Golden retriever being chased with a stick in his mouth by another dog. Golden retriever being chased with a stick in his mouth by another dog.

Vetsulin® (porcine insulin zinc suspension)
For Dogs

Vetsulin® (porcine insulin zinc suspension) For Dogs Vetsulin® (porcine insulin zinc suspension) For Dogs

ABOUT VETSULIN

Manage diabetes and enjoy life with your dog

Vetsulin® (porcine insulin zinc suspension) is an injectable insulin suspension that reduces hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) in dogs with diabetes mellitus.

Vetsulin is an insulin, designed to work specifically for your dog. It is FDA approved, starts working quickly, and is long-lasting.

  • Controls glucose levels
  • Lessens signs of diabetes
  • FDA-approved for dogs
  • U-40 insulin syringe or VetPen®
  • Used for over 25 years worldwide*
  • Unlike other insulin products, Vetsulin is shaken to mix properly

*Vetsulin is sold as Caninsulin® outside the United States.

“I’m glad my pet parent had my veterinarian check me for diabetes. Now that it’s managed, I feel like playing with my favorite ball again!”

-SPIKE

Animated character Spike sitting.

HOW TO USE

How to Give Vetsulin® Using a U-40 Insulin Syringe

Important dosage information

Doses of insulin are measured in units: 40 IU/mL insulin contains 40 International Units (IU) per milliliter (mL) (1 mL = 1 cc).

Use Vetsulin with U-40 syringes only

These syringes are designed specifically for use in animals. Using a syringe other than the size prescribed by your veterinarian (such as a U-100 syringe that is designed for use in people) will result in incorrect dosing. This could be dangerous for your dog.

Your veterinarian will prescribe Vetsulin for your dog.

Follow your veterinarian’s instructions to properly give Vetsulin to your dog. Your veterinarian will:

  • Determine the amount of insulin and frequency needed
  • Advise on proper storage and handling
  • Show how to draw the insulin from the vial
  • Instruct on how to give the injection

When you feel comfortable, your veterinarian and veterinary nurse will give you everything you need to care for your dog’s diabetes at home.

Preparing the dose

After washing your hands, take the Vetsulin (porcine insulin zinc suspension) vial out of the refrigerator. Shake the vial until the insulin is uniformly milky, allowing any foam to disperse.

  1. Carefully remove the cap from the needle and insert the needle into the vial.
  2. Turn the vial upside down, making sure the tip of the needle remains in the vial.
  3. Withdraw the correct dose into the U-40 syringe.
  4. Before removing the needle from the vial, check the syringe for any air bubbles.
  5. If bubbles are present, hold the syringe up and tap its side until the bubbles float to the top. Push them out with the plunger and withdraw the correct dose.
  6. Remove the needle from the vial. Be careful that you do not inject yourself.

Giving the injection

Dog being administered insulin by veterinarian.
Pinch a fold of your dog’s skin
Dog being administered insulin by veterinarian.
The injection should be administered subcutaneously, ¾ to 2″ from the dorsal midline, varying from behind the scapulae to the midlumbar region and alternating sides.

Dog being administered insulin by veterinarian.
Press plunger as far as it will go, pull needle out, and dispose of syringe appropriately. Place vial back in the refrigerator.

Giving injections may seem daunting – but with practice, it can be easy and fit into your daily routine.

  1. Injection should be given under the skin, 3/4 to 2 inches from the middle of your dog’s back, varying from behind the shoulder blades to the middle of the back region and alternating sides.
  2. Gently insert needle in center of folded skin.
  3. Push plunger until all of the insulin is given.
  4. Pull needle out and dispose of syringe into appropriate sharps collector.

Injection Tips:

  • Injection site can depend upon your veterinarian’s recommendation and what is best for you and your dog.
  • Alternate injection site between left and right side for comfort and best results. Repeat injections at the same site can lead to ineffective treatment.
Blue and green signs of diabetes infographic featuring Spike and Sugar.

Downloadable Vetsulin administration instructions

All the details you need about preparing and giving a dose to your dog.

Find more information and FAQs for Vetsulin. Read Now

SAFETY INFORMATION

Important Safety Information

Dogs known to have an allergy to pork or pork products should not be treated with VETSULIN®. VETSULIN® is contraindicated during periods of hypoglycemia. Animals with severe ketoacidosis, anorexia, lethargy, and/or vomiting should be stabilized with short-acting insulin and appropriate supportive therapy before use. As with all insulin products, careful patient monitoring for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia is essential. Overdosage can result in profound hypoglycemia and death. Progestogen and glucocorticoid use should be avoided. The safety and effectiveness of VETSULIN® in puppies, breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs has not been evaluated.

See package insert for full information regarding contraindications, warnings, and precautions.

User Safety Warning

For use in animals only. Keep out of the reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Accidental injection may cause clinical hypoglycemia. In case of accidental injection, seek medical attention immediately. Exposure to the product may induce a local or systemic allergic reaction in sensitized individuals.

Golden retriever and cat laying next to each other. Golden retriever and cat laying next to each other.

Talk to Your Vet Today

Find a veterinarian to learn more about pet diabetes, and how cats and dogs can lead a happy, healthy life with proper management.

Find a Vet Near Me

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: 

VETSULIN® and VETPEN® are for use in animals only. Dogs and cats known to have an allergy to pork or pork products should not be treated with VETSULIN®. VETSULIN® is contraindicated during periods of hypoglycemia. Animals with severe ketoacidosis, anorexia, lethargy, and/or vomiting should be stabilized with short-acting insulin and appropriate supportive therapy before use. As with all insulin products, careful patient monitoring for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia is essential. Overdosage can result in profound hypoglycemia and death. Progestogen and glucocorticoid use should be avoided. The safety and effectiveness of VETSULIN® in puppies, kittens, breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs and cats has not been evaluated. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Accidental injection may cause clinical hypoglycemia. In case of accidental injection, seek medical attention immediately. Exposure to the product may induce a local or systemic allergic reaction in sensitized individuals. For complete safety information, refer to the product label.