.
Part 2 of 2: Applying the Injection
Step 1. Apply insulin after the dog eats
Leave to apply the injection always during or just after the puppy's meals. Thus, it will be better absorbed into the bloodstream. Choose the application times according to the animal's meals and be prepared to always give the injection at the right time.
Record application times on a calendar to see how much insulin your dog has taken
Step 2. Hold the syringe with your dominant hand
If you are right handed, hold it with your right hand. Then move your left hand around the animal's neck, front to back, to hold it in place at the time of application.
You can also ask a friend, partner, or relative to hold the puppy from behind with both hands. This way, you will be able to apply the injection correctly without fear of the dog starting to move. However, if you give insulin while the dog is eating, it probably doesn't even need help
Step 3. Gather some skin on the animal's back or shoulder
With your non-dominant hand, add some fur to the puppy's back or shoulder. You can also choose an area on the side of the chest or abdomen.
Injections must always be given in different places
Step 4. Insert the needle into the animal's skin at a 45° angle
Insert the entire needle into the skin. Be careful not to pierce your finger.
It is not necessary to sterilize the application area with alcohol before inserting the needle. This is not an effective way to remove bacteria
Step 5. Give the injection
Pull the plunger back a little, being careful not to get blood into the syringe. Then push it with your thumb to deliver the insulin.
If blood gets into the needle, it's because you've caught a blood vessel. Remove the needle and insert it into the animal's skin again, this time in a different place
Step 6. Take the needle out of the animal's skin
After injecting the insulin, remove the needle from the animal's skin without changing the position of the syringe and recap it.
Step 7. Properly dispose of the syringe
Insulin delivery needles can only be used once. After use, they must be disposed of correctly. Place the needle along with the syringe in a special collector, such as a DescarPack box, or in a puncture-proof container. Do not throw the needle away in the common trash, as this can pose a risk to the health of others.
Step 8. Give your puppy a reward
After the injection, pat the dog on the head or reward him with a treat. You can also praise him by saying “Good boy” or “Very good”.