Types of Insulin and Storage

• Humulin N / NPH - Use U-100 syringes.

  Store refrigerated or at room temperature (≤86°F). Once opened: 31 days. Roll gently 10 times.

• Lantus / Glargine - Use U-100 syringes. Store refrigerated. Once opened: 28 days. Do not shake; invert gently once or twice if needed.

• Vetsulin - Use U-40 syringes. Store refrigerated when unused; may be kept at room temperature (≤86°F) when in use. Once opened: ~28 days. Shake thoroughly until uniformly milky.

• ProZinc - Use U-40 syringes. Store refrigerated when unused; may be kept at room temperature (≤86°F) when in use. Once opened: ~28 days. Roll gently 10 times.

Giving Insulin

1. Always administer after your pet eats.

2. If your pet does not eat, give ½ the usual dose.

3. If they skip the next meal, do not give insulin and contact us immediately.

4. Inject every 12 hours, ideally at the same times daily.

5. To change administration time, adjust by 1 hour per day until desired schedule is reached.

6. Rotate injection sites regularly to prevent scar tissue and absorption issues.

7. We can shave a small fur patch to make injection easier.

How to Prepare and Inject

1. Wash hands thoroughly.

2. Draw air into the syringe equal to the insulin dose.

3. Insert needle into vial and inject air.

4. Turn vial and syringe upside down.

5. Draw out insulin slowly.

6. If air bubbles appear, tap the syringe to move them upward, expel back into vial, then redraw.

7. Pinch skin (shoulder or side of chest) to create a "tent"

8. Insert needle bevel up, press plunger fully, then withdraw.

9. Dispose of the syringe in a sharps container.

Sharps Disposal

Use an approved sharps container Never discard loose needles in regular trash.

View Burbank's Infographic on Safe Disposal

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)= Emergency

Keep Karo(corn) syrup at home. Signs: Extreme drowsiness, hard to arouse, staggering, seizures. Action: Rub Karo syrup on gums and seek veterinary care immediately.

Call the Vet Immediately If:

Missed more than one meal.

Signs of hypoglycemia.

Not eating, vomiting, or lethargy (possible DKA - diabetic ketoacidosis).