Your veterinarian will consider several factors when determining the correct amount of insulin to prescribe to your dog. The initial stage of treatment is basically a trial-and-error situation and requires close communication between you and your vet.
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Type of Insulin
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Insulin can be "short," "intermediate" or "long acting," which describes the length of time the insulin takes to become effective once it is injected and how long the effect lasts. Insulin needs to be injected after your dog's meal to ensure there is enough sugar in the blood to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Your feeding routine will help determine the type and amount of insulin to prescribe.
Weight
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Once your veterinarian determines the type of insulin to be used, he will begin his "trail and error" based on your dog's weight and the recommended guidelines of the particular insulin he is using.
Exercise
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Exercise uses stored sugar to provide energy; therefore, once a a diabetic dog is regulated on his insulin dosage, it is important that he have the same amount of exercise on a daily basis. Overexercising can cause the sugar levels to drop to a dangerous level.
Adjustments
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Your veterinarian will perform a series of blood tests, called a glucose curve, to determine if the dosage is working as desired. About 2/3 of all dogs will do better on twice-daily injections.
Continued Monitoring
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Since many factors can influence the correct insulin dosage, frequent at-home monitoring is a necessary part of the treatment.
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