Insulin Dosing for Dogs and Cats By Weight
Important Safety Information
Always monitor glucose levels and adjust doses accordingly. For detemir insulin in small dogs, a specific diluent may be needed to obtain accurate doses.
Use with caution and monitor for hypoglycemia. Adjust doses based on individual patient response and glucose monitoring.
Reference Source
Saunders Handbook of VETERINARY DRUGS, Page 424-428
Weight Unit Converter ▲
Weight Unit Converter ▼
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Standard Dosage Guidelines
Dog Dosage
| Insulin Type | Dosage | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular (Ketoacidosis) | Weight-based: <3kg, 3-10kg, >10kg | q1h initially | For diabetic ketoacidosis treatment |
| NPH | <15kg: 1 unit/kg >25kg: 0.5 unit/kg |
q12-24h SQ | Adjust dose with monitoring |
| Vetsulin | 0.5 unit/kg | Once or twice daily SQ | Adjust by 25% increments |
| PZI | 0.5 unit/kg | q12h SQ | Median dose 0.9 units/kg |
| Glargine | 0.3 unit/kg | q12h SQ | Range 0.32-0.67 units/kg |
| Detemir | 0.12 unit/kg | q12h SQ | May need diluent for small dogs |
Cat Dosage
| Insulin Type | Dosage | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular (Ketoacidosis) | 0.2 unit/kg initially, then 0.1 unit/kg | Hourly until glucose <300 mg/dL | Then 0.25-0.4 unit/kg SQ q6h |
| NPH | 0.25 unit/kg or 1-3 units/cat | q12h SQ | Not recommended |
| ProZinc | 0.2-0.7 unit/kg | q12h SQ | Adjust to glucose nadir 80-150 mg/dL |
| PZI | 0.5 unit/kg | Once or twice daily SQ | Final dose usually 0.9 unit/kg |
| Glargine | 0.5 unit/kg | q12h SQ | Twice daily preferred |
| Detemir | 0.5 unit/kg | q12h SQ | Same as glargine regimen |