Caninsulin® Vial for Dogs and Cats: U‑40 Porcine Insulin

What Caninsulin® Is and How It Works

Caninsulin® is a porcine insulin zinc suspension (40 IU/mL, U‑40) used to manage diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats. This Caninsulin Vial is a 10 mL bottle for subcutaneous use. Some pet owners look for Caninsulin Vial without insurance; the details below explain supply, use, and safety to support informed conversations with your veterinary clinic.

CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic, and orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies. We work with vetted partner pharmacies to supply authentic brand medications with a broad selection and value‑focused pricing.

Insulin lowers blood glucose by helping tissues take up glucose and by reducing liver glucose output. Caninsulin is typically given twice daily with meals. The suspension must be gently rolled to mix; do not shake. Use only U‑40 insulin syringes to measure doses correctly.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your veterinarian’s individualized plan. General labeled guidance is summarized here:

• Initiation in dogs: often 0.5 IU/kg subcutaneously every 12 hours with food.
• Initiation in cats: often 1–2 IU per cat subcutaneously every 12 hours with food.
• Use only U‑40 insulin syringes; U‑100 syringes will mis‑dose.
• Gently roll the vial until uniformly milky; do not shake vigorously.
• Inspect before each dose; do not use if clumps, crystals, or frosting appear.
• Draw the dose with a sterile U‑40 syringe, remove air bubbles, and inject subcutaneously.
• Preferred sites: along the lateral thorax or flank; rotate sites to reduce irritation.
• Give doses with a full meal to reduce hypoglycemia risk and improve consistency.
• Missed dose: skip and resume the regular schedule at the next dose; never double.
• Switching from another insulin requires veterinary supervision and dose adjustment.

Storage and travel tips:

• Store unopened vials refrigerated at 2–8°C (36–46°F). Do not freeze.
• After first puncture, keep refrigerated and upright; protect from light.
• Typical in‑use discard: 42 days after first puncture or per label guidance from your clinic.
• Do not use if frozen or if the suspension does not re‑suspend uniformly when rolled.
• For travel, use an insulated bag with cold packs; avoid direct contact with ice.
• Avoid temperatures above 30°C (86°F) and below 2°C (36°F).
• Carry a backup syringe supply and keep the vial in original packaging for protection.
• During short trips, minimize time out of refrigeration and check appearance before use.

Benefits and Savings

Caninsulin offers established glycemic control for canine and feline diabetes. The U‑40 strength and vial format help with accurate small dosing. Twice‑daily dosing aligns with regular feedings, which supports stable daily routines. Gentle rolling re‑suspends the insulin, and subcutaneous dosing fits home care after training from the clinic.

Many customers save 60–80% versus typical U.S. prices. This can reduce the monthly burden for families paying without insurance.

See our promotions page for current offers, including any Caninsulin Vial coupon if available.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: mild injection‑site swelling, transient lethargy, or decreased appetite as dosing starts.
• Signs of hypoglycemia: weakness, disorientation, tremors, unsteadiness, seizures, or collapse.
• Signs of under‑dosing: increased thirst and urination, weight loss, or persistent hunger.
• Gastrointestinal upset may occur during dose adjustments.
• Local hair changes at injection sites can happen with repeated injections.
• Allergic reactions are uncommon but possible with any protein‑based product.
• Concomitant steroids or progestins can increase insulin requirements.
• Using other glucose‑lowering agents increases hypoglycemia risk and may require dose changes.

Severe hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis are medical emergencies. Report persistent vomiting, profound lethargy, seizures, or rapid breathing to your veterinary clinic. Use only as directed for dogs and cats. Do not give intravenously or intramuscularly.

Onset Time

In dogs, onset often begins within 1–2 hours, with peak effect around 4–8 hours and a duration that commonly spans the dosing interval. In cats, onset and duration can be more variable. Clinical improvements usually appear as dose and feeding routines stabilize over 1–3 weeks, supported by glucose curves and follow‑up checks.

Compare With Alternatives

ProZinc® (protamine zinc insulin, U‑40) is formulated for cats and is dosed subcutaneously, typically every 12 hours. It can offer longer duration in some cats compared with shorter‑acting options.

Lantus® (insulin glargine, U‑100) is a long‑acting analog sometimes selected for feline diabetes due to its flat profile. Because it is U‑100, different syringes and dose conversions are required when switching.

Levemir® (insulin detemir, U‑100) is another long‑acting option used in some cases. As with glargine, careful veterinary oversight is needed for any transition, with close monitoring for hypoglycemia during dose titration.

Combination Therapy

• Insulin plus a veterinary‑prescribed diabetic diet to support consistent carbohydrate intake.
• Coordinated feeding schedules with twice‑daily dosing to stabilize daily glucose patterns.
• Weight management plans to reduce insulin resistance in overweight pets.
• In select cats, an oral agent may be considered; insulin doses may need adjustment.
• When using other glucose‑lowering therapies, reduce background doses as needed to limit hypoglycemia.
• Review concurrent medications (e.g., steroids) that can alter insulin needs.

Patient Suitability and Cost‑Saving Tips

Caninsulin is intended for dogs and cats diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. It is not appropriate for animals that are hypoglycemic, dehydrated, or in diabetic ketoacidosis at home. Use caution in pregnant or breeding animals. Do not substitute U‑100 syringes. Training on handling and injection technique is essential before starting home care.

To reduce costs, many customers choose multi‑month quantities when stable, consolidate items into one shipment, and set simple calendar reminders to reorder before running low. Proper storage prevents waste from spoilage. The vial format supports flexible dosing increments across a wide range of pet sizes. Orders ship with prompt, express, cold‑chain shipping.

Authoritative Sources

MSD Animal Health: Caninsulin product information

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Caninsulin entry

FDA package insert: Vetsulin (porcine insulin zinc suspension)

Order Caninsulin® from CanadianInsulin: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold‑chain handling.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from your veterinary professional. Always follow your clinic’s directions for dosing, monitoring, and follow‑up.