In diabetic dogs, the main treatment for regulating blood glucose is giving insulin by injection. Dogs with diabetes mellitus typically require two daily insulin injections as well as a dietary change.
Can you use human insulin on dogs?
Detemir (U-100 human recombinant; Levemir, Novo Nordisk) is a long-acting insulin that can be used in both dogs and cats. Detemir is a human analog insulin engineered with modifications that allow it to bind albumin with high affinity in the subcutaneous and intravascular spaces, prolonging the insulin's absorption.
Will insulin hurt a dog?
If your pet is given too much insulin, life-threatening hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can result. Contact your veterinarian immediately. If your veterinarian is not available, seek other veterinary advice at once. Your pet may need to be hospitalized for observation or management.
What happens if you give a dog insulin?
Insulin causes blood sugar to drop. Too much insulin can lead to dangerously low blood sugar. Dogs or cats that receive more than their usual dose of insulin are at risk of a hypoglycemic crisis that can lead in the worst cases to seizures, coma, and death.
Can I buy insulin for my dog?
Vetsulin (Merck) is a veterinary-specific, FDA-approved intermediate-acting lente porcine-derived insulin that comes in a strength of 40 IU/ml and is sold in a 10-ml vial. The insulin must be administered with a U-40 insulin syringe or with an insulin pen designed for the product (Vetpen).
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