1.      Set out the syringe with needle, the insulin or allergen bottle, and have the pet ready.

2.      Remove the needle cap and draw back air into the plunger to the desired dose. (see Figure 1.1)

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3.      Inject the air within the syringe into the bottle. (See Figures 1.2 and 1.3)

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4.      With the needle still in the bottle, withdraw the plunger to fill the syringe with the correct amount of liquid. (See Figure 1.4)

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5.      Check for air bubbles in the syringe. If you see an air bubble, draw up slightly more liquid than the exact dose. Withdraw the needle from the bottle and tap the syringe barrel with your finger (See Figure 2 below) to move the air bubble to the needle outlet of the syringe. Then, gently expel the air bubble by pushing the plunger upwards.

6.      Check that you have the correct amount of insulin/allergen in the syringe. The correct dose is measured from the needle end, or “0” on the syringe barrel, to the end of the plunger nearest the needle. (See enlarged image of syringe above)

HOW TO GIVE AN INJECTION

Sterilizing the skin with alcohol is not necessary prior to the injection.

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Hold the syringe in your right hand (or left, if left-handed). As you become more comfortable, you’ll discover the best way for you to hold it. DON’T place your thumb on the plunger until the needle is in the skin.

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Until you and your pet become more comfortable with the injections, you might find it helpful to have someone hold your pet.

·        Pick up a fold of skin across your pet’s shoulders with your free hand (pick a different spot in the shoulder area each day).

·        Gently push the small needle through the pet’s skin quickly. With an insulin or allergy injection needle, this should be easy and painless. Be careful to push the needle only through the one fold of skin and not out the other side.

·         Once the needle is in the skin, gently pull back on the plunger (without withdrawing the needle) to make sure no blood fills the syringe.

·        With your thumb on the plunger, push the plunger into the syringe until all the insulin or allergen has been injected.

·        Withdraw the needle from the pet’s skin and immediately cover the needle with the cap. Be careful to avoid sticking yourself when recapping the syringe. (see link below on needle and syringe disposal)

·        Praise your pet for sitting quietly. A reward of your affection encourages cooperation.

Additional information on Insulin Administration can be found at:

Insulin Administration Guide

Environmental Protection Agency website for information on:

Disposing of Medical Sharps

Injection Images compliments of Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.