Novolin is an intermediate-acting insulin that is given to dogs who have diabetes mellitus. In the following article, we will talk all about Novolin n for dogs.
Novolin N Dosage for Dogs
| Dog Weight (lbs) | Starting Dosage (units) | Maximum Dosage (units) | Injection Frequency | Duration of Action (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-20 | 1-2 | 8-10 | 2x daily | 12-24 |
| 20-40 | 2-4 | 16-20 | 2x daily | 12-24 |
| 40-60 | 4-6 | 28-32 | 2x daily | 12-24 |
| 60-80 | 6-8 | 36-40 | 2x daily | 12-24 |
| 80-100 | 8-10 | 44-48 | 2x daily | 12-24 |
Novolin N Management Tips for Dogs
| Management Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Regular blood glucose monitoring | Frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels to ensure proper dosing of insulin and adjust as necessary |
| Consistent exercise routine | Regular exercise can help regulate blood glucose levels, but consistency is important for effectiveness |
| Insulin dosage adjustments | Dosage adjustments may be necessary depending on the dog’s response to treatment and blood glucose levels |
| Avoidance of high-carbohydrate diets | High-carbohydrate diets can cause blood glucose fluctuations, so they should be avoided |
| Monitoring for signs of hypoglycemia | It’s important to monitor for signs of low blood sugar, such as lethargy, weakness, and seizures |
Novolin N Alternatives for Dogs
| Alternative | Description |
|---|---|
| Vetsulin (porcine insulin zinc) | Similar to Novolin N but derived from pigs and has a longer duration of action |
| Lantus (insulin glargine) | A synthetic insulin that has a longer duration of action and may be more effective in some dogs |
| Humulin N (insulin isophane) | A similar intermediate-acting insulin to Novolin N that may be more readily available at some pharmacies |
| Levemir (insulin detemir) | A synthetic insulin that has a longer duration of action and may be more effective in some dogs |
| Novolog (insulin aspart) | A rapid-acting insulin that may be used in combination with intermediate-acting insulin for better control |
Novolin N Side Effects in Dogs
| Side Effect | Description | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Hypoglycemia | Low blood sugar levels that can cause seizures, coma, or death | High |
| Hyperglycemia | High blood sugar levels that can cause increased thirst, frequent urination, and weakness | Low |
| Injection site reactions | Swelling, redness, itching, or pain at the site of injection | Low |
| Allergic reactions | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or tongue, hives, or rash | High |
| Liver damage | Liver failure, yellowing of the skin or eyes, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea | High |
| Kidney damage | Kidney failure, increased thirst, frequent urination, vomiting, and diarrhea | High |
| Weight gain | Increased appetite and weight gain | Low |
| Pancreatitis | Inflammation of the pancreas that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain | High |
| Cataracts | Clouding of the lens of the eye that can cause blindness | Low |
| Infections | Increased risk of infections due to decreased immunity | Low |
What is Novolin n for dogs?
Novolin n insulin is man-made insulin and structures wise it resembles the human insulin produced in the human pancreas. It helps to treat hyperglycemia in dogs also and like other insulins it effectively lowers down the blood glucose level. This insulin comes in injections only.
What does Novolin n intermediate-acting insulin mean?
Novolin n is a short-term intermediate-acting regular insulin. This means it contains both regular and intermediate-acting insulin.
Regular insulin in Novolin n
Regular insulin in Novolin n starts taking effect within 30 minutes of injecting. The peak effect starts after 2 to 3 hours and lasts for up to 6 hours.
Intermediate-acting insulin in Novolin n
The intermediate-acting drug in Novolin n is NPH. It works after 4 hours of injecting and the peak effect starts after 4 hours-12 hours. The peak effect lasts up to 18 hours.
The insulin must be given at regular intervals to keep the effect going.
Novolin 70/30 for dogs
In Novolin 70/30 there is 70% NPH and 30% regular insulin.
Dosage
The dosage of Novolin n for dogs is 0.2 UI. The concentration of insulin is U100. This means 1 millimeter represents 1 dose of Novolin n. You can ask your vet if the dosage needs to be reduced or increased.
Novolin n overdose
The overdose of Novolin n can cause a dangerous decrease in blood glucose levels. In case of overdose, feed your dog something sugary on an urgent basis. This will keep the sugar level at normal.
Novolin n missed dose
Novolin n must be given to dogs at the same time every day. Try not to miss the dose or to change the time of giving insulin to a dog. In case your dog has missed the dose, don’t give two doses or whenever you remember. Wait for the next dosage time and give one dose at a time only.
Side effects of Novolin n
- An excessive amount of Novolin n can drastically drop the blood glucose level and the dog can suffer hypoglycemia. The symptoms of hypoglycemia include fainting, seizures, and shivering. If not treated, it can cause the death of dogs too. (Read our article glucose level 500).
- When a dog is not given Novolin n at regular intervals, there is a chance the insulin can cause the Somogyi effect. The Somogyi effect is that when you take insulin, the blood sugar level drops drastically which releases hormones in the body. These hormones increase blood glucose levels. So after injecting insulin, instead of decreasing, the blood glucose level rises. This is also called rapid insulin metabolism.
- Novolin n can cause weight gain in dogs who have just started using Novolin n.
- Dogs can have mood swings after using Novolin n.
- The insulin can also cause rashes on the body or lumps where it is injected.
- A dog may feel body or muscle pain with slight cramping.
- In some cases, Novolin n may cause weakness in dogs.
- Novolin n is also reported to have effects on eyesight.
- A large dose of Novolin n can be fatal to dogs.
Which pets should not take Novolin n?
Although Novolin n has proven effective in pets, it is not for all diabetic pets.
- Pregnant dogs either should not take Novolin n or strictly under the advice of the vet.
- Nursing mama dogs are also on the list who should not take Novolin n. The effects of the medicine are not recorded on pregnant and nursing pets yet.
- Pets on steroids or hormone therapy must ask the vet before using this insulin as Novolin n may not be effective in them.
- Sometimes dogs develop insulin resistance too. In this case, your vet may need to change the insulin.
- Pets who have liver or kidney disease.
How to inject Novolin n?
Novolin n comes in injection only. The insulin syringes and pen needles come separately. To inject Novolin n always use UI 100 syringes. It will save you from hectic conversions.
- Take the syringe and press it to take out all the air.
- Insert the syringe into a bottle and carefully fill the required dose in injection.
- Keep the bottle inverted and after filling the syringe check for air bubbles. Air bubbles can be tapped out from the syringe. Press a little till a drop of insulin comes out.
- Take a skin patch where you want to inject insulin and inject in skin tissue at a 45-degree angle. (Read our article dog injection sites)
- Wait for few seconds before taking the syringe out.
- Novolin n must be taken at regular intervals and after a meal. Irregularity in time table can cause insulin tolerance in dogs.
- The insulin must be kept in the refrigerator.
- Use within 42 days after opening the bottle of Novolin n.
- Don’t mix Novolin with other insulins.
- Also, don’t use it if your dog is allergic to this insulin.
What is the difference between Novolin n and Humulin N?
Well, they both are the same insulins just sold under different company names. Both are intermediate-acting insulins and are used to manage diabetes mellitus in dogs.
The manufacturer of Novolin is Novo Nordisk whereas Humulin is made by Eli Lilly and Company. Both insulins are the same in all categories. That is Novolin n is the same as Humulin n, Novolin R is the same as Humulin R and Novolin 70/30 is like Humulin 70/30.
Humulin n also starts working after 2-4 hours and reaches a peak level within 12 hours. Like Novolin n the effect lasts for 18 hours. They even have same side effects.
N means intermediate-acting insulin whereas R is for Rapid-acting insulin. We have discussed in our article prozinc vs vetsulin that insulins have different levels of working in the body. Some take effect immediately but the effect is short-term and wears off easily. While others may take time to effect which can last for hours.
Difference between Novolin and Novolog?
The difference between Novolin and Novolog is that Novolin 70/30 contains intermediate-acting insulin and regular short-term-acting insulin. Whereas Novolog 70/30 contains intermediate-acting and very fast-acting insulin.
Conclusion
Novolin N is an insulin used to manage diabetes in dogs. The insulin is usually safe and you even don’t require a prescription to buy it. However, allergic, pregnant, and lactating dogs must consult a vet before taking Novolin n.
I missed my dogs insulin shot after he ate tonight. It is now 3 hours later than he is used to getting it. What should I do. Do I give him one now or wait until tomorrow. He gets his shot once a day at meal time which is 6:45.