Caninsulin® Cartridges for Dogs and Cats

What Caninsulin Is and How It Works

Caninsulin® is a porcine insulin zinc suspension for dogs and cats. It helps reduce high blood glucose and improves diabetic signs in both species. This page explains dosing, pen use, and access, including Caninsulin Cartridges without insurance with US delivery from Canada.

CanadianInsulin.com is a prescription referral platform. We verify prescriptions with your prescriber when required, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order.

This medicine contains insulin crystals and amorphous insulin in a sterile suspension. After subcutaneous injection, one fraction acts sooner and the other lasts longer. That profile can help provide smoother coverage between meals when used as directed by your veterinarian.

For background on pen formats and refill options, see Insulin Cartridges Types. For broader pet options, browse our Pet Medications.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated for the control of diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats. It is prescribed by veterinarians for stable feeding routines with regular monitoring. Animals that are not eating, are vomiting, or are severely ill require urgent veterinary assessment before insulin is given.

Use with caution in pets with kidney, liver, or adrenal disorders. Pregnancy and lactation require veterinary oversight. Do not use in animals with known hypersensitivity to pork insulin or formulation components.

Dosage and Usage

VetPen Cartridges work with a compatible veterinary pen device to deliver measured doses. Your prescriber will set the starting dose and schedule based on species and clinical response.

Before each injection, gently invert the pen with the cartridge several times until the suspension looks uniformly milky. Do not shake vigorously. Prime the pen per the device instructions, attach a new sterile needle, and select the prescribed dose. Inject subcutaneously as directed by your veterinarian, rotating sites to reduce local irritation.

Feedings and injections are typically coordinated. If directions are unclear, follow the official product label or speak with your veterinary team. For a technique refresher, review How To Use Insulin Pen and compare techniques in Pen Vs Syringe.

Strengths and Forms

Caninsulin 2.7 mL Cartridges are designed for use with the veterinary pen system. The formulation is supplied at 40 IU/mL insulin strength. Packages may include multiple cartridges; availability can vary by pharmacy and jurisdiction.

Cartridges are not intended for syringe withdrawal. If your prescriber recommends a vial instead, that format is available separately on our site.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a scheduled dose is missed, give it when remembered unless it is close to the next planned injection. In that situation, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double up. Monitor for signs of high or low blood sugar and contact your veterinary clinic for case-specific guidance.

Consistency with meals and injection timing supports steady glycemic control. Keep a dosing log and note appetite, water intake, and any unusual behaviors.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store unopened insulin in a refrigerator according to the label. Do not freeze and keep away from direct heat and light. Once in use, follow the official storage directions for the pen and cartridge; many products must remain refrigerated between uses and be discarded after a defined in-use period. Check the liquid before dosing and do not use if you see clumps, strings, or a frosted appearance.

Handle Caninsulin Cartridges 40 IU/mL carefully during travel. Use an insulated bag with cool packs to maintain stable temperatures, and keep the pen and needles secure. Carry your prescription and a note from your veterinarian when flying. Keep medicines out of reach of children and animals. If any insulin is accidentally frozen or overheated, discard it and consult your prescriber.

Use a separate, dedicated pen for this insulin. Do not share the pen or needles between animals. If you need more background on cartridge formats and handling, see Insulin Cartridges Types.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

Attach a new needle for each injection and remove it promptly after dosing. Never leave a needle on the pen between injections. Keep the cap on the pen when not in use. Rotate injection sites to reduce skin irritation or lipodystrophy.

Dispose of used needles in a puncture-resistant sharps container. Local pharmacies or clinics can advise on disposal programs. Use compatible pen needles; when uncertain, ask your veterinary clinic about appropriate sizes for the device. If you need supplies, consider BD Nano Pro for fine-gauge options.

Benefits

This medicine allows measured, pen-based dosing with a familiar routine. The suspension profile may help support between-meal coverage when used as directed. Pen dosing can be convenient for caregivers who prefer clicks over unit marks on syringes. Clear resuspension steps and site rotation support consistent administration.

Side Effects and Safety

• Low blood sugar signs: weakness, tremors, unsteady gait, unusual sleepiness
• Gastrointestinal upset: vomiting or reduced appetite
• Injection site reactions: redness, swelling, or small lumps
• Behavior changes: restlessness or increased hunger

Severe hypoglycemia is a medical emergency and may present with collapse or seizures. High blood sugar can cause increased thirst, urination, and weight changes. Rare allergic reactions can occur. Pets with concurrent conditions may need closer monitoring. Discuss any new medicines, supplements, or diet changes with the veterinary team.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Corticosteroids, progestogens, thyroid hormones, certain diuretics, and some antibiotics can affect insulin needs. Changes in diet, weight, or activity also influence glycemic control. Alcohol exposure and accidental ingestion of sweet foods can disrupt glucose levels. Always inform your prescriber about all medicines and supplements the animal receives.

What to Expect Over Time

Glucose control often requires adjustments by the veterinarian using clinical signs and periodic curves. Caregivers may notice steadier energy, more regular thirst, and reduced accidents as control improves. Keep a record of doses, feeding, and notable behaviors. Bring logs to checkups so the clinic can refine the plan. Consistency with feeding times and injection technique supports more predictable responses.

Compare With Alternatives

Some cats may be managed with protamine zinc insulin. See Prozinc® Vial for that option. If your prescriber prefers vials of the same porcine insulin formulation, you can review the alternative format here: Caninsulin® Vial. Choice depends on species, handling preferences, and the veterinarian’s protocol.

Pricing and Access

We list transparent cartridge pricing alongside current availability. You can Buy VetPen Cartridges and related supplies on the same order. Orders are processed with Canadian pricing and US delivery from Canada, subject to a valid prescription. For deals, check our Promotions page. Checkout uses encrypted processes to protect your information.

Questions about billing or refill timing are handled by our support team. Your confirmation includes expected steps and how to send prescriptions if the clinic will fax or e-prescribe.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary. If a specific pack is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a vial or a different insulin type based on the animal’s needs. Pharmacy teams dispense only according to your veterinarian’s prescription.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy suits dogs and cats diagnosed with diabetes mellitus who can maintain reliable feeding schedules. Animals with recurrent hypoglycemia, severe infections, or uncontrolled endocrine disease need stabilization before routine outpatient use. Follow your prescriber’s plan for rechecks and any curve monitoring.

To reduce costs, consider multi-month fills when appropriate, which can lower per-order fees. Align your refill reminder with your clinic’s follow-up schedule. Keep spare pen needles on hand. If your prescriber transitions you to vials, a protective sleeve like Vial Safe Protector may help prevent breakage at home.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Starting dose and timing: what schedule fits my pet’s meals
• Technique checks: how to resuspend and inject correctly with the pen
• Signs to watch: what to do for low or high blood sugar
• Monitoring plan: when to return for curves or fructosamine
• Diet guidance: recommended food type and treat limits
• Travel tips: how to pack, store, and keep needles secure

Authoritative Sources

Merck Animal Health: Vetsulin (porcine insulin)

FDA: Vetsulin (porcine insulin zinc suspension)

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Ready to proceed? Place your order for cartridges and supplies with prompt, express, cold-chain shipping and US delivery from Canada. This page is informational and does not replace veterinary advice.