Please note: a valid prescription is required for all prescription medication.
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.
Express Shipping - from $25.00
Shipping with this method takes 3-5 days
Prices:
- Dry-Packed Products $25.00
- Cold-Packed Products $35.00
Standard Shipping - $15.00
Shipping with this method takes 5-10 days
Prices:
- Dry-Packed Products $15.00
- Not available for Cold-Packed products
What is Caninsulin used for in dogs and cats?
Caninsulin is a porcine insulin zinc suspension used to manage diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats. It is given by subcutaneous injection, commonly twice daily with meals. Rolling the vial to re‑suspend and using U‑40 syringes help ensure accurate dosing as a veterinarian adjusts the regimen over time.
How do I use a Caninsulin Vial with U‑40 syringes?
Roll the vial gently until the suspension is uniformly milky. Draw the prescribed dose with a sterile U‑40 insulin syringe, remove air bubbles, and inject subcutaneously at a rotated site. Give doses with meals on a regular schedule. The Caninsulin Vial should not be shaken or used if clumps or crystals persist.
How long does a Caninsulin vial last after opening?
After first puncture, most labels and clinics advise discarding around 42 days, with the vial kept refrigerated and upright. Always follow your clinic’s guidance. Do not use insulin that has been frozen, overheated, or fails to re‑suspend evenly. Inspect before each dose and store at 2–8°C (36–46°F).
What if my pet misses a dose of insulin?
If a dose is missed, the usual approach is to skip it and resume the regular schedule at the next dose. Do not double the next dose. Watch for signs of high or low blood sugar and contact the veterinary clinic for individualized instructions, especially if multiple doses have been missed.
How is this medication shipped to the United States?
Orders are sent with prompt, express, cold‑chain handling to maintain temperature control. Prescriptions are confirmed with the clinic before fulfillment. Packages are insulated with cold packs. Avoid quoting specific delivery times; plan ahead so refrigerated products arrive when someone can receive them.
Can my pet switch from another insulin to Caninsulin?
Transitions between insulin types should be supervised by a veterinarian. Starting doses, syringes (U‑40 vs U‑100), and monitoring plans can differ. Expect dose adjustments during the first weeks with close observation for hypoglycemia or inadequate control. Never change insulin type without guidance from your clinic.
How much does Caninsulin cost for my pet’s diabetes?
Pricing varies by quantity and dose needs, but many people report saving 60–80% compared to typical U.S. prices when ordering through a Canadian referral service. For the latest value on Caninsulin Vial, check the product page and consider multi‑month options once the dose is stable.
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