Vetsulin for Dogs - Where to Get it?

---

Dogs and humans can have many similar health issues, and one of them is diabetes. Humans need insulin, and dogs have their own version called Vetsulin. If you have a diabetic dog, there are different things you should learn about diabetes in dogs. You can read more about it here - Dog Diabetes. Here’s what you should know about the most common diabetes treatment in canines, Vetsulin for dogs.

What is Vetsulin?

Vetsulin can be described as an “injectable insulin suspension” that will help control hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) in dogs. It is designed specifically for dogs, and the FDA approved it. The manufacturer claims this drug will do two vital things for your diabetic dog;

• Control glucose levels
• Lessen signs of diabetes

How is it administered?

There are two ways you can administer Vetsulin - with a syringe or a VetPen. One of the most significant advantages of Vetsulin is that it comes with the VetPen, which makes administration a lot less stressful for dogs and their owners. Many of us are not very skillful in injecting our dogs, so VetPen makes it a lot more comfortable. According to the manufacturer’s instructions, this is how you administer the VetPen;

Inserting Cartridge in VetPen®

1. Wash your hands.
2. Remove cap and unscrew body from the cartridge holder.
3. Ensure the plunger is retracted. If it is not, rewind the plunger to retract.
4. Insert cartridge after shaking thoroughly.
5. Screw the cartridge holder and body together gently but firmly.
6. Peel off the protective film and screw the new VetPen needle onto the cartridge holder.
7. Remove outer protective needle cap.
8. Replace the pen cap, then shake the pen until a homogenous, uniformly milky suspension is obtained.

Priming the VetPen®

It is important to remove the air from the cartridge before use to avoid air injection and ensure proper dosing.

1. Dial one unit on the dose selector and remove the needle cap and the inner protective needle sheath.
2. Hold the pen with the needle pointing up and tap the pen gently with your fingers to push any air bubbles to the top.
3. Push down the release button and hold until the arrow on the body returns to the starting line on the dose selector.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 until a strong, steady stream or jet of insulin appears at the needle tip. Expect to expel at least 8 units of air.
5. Push down the release button and hold until the arrow on the body returns to the starting line on the dose selector.
6. Check that the cartridge is free of air bubbles by viewing the cartridge through the VetPen window and inverting or tilting the pen.
7. Ensure the arrow on the VetPen points to the start line on the dose selector, then dial the number of units prescribed.
8. The VetPen is now ready for use.

Giving the Injection

1. Injection should be given under the skin, 3/4 to 2 inches from the middle of the dog’s back, varying from behind the shoulder blades to the middle of the back region and alternating sides.
2. Remove needle cover and protective caps. Insert the needle, then push the release button toward the pen needle and hold it in place until the start line on the dose selector returns to the arrow on the pen body. Take care to not impede the motion of the dose selector.
3. After the dose selector has returned to the start line, wait a minimum of 5 seconds before withdrawing the needle from the skin.
4. If insulin leaks out of the pen after injection, check the cartridge for a small air bubble using the VetPen window. Do not attempt to re-dose.

You can check more information on VetPen and syringe administration on the manufacturer’s website here.

Vetsulin side effects

Most medications that have to deal with dangerous and challenging health issues will cause some side effects. Unfortunately, Vetsulin is no different. Many dog owners don’t mind the side effects because this drug will help them control their dog’s health issues. The most common Vetsulin side effect is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It can happen quickly, and here are some of the most common signs of it; 

• Weakness
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Seizures
• Behavioral changes
• Coma
• Muscle twitching
• Death

Diabetic dogs need to have a strict schedule of getting the drug, food, and correct dosage. These issues can happen if the dog’s owner makes a mistake. To prevent it, make sure you do not do these things;

• Giving too much insulin
• Missing or delaying food
• Change in food, diet, or amount fed
• Change (increase) in exercise
• Infection or illness
• Change in the body’s need for insulin
• Diseases of the adrenal, pituitary, or thyroid gland, or progression of liver or kidney disease
• Interaction with other drugs (such as progestogen or glucocorticoids)

Where can I get Vetsulin for my dog?

If you have a diabetic dog or suspect your dog might have diabetes, you should talk to your vet and bring your dog for a checkup. The vet will determine your dog’s physical health with different tests and diagnose them with diabetes.

Vetsulin is a prescription-only medication, so you cannot simply pick it up. When your vet writes a prescription, you can pick Vetsulin in your local pet pharmacy. If you prefer online orders, you can order it on Chewy’s online pharmacy.

World Dog Finder team