Perfection. That is what my husband and I shout out to each other when we give our dog her insulin shot after finding the perfect tent and injecting the insulin without her yelping. But is there ever really such a thing? It’s been about 4 years since our Sunny was diagnosed as a diabetic and sometimes I feel like I can’t catch a break. I mean, sometimes giving her the injection can be stressful.
Four years ago, when we were in with the vet tech to learn how to give the shot, the focus was on “the tent”. A tent that seemed to appear effortlessly at the scruff of Sunny’s neck when the tech pulled it up to inject her with the test shots. And every single time the tech gave the injection, Sunny didn’t even flinch. When my husband and I tried, same thing. It seemed like giving Sunny an insulin shot was natural for her and we (my husband and I) only needed to get used to it as part of our routine. We were advised to focus on aiming the syringe at the base of the tent underneath the skin so as to make sure the needle didn’t break through and that the syringe wasn’t actually inserted into the skin layers themselves. We thought it would be totally fine as the injection obviously didn’t hurt Sunny. So we had nothing to worry about but to make sure we had good aim. Unfortunately, that wasn’t exactly the case. Here is what the vet tech didn’t tell us:
- Location –
- Position to administer the shot – a comfortable location is key. Not just for us, but for Sunny too. When we got home and it was time for her first shot, I simply couldn’t get comfortable. We tried putting her on a table to mimic the setting at the vet’s office – putting her at our level. That did not work, not even a little bit. Sunny was confused as to why she was on a table, I couldn’t keep her from sliding and fidgeting, and looking down the entire time only made my neck hurt and my shoulders stiffen. We put her back on floor level but a smooth surface only made her slide around too so back to the carpet. The next question to answer was, how was I supposed to sit? My husband and I both sit very differently when giving the shot and don’t know how the other does it. Where my husband kneels beside her, I actually have one of my legs extended with her in between.
- Physical location on Sunny – I prefer the scruff of her neck. My husband prefers between her shoulder blades. Our vet even suggested further down near her hind legs. While the hind legs are definitely not an option for us, basically we look for the meatiest part of her so there is something that we can hold on to and that hopefully won’t be a sensitive area causing her to yelp. Another thing to mention if you too have a dog with long hair, it might be difficult for you to find that perfect tent if the dog’s hair is too short or too long or freshly washed. My husband is not confident after a fresh wash or a short hair cut. Either way, I breath through it and inject on the exhale
- Tension – sometimes, like it or not, Sunny’s scruff just doesn’t make a perfect tent and it’s because of how she’s sitting. Sometimes it’s even because she wants to yawn or just shake for a second. But the tech never mentioned that. Trust me, it’s a scary thing to inject the syringe only to have your dog pull away, shake and see a syringe flying across the room. So I try my hardest to get that tent and if it feels like her neck is tense, I get Sunny up, walk her around and have her sit back down. If that doesn’t work, I scruff up her hair to force her to shake and get relaxed. Hey, whatever it takes, right?
- Bleeding – unfortunately, even if I feel like I have the perfect tent and everything seems like it went perfectly, I look down and there’s blood on the back of her neck. If you’ve done your research, then you also know that you can also find blood in the syringe. Luckily that has never happened to us. That most likely only happens when your pull back on the plunger while the syringe is still injected.
- Scar tissue – about a year ago, I noticed the scruff on her back feeling thicker when I try to gather up and form the tent and it wasn’t simply tension. It feels like a lump of fat sometimes and the syringe actually has gotten stuck. At first I thought we were injecting the insulin incorrectly and instead of underneath the skin the insulin was building up within the layers of skin. When we went to the vet, she explained that what we were feeling was scar tissue building up due to all of the pricks from the syringe over time and advised that we move where we inject the insulin over to the right or the left a little bit.
- Yelping/Flinching– sometimes Sunny yelps. It was worse in the beginning so I always thought she was picking up on our tense energy. But now, 4 years later, even when I feel absolutely fine and feel like I have the “perfect” tent, she yelps. Sometimes she only flinches on the way in but I start to doubt that she will stay still and instinctively pull the syringe out never injecting the insulin at all. I do not do that anymore and on the days she yelps or flinches or both, I follow through with the shot and pay close attention to her water intake and how much she relieves herself. If all looks good, then I’m reassured that despite the yelp or flinch, she received the right dosage.
- Focus – be in the moment. Sometimes I find myself worrying about being late for work, or making dinner, or being annoyed by that obnoxious song that has been stuck on a loop in my head all day. So even though I’m not stressed over Sunny or the shot, I’m still not focused. Enter, Deepak Chopra. Thankfully one of the mantras I learned from a 21-day meditation has stayed with me and so I pull myself out of my thoughts and focus on the moment by reciting “So Hum”.
I no longer strive for perfection when giving Sunny her insulin shot(s). It’s been 4 years and there are instances when she yelps (though not as loud and not as often), flinches or even bleeds. I may even get down on myself and start thinking that I am failing her, but then I notice that she’s still excited after her shot, wanting to play, and that her water intake hasn’t changed. Sunny is amazing at being in the moment and not sweating the small stuff. So I find my strength with her on those perfectly imperfect days, continue to work on my focus, stay calm and trust myself.
How do you find your strength in a difficult situation?
strength. love. life. 
Reblogged this on justconsiderit and commented:
I have to share this post because I was actually considering taking a photo of myself injecting, but I didn’t want to subject you all to the sight of my stomach. So imagine me with floppy ears having an injection and you’re there. I hope I’m slimmer in your imagination.
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Hi Emily! Thank you again for the reblog. I saw you are fairly new to blogging as well (or at least in this space). I wish you continued success and I look forward to reading more of your blogs. =)
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Thanks so much for this post! We just found out 3 weeks ago that my 13 yr. old jack russell has diabetes. He’s a pretty grumpy old man, and since he’s had more stitches and surgeries than any human I know if he sees a needle he goes nuts. For a while I was able to sneak them in, but now he’s caught on and everyday it seems to get more and more stressful, my husband is leaving for 2 weeks and I’m terrified to do it alone but your post reminded me that my dog still loves me after his shot and that I’m doing it to keep him alive, so the show must go on… 🙂 thanks again!
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Hi Amanda! I’m so glad your found the post. I hope you have joined some networks as well – I’ve recently joined Diabetic Dog Owners on Facebook. There’s a ton of help I wish I new about 4 years ago right in that group. It might help relieve some of the stress and give you ideas to help with the new adjustment. My husband travels a lot too. He’s actually traveling now. Everything will be okay. For sure. I know what I used to do in the beginning, a few hours after giving Sunny her shot, was to go through the motions all over again – 1) I call her over to sit where I feel comfortable, 2) make her stay seated for a bit before sitting next to her, 3) gently grab the scruff of her neck to make the tent, 4) and then practice injecting her with my finger so I could practice my aim and power of the injection. Hopefully I had her feel a bit of pinch with my fingernail (my nails aren’t long so she probably doesn’t feel much). I used to do this several times a day within the 12 hours after her morning shot. Now, after she eats, she goes to that spot and waits for me. My husband actually still pats the the tent area before the injection to “numb” that area so Sunny doesn’t feel the injection. Either way, your dog will eventually realize that the shots make him feel better. I didn’t believe it at first when my friend told me, but it’s true. And the day you realize that you made it over the hump, and that your little guy gets it, grumpy or not, it will be the best moment. Let me know how it goes. Good luck. And remember – you are doing everything right. Trust yourself.
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We’ve tried everything the doctor has told us. We found out that we can just give her a shot with her collar on while she’s eating cheese, but this morning she refused to let us do it. I’m really worried about my dog, and I want to know if there’s any other options to give our dog shots? And how long will it take for our dog to get used to it? I’m really worried about her.
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Hi Maryann! Sincere apologies for not seeing this sooner. How are you and your dog? Are the shots getting better? Depending on how many units you are currently set to administer, you may be able to reduce dosage based on diet, but that is a conversation with a holistic vet. But typically, once diagnosed, insulin will always be required and I believe the only way to administer that at this moment, is via a shot.
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Thanks for your post. We can totally relate to it all with 5yo Willy Nelson. I’m concerned now about the scar tissue build up. I just am not exactly sure where to move to next as it’s only been about 5 months. Does the scar tissue ever change if you move it? Now he’s showing a slight cataract in one of his eyes.
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Hey John! It’s tricky when it comes to scar tissue for sure. Even moving locations slightly can make a difference at reducing how quickly it builds up. But the build up can take time and when it is noticeable to the touch when you make the tent, you’ll 100% know. You’ll feel it when the needle goes in. The scar tissue doesn’t go away, but you feel it less if you give that location some time to heal. At least, that’s how it seems for us. Are you noticing a difference in the pressure of his eyes? Do they look bulged at all?
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Thank you! I’m sitting here worrying that I’ve hurt my dog. He jerked and although no blood was in the syringe there was blood on his skin. I’m one month into giving him his shots and tenting is the most difficult thing because he does not have a lot of loose skin. The vet tech has even shaved patches for us to see better. It’s been very stressful. I’ve cared for dogs with all manner of illnesses but this is the most difficult emotionally. Even the vet techs said he’s a sensitive little guy.
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You are now a bit over 2 months in – how are you feeling now? It does take a lot. And there were months when I was perfect and then, randomly, nervous all over again. Unable to get a good tent. Sometimes, finding the tent has to do with how relaxed they are too. It’s a balance between you and him for sure.
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Hi there, I am new to giving insulin to my dog. He is not liking it either and he recently went blind. I can’t pay another $40 to go ask the vet every little question. So I’m asking experts. Anyway my question is about the shot. They told me to make the tent at his neck and then put it in, pull back to see if I have blood, no blood then shoot. First I can’t pull back the plunger while the needle is in while holding a tent with one hand. I just can’t do it. So I’ve just been injecting as quickly as I can. But my question is about the under the skin, I have been sticking the needle in and injecting but that sounds like it might be wrong, like maybe I’m only supposed to put the needle under his skin somehow? I’m just not sure how to only just get it under his skin and not all the way in.
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Hmm…we never pulled the plunger back once already injected. That was never told to us, and I’m sure by now, after many Google searches, you’ve noticed not many people will mention that at all. Let’s think about your pup after the shot. How is his drinking habits? Is he still drinking excessively and urinating excessively? If the answer is ‘no’ then trust that the shot was done correctly and perhaps further validate by home testing his ketone levels. If the answer is ‘yes’ to the excessive drinking, etc. Then practice finding the tent and observing it wohoit it being time for his shot. It will get you both more comfortable with the process.
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Thank you for writing this blog it has helped me a lot my 6yr poodle has recently been diagnosed with diabetes and at first I was doing the injection wrong I felt so bad was crying for days finally I got the hang of it and now I do it right and I have my good days and bad days meaning like today he was bleeding a little after the injection site and other days are just perfect but thank you for taking time to Express how us doggy moms feel giving injection to our babies.
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Absolutely! Having a “sugar baby”, as our diabetic pups are affectionately referred to sometimes, is heartwrenching. But something I learned from my girl, and I’m sure you are learning from your guy, is that you are stronger than you know. You can do this because of how much you love him and he loves and trusts you. Their strength makes us stronger. But those bad days, woooo! They can be rough. Just follow the steps to watch out for signs. Be vigilant and the overall situation will end positively. I promise.
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I am so glad I came across your blog! A month ago my dog, Oatmeal, was diagnosed with diabetes and I am experiencing everything you have described. Certain that I was doing everything wrong, I felt like a complete failure. Reading about your struggles has shown me I am not alone! I rescued Oatmeal when he was 7 yrs old and had been on the streets, homeless and humanless, for months. I have a history of rescuing senior dogs; Oatmeal is the youngest and my biggest challenge. He and I have come a long way in our 2 years together coping with his fears of exposure, trust and allowing himself to be loved unconditionally so to now be dealing with this is heartbreaking. Oatmeal shows me he forgives me my mistakes and awkwardness with my duties but you have reminded me why he is with ME and that I must keep going for the love of this dog.
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Sally, thank you for all that you do for Oatmeal. You are the best parent for sure!! I know those insecure moments are only because you love him so much and want to do right by him. Wow! Look at all you have done for him already! I know that you are doing a great job. I’m so glad this blog was able to help. You two will get through this all together. And you are right – Oatmeal absolutely forgives you for anything you think is a mistake because he knows you love him. Oatmeal’s spirit is stronger than you think. And you know what? So are you. You got this, Sally!!
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Thank you so much for this post! I’m on day 5 of giving my dog Watson insulin injections. He flinched and cried this morning (you know, that high pitched whine!) and I felt so bad. But maybe that spot was sore from yesterday – reading your post helped me realize that. I’m just going to try to do my best knowing that he is better off WITH these shots than without. Thank you!
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Hi Kristi! I am so glad this gave you some comfort. That flinch and yelp… heart wrenching! Sometimes it won’t make sense to you why he flinches, but you’ll learn to trust yourself more and more as time goes on. Could be he was tense, could be as you inject you pinch a bit (I know I did). Who knows. Take your time with it. Breathe. And look toward the water intake and even monitor his urine with the ketone strips. That will help build your confidence up as well. Good luck! And trust me, you are doing great!!!!
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Thank you so much for this blog. I too am having a very hard time with injecting my newly diagnosed “sugar baby”. She is a Min Pin and is VERY vocal to begin with, when I come home from after being out for several hours, she practically screams and cries, it’s almost embarrassing. I’m wondering if that has anything to do with the yelping (really screaming) at injection time. I’m actually sure it does. Sometimes I’ll grab her scruff around the neck and not even insert the needle and she will already start screaming. So is it more psychological? Is it for attention? She is FINE after the injection, but it is so unnerving and stressful, sometimes I drop the needle, sometimes I’m not sure if I even get it all in there. I have watched countless videos and read how tos, but still having problems after about 6-8 weeks. I just came back from being away, my sister watch the dog for me and gave her the injections. When I returned, she said she loved to have my dogs but she could never do the injections again because of the screaming issue. I guess I’m just trying to vent a little bit and share my experience, but I’m glad I found others out there that are experiencing the same thing. Makes me feel like I’m maybe not doing it wrong! Thanks again
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Hi Gayle! Oh the screaming yelp is dreadful! But notice how you are aware she yelps even before the needle touches her. The same was the case with our Sunny. What we did is throughout the day, several times a day, we would practice getting her in position, holding her scruff. No needle. Just practicing the feel so we (my husband and I, and Sunny) would get comfortable. She stopped the premature yelp after a while. I hope this helps. And trust me, you are doing great!!!!
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You are so wonderful to leave this reply, what a great idea! Thanks for the support and encouragement, it means more than you know❤️🐶❤️
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Absolutely! It’s all true! I will always be here to support you. Our community is bigger than you know. 😊
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Everything in this article was very well stated. I just gave my dog her first shot and she winced the first few times, but eventually I got it. Finding that tent was the biggest challenge though. At the vet she didn’t move or seem to feel the shot; when I did it, she noticed it.
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Isn’t that always how it goes? At the vet…perfect…no fuss. At home… another story entirely. It definitely takes time and then, year later it might feel brand new all over again. Just trust yourself. You got this! 😉
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So glad I came up on this post. My Coco was just diagnosed with diabetes and I suffer everytime I have to guve him a shot. Im funding the best way is while he is eating. He doesnt fidget as much. But when he does I am scared either he doesnt get the dose or the needle would break. Stressful!! Im hopeful the insulin works. He has lost a lot of weight but thank goodness his spirit is coming back. I am staying hopeful.
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I’ve heard some having to give insulin while the dog is eating. If it works, go for it. The fidgeting goes away with some time. It’s just a weird feeling for everyone involved. That’s why we used to grab the scruff of Sunny’s neck randomly throughout the day so she and my husband and I could get comfortable with the art of forming that tent. The tent is half the battle. Staying calm is the other half. If his spirit has returned, there’s no excessive drinking and urinating, then chances are that he’s getting his insulin correctly. 🙂 You are doing a great job!!
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This article was exactly what I was looking for. Everything you said was beyond relatable and provided insight into a rather stressful but important situation. When you love an animal it’s so hard to see them go through this but as long as they are happy and healthy at the end, that’s all that matters. Thank you for taking the time to share your story with myself and others.
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I am 6 weeks giving the shots and it is making me sick. Can’t stand hurting her and some times but few go well others she turns as if to bite me. I do not have anyone to help and it is breaking my heart. I was told to try icing it but haven’t figured out how to do that. We can’t get her levels regulated. She had bladder problems a nd IMHD before this. She is my life line and I need this to work. I do not want to have to cross over.
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Hi Linda – I know the stress and anxiety can be unbearable, especially at the start. How is it going now that some time has passed?
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We are in the 7th month of diabetes for dogs. I hate hate hate it, since I have a needle phobia anyway. My 10 year old mini schnauzer mix was dx in Sept 2019. Was totally blind with a month. It has been heartbreaking. We have a shot routine that works well for me doing the shot. I feed him and my Jack Russell in separate dishes. Then I have boiled chicken breast bits as a reward. I give Joey (diabetic) a few pieces of chicken, then I say…..’let’s do your shot’. He knows to raise his head and while I am standing over him I reach down and pull up a ‘tent’ and do his shot. Rub the spot and tell him what a good boy he is ..then reward him another few bits of chicken. Our only problem now is that he’s getting the fatty scarring under the skin in the scruff of his neck…even tho I rotate needle sites ever time I do his morning and night shots. I’m going to try moving on along the sides of his spine towards his hips and see how that goes. He is a trooper!! Within 18 months he was dx with Cushings disease, then 9 months later with diabetes, then went blind. He is much stronger than this furmomma of his. God Bless you all as you take care of these babies.
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Thank you for this. We just found out my 12 y/o Lucky is diabetic when we took him to an emergency vet visit because he was urinating blood due to a UTI. We just got through day 1. He’s done pretty well but all the fears go through my head…what if we go too deep, what if I’m 10 minutes late, what if he throws up a meal do I still give? Vet went over everything but I’m still super nervous and I’ve been the one holding him while my 18 y/o daughter gives him the shot. I know that won’t always be the case but for now it works. Thank you for sharing your experience as its helped me.
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Thank you for sharing this story about Sunny and your persistence in seeing her injections through. We recently have been experiencing the yelping from our little guy, Marco, also diagnosed with Diabetes in February 2021 and its been such an awful feeling (and sound) to hear.
I too will keep humming and try not to get so hard on myself. Thank you again. Blessings to you again for sharing your story.
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I sure hope you can still read these posts. I just had another bad night giving my poor dog his insulin. I could have written your text word for word. Thank you so much! You have helped me in so many ways. I know now I’m not alone. We all have bad shot days. I need to be in the moment. Also, I need to breath through it and go somewhere alone and cry later.
My poor baby was diagnosed almost a year ago. He’s a rescue. I love that little guy! He is my world!
If possible, I would love to hear from you. Thank you again!
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Hi Sherry!! This note from you has touched my heart. Truly. I was just going through photos of my dear Sunny and remembering all we went through together. And now having more appreciation that, despite those bad shot days, everything did in fact turn out all right. Continue to breath through it. Sending love and calming energy to you and your precious little one.
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Thank you for sharing your experiences. Our dog was just diagnosed a month ago and has yelped on her last two shots. We are a nervous wreck around here and truly appreciate your advice. Thank you!
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The beginning is a hard adjustment for everyone. But you will both get into a rhythm. Stay calm. And monitor after the shot, whether there was a yelp or not. It will be ok. 🙂
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Is there anybody that could help me my dog was diagnosed being needed insulin we gave it insulin start having seizures with your back to the vet they said cut the dosage, cut the dosage down and it just he was overweight and it ended up being skinnier and hack and now they tell me dying could it be the insulin he never needed it or anybody know
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Hi Kevin! You did the best thing going back to your vet. How is your dog now? Have they figured out what was going on?
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Our dog was just diagnosed and I am learning how to give the shots. He was okay the first few times, but today he cried and I had to pull back and try again. I think I did it right the second time, and he didn’t cry then. Hope I get better….
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Oh! Ursi, you will, you will! It takes time. You will be able to learn to check for the signs if you’ve not done it correctly as well. Knowing that, will help you know for sure and build your confidence. You and he will trust it more when you do it. I believe in you!
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Pingback: Top 8 Dog Yelps When Given Insulin Lastest Updates 08/2022
I have started giving my dog insulin shots and he has not yelped not once. Unless you are putting the needle so close to a vain your dog should not bleed or cry in pain!! I make sure to only inject once and prevent from having to poke him unnecessarily more then once.. his injections are 12 hours apart the hardest thing I ever had to do is to not feed for 12 hours until his infection!
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I dont think i will ever relax, my baby is only 3lbs an jerks almost everytime, but doesnt even flinch when vet gives it….she has no meat on her little bones an i hate needles. She is my heart an im scared i will fail her….praying for a miracle
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Your amazing. I needed this. As I just came outside to catch some fresh air, after a failed yelping insulin attempt. I’m a nervous wreck.
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Hey JC! I hope proving your pup insulin has become easier. It will never be perfect. And taking breaks sometimes is a must for both you and them. Just as they shake it off, so do we sometimes. You’re doing fantastic!! ❤
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Thank you so much for sharing. The insulin shots to my Sake are new and you mentioned that we humans have to be calm too! I will work on that!!
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Hey Dana! How are things going with you and your pup? I hope you both have gotten into a rhythm now. ❤
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Hi there, my Boston terrier was diagnosed a month ago. Yes it is very scary at first. Thank you for your advice. Lulu in the beginning before being diagnosed was an absolute show dog and normally won. Overnight she became thin and dehydrated. Although she ate continuously and very thirsty. She is on a very strict diabetic diet that i cook for her but she is not gaining weight. Please share what food Sunny is eating. Best of luck and thank you for sharing your experience. All my love. Cynthia from South Africa
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Hi Cynthia! Oh yes, I remember experiencing this with Sunny. It was something the vet said was common with diabetic dogs. Always confer with your vet first. We started going to a holistic vet and switched our dog to Stella and Chewy’s frozen food but only after going over her needs with the holistic vet and nutritionist first. We also mixed in Just Food for Dogs. Another thing we added was taking our dog to water therapy to build up her muscles since she lost so much weight and muscle mass that she couldn’t go more than a block or two when on walks. This helped her sooo much to stabilize her weight and the insulin. She became so energized after we got into a rhythm and was able to balance everything. Don’t give up. You got this and you will find the best way forward for your Lulu.
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