How to give an insulin injection to your dog or cat | Dr Justine Lee

In this video, Dr. Justine Lee, veterinary specialist, demonstrates how to give an insulin injection to your dog or cat under the skin. While this initially seems intimidating, you must feel comfortable giving twice-a-day injections to your pet to treat their diabetes mellitus. The good news? Once you get used to it, it's really easy!
When in doubt, ask your veterinarian or veterinary technician to show you how to give an insulin inject. My hint? Ask them to shave an area over the shoulder blades so you can see where the tiny insulin needle is going - this will help you get used to giving the injection under the skin.
Dr. Justine Lee, DACVECC, DABT, is the CEO and founder of VETgirl, a subscription-based podcast & webinar service offering online veterinary continuing education. Dr. Lee trained at Cornell University, Angell, and University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Lee has been published in numerous veterinary journals and has authored several veterinary textbooks and book chapters, along with two humorous pet reference books. Dr. Lee is board-certified in both emergency/critical care and toxicology, and lectures throughout the world. More information can be found at www.drjustinelee.com and www.vetgirlontherun.com.
Disclaimer: Please note that this content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not delay treatment based on this content, and when in doubt, seek veterinary professional advice!

[@Gloriagal78]

Very informative - thank you.

[@royjohnson9043]

What do you do if your dog won't let you give the insulin shot? My dog will always yelp and move causing an inaccurate dose to be administered..any help appreciated.

[@justinelee9930]

Oh no! I'd recommend asking your veterinarian to shave a 2X2 area over the shoulder blades so you can see what you're doing - this is very helpful. Also, make sure to give your dog a snack to distract your dog while you are giving the injection. For example, smear some Cheese Wiz or peanut butter onto a table so he can lick it off while you're simultaneously giving the injection.

[@royjohnson9043]

Justine Lee thanks for the reply. One of the main issues is that my dog yelps whenever I pinch his skin near the shoulder blades. Do you have any other site recommendations?

[@justinelee9930]

Anywhere there's lots of loose skin. You barely have to pinch the skin - so try over the mid back. Have your vet show you how to do it again. :)

[@manbuino2369]

i bought 4mm insulin pen needles are they too small for a cat?

[@drjustinelee]

Cat needles with Vetsulin pens are 29 gauge/mm needles.

[@ramonaboudreau463]

What would the dog yelp? Is it because the insulin is cold?

[@drjustinelee]

It's a minute needle, so less likely but if you're not sure, ask your veterinarian to shave an area over your dog's neck and that can help you see where you are injecting!

[@bryanleonardomarianovelasc7164]

Hey I'm Bryan And I would like to know if I could ask some questions about giving the cat insulin, I would like to be a vet tech but need to learn more :)

[@justinelee9930]

Sure what's up? When in doubt, check with your veterinarian too!

[@duprie37]

That's exactly what I do and at the vet my cat never reacts because he's terrified and in a strange environment. At home though it's a totally different story. He jumps and cries out and now if I go to inject him he just struggles and runs away. They need to figure out a better way because I bet I'm not the only owner out there for whom insulin time has become a cause of major stress, anxiety and pure loathing.

[@drjustinelee]

I'm so sorry to hear that - ask your vet to shave an area over the shoulders so you can see it. Ask your vet about Bexacat, a new medication, although I don't think your cat qualifies for it as it has to be newly diagnosed. Ask your cat about Vetsulin PEN syringes, which help!

[@judithbouchard6698]

Is there any other method to treat a dog for diabetes, I don’t like the injection method. My dog yelps and tries to bit me and I hate to hurt him!

[@drjustinelee]

Yes, please ask your vet to shave an area over your dog's neck or back and go get an exam - sometimes if your dog has back pain or neck pain, that could cause it too.