Can I Feed My Dog Between Insulin Shots?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

This allows you to see that the dog is feeling well and eating normally before the insulin is given.

The second meal (the remainder of the daily amount) is usually given about 10–12 hours later, prior to the second insulin injection

.

Can dogs eat between insulin shots?

Does it matter if a pet eats in between insulin injections? Yes. Just as giving insulin without food can cause a low blood glucose reading,

giving food without insulin will cause an elevated blood glucose test result

.

Can I give my dog insulin 2 hours after eating?

Dog should be fed the same amount and type of food roughly every 12 hours.

Insulin injections should be given immediately after meals

so the dog’s dose can be lowered if he eats less than normal.

Can I feed my diabetic dog between meals?


Treats between meals are OK, but not necessary

; it may be best to just stick with meals and no treats. Avoid snacks that list syrup, molasses, fructose, dextrose, or maltose on the ingredients label. Homemade dehydrated meats, carrots, snap peas, and even canned pumpkin are good options.

How long should you wait between insulin shots?

After insulin is injected it has onset of 10-30 minutes, peaks about one to two hours later and then begins to drop. Even after its peak, insulin stays active in your system for about two hours. Be patient. Try and wait

three to four hours

before you re-correct a high glucose, very likely it will come down.

Can I give my dog insulin 3 hours early?


Do not give your dog its morning insulin

. A blood sample will be taken immediately and the highest glucose level determined.

Is scrambled eggs good for diabetic dogs?


Yes, eggs are good for a diabetic dog

because they are a good protein source and won’t cause a rise in blood sugar levels.

When should I put my diabetic dog down?

If your total score is above 35, then your dog’s quality of life is acceptable.

If, however, your score is below 35

, you should consider euthanasia. Also remember to always discuss your options with your vet to make sure you are making the right decision, regardless of the quality of life scale assessment.

Where is the best place to inject insulin in a dog?

Insulin injections should be given

just under the skin

. Many dogs tolerate the injections well when given about one to two inches from the middle of the back, near the shoulder blade or hip bone. Be sure to alternate the location each time you give an injection to avoid soreness.

How much food should a dog eat before insulin?

As a general rule, feed

half of your dog’s total daily food

right before or with each injection. The first meal (half of the daily ration) is given just before the morning insulin injection. This allows you to see that the dog is feeling well and eating normally before the insulin is given.

Is there any other way to give a dog insulin?


Gently pinch some of your dog’s loose skin anywhere along their neck or back, using your non-dominant hand. Then insert the needle into the skin, parallel to the fold

. Pointing the needle this way will minimize the likelihood that you will put the needle in one side and have it come out the other.

How many units of insulin can a dog have?

INSULIN DOSE:The usual starting dose is about

1⁄4 unit per pound of body weight

. Thus, a 20 lb. dog would start at 5 units; 40 lb. at 10 units, and so on.

How many times a day should diabetic dog eat?

The ultimate goal is to feed your dog

two similar meals a day

, approximately 12 hours apart, with less than 10% of the total nutrients for the day coming from treats. Insulin is given within an hour of eating each meal and this schedule should be maintained with as much regularity as possible.

Are diabetic dogs always hungry?

Increased appetite.


The dog can be very hungry all the time

because the body’s cells aren’t getting all the glucose they need, even though the dog is eating a normal amount.

How much food should a diabetic dog eat per day?

They’re often 2 to 3 calories each and widely available . All in all, try to keep the total number of calories from treats to less than 5 percent. For a 50-pound diabetic dog eating about 1,000 calories total per day, that means treats should total

no more than 50 calories per day

.

What is insulin stacking?

Insulin stacking is

when a person uses rapid-acting insulin, known as bolus insulin, multiple times at close intervals, which can result in low blood sugar

. An individual injects this insulin type before or after eating a meal containing carbohydrates.

What happens if you double up on insulin?

Excess insulin in the bloodstream

causes cells in your body to absorb too much glucose (sugar) from your blood

. It also causes the liver to release less glucose. These two effects together create dangerously low glucose levels in your blood. This condition is called hypoglycemia.

What happens if insulin is taken after food?

You’ll need to fine-tune your dose and schedule until you find one that works best. Research shows that the best time to take a mealtime insulin is 15 to 20 minutes before you eat a meal. You can also take it after your meal, but this

may put you at a higher risk of a hypoglycemic episode

.

Can diabetic dogs eat peanut butter?

Some dogs love peanut butter, and

a good quality peanut butter, in moderation, shouldn’t pose a risk to your diabetic dog

. But you do need to be very careful when choosing a brand. What is this? Many peanuts butters contain a lot of added sugar and fat, which can destabilize your dog’s blood glucose levels.

Can I give my dog insulin once a day?


Dogs with diabetes mellitus typically require two daily insulin injections

as well as a dietary change. Although a dog can go a day or so without insulin and not have a crisis, this should not be a regular occurrence; treatment should be looked upon as part of the dog’s daily routine.

Can diabetic dog missed insulin injections?

If your pet receives less than the prescribed dose, or if you miss an injection,

this may cause a temporary recurrence of signs (such as excess thirst and urination), but is not life threatening

. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for advice on your pet’s next dose.

Can I give my diabetic dog chicken?

What to Feed a Diabetic Dog. Include high-quality protein from lean meats and fish in your dog’s diet.

Lamb, beef, chicken, turkey, and many types of fish are all good protein sources

. You can also add eggs to your pet’s diet and some dairy products, like low-fat cottage cheese.

Can a diabetic dog eat bacon?

However, this rich fat can cause gastrointestinal upset, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach. Some dogs with underlying conditions should avoid eating fat, including any dogs on a calorie-controlled diet or those with pancreatitis, so

bacon fat is a no-no

.

How long do dogs with diabetes live?

The median survival for dogs with diabetes is

two years

, and there are many who live much longer than that, provided that they receive proper treatment and are regularly assessed by the vet. Thus, dogs with diabetes generally live a full, happy life that is free of symptoms when given the proper treatment.

What are the final stages of diabetes in dogs?

Finally, they will develop the

diabetic ketoacidosis complication

which will lead to vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and decreased appetite,” Puchot explains. These symptoms, along with tremors or seizures and abnormal breathing patterns, could be signs your dog with diabetes is dying.

Do all diabetic dogs go blind?


Most diabetic dogs will develop cataracts and go blind

. This web page is arranged as an FAQ to assist the owners of diabetic dogs in knowing what to expect and in decision-making regarding cataract surgery.

What should you feed a diabetic dog?

The main nutrients to consider for diabetic dogs include

water, calories, carbohydrates, and fiber

. Many dogs with diabetes have increased thirst and increased urination, so fresh, clean water should be available at all times.

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.