Can I give my diabetic dog insulin 10 hours apart due to work?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | West Highland White Terrier | Male | neutered
I have a diabetic dog (Westie - age 9) who was diagnosed around 3 months ago. Due to work schedule I am finding it very difficult to manage and wonder if it would be possible to give him insulin around 7.30/8am and then at 6pm? I have been advised that it should be kept to every 12 hours give or take 1 hour, but would it be harmful for a 10/10 and a half hour gap?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 23rd, 2019
Hello, and thanks for your question. While it's ideal to keep the meal and insulin dosing as close to 12 hours apart as possible, "real life" work schedules certainly factor in, and I have had several patients on a schedule like what you described. Andy would most likely do fine on a 8am / 6pm schedule, but double check with your vet, since they have more details on where Andy's been with his blood sugar numbers. Hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on July 22nd, 2017
Hello, it is not ideal to have for either scenario. Chiquita may be experiencing a higher blood glucose than normal during the longer interim period, and a normal or low blood glucose during the 8 hour interim. If your work schedule is not allowing you to administer the insulin twice daily, I would talk to your veterinarian about using an insulin that is given once daily. Hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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