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Diabetic dog threw up after insulin shot. What should I do now?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 12 years and 9 months old | 80 lbs

My 13 year old diabetic dog was acting anxious an hour or two after insulin shot and now has thrown up food. I've given him karo syrup and 600mg of magnesium. When should I feed him again and How Should I proceed ?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on August 16th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Soda! Having a diabetic pet can be scary! My guess is that he was anxious because he felt nauseous and had to throw up. Everything up to this point you have done well. The only concern now is what will his blood sugar do with no food in his system. His blood sugar will drop the lowest 6 hours after the insulin is given. If you will be home with him all day, I would offer small amounts of food every 2 hours. Offer boiled chicken or hamburger with rice. If he holds it down past 8 hours after giving the insulin this morning hold on additional food until dinner. At dinner, feed normally and if he holds it down give his normal insulin dose. If he continues to vomit today then I would take him to your Vet. Good luck!

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 10th, 2017

    Usually insulin has its peak of action after 4hours (if it is Caninsulin). I would recommend to encourage Biscuit to eat a small amount of food and have some honey or sugar solution ready to be used in case. Keep Biscuit in your room for the next hours so you can check her now and then if needed.

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