How To Give Subcutaneous Injections At Home

Giving injections can be intimidating but with the proper tools and techniques you will find it easier than you may think. It is best to have 2 people to give an injection: one for giving your pet treats/holding and distracting while the other person gives the injection. If there is only one person, we recommend putting a treat such as wet food, peanut butter, or another mashable food they enjoy on a lick mat or plate so that the pet is distracted while you give the injection.

Before You Start

• Always check the expiry date on the bottle or box before drawing up the drug. If the drug is expired, or you notice any major changes in appearance of the drug such as discolouration or particles, please contact the clinic.

Drawing Up the Medication

• At Mount Remo we use Leur-Lock syringes. They come with the needle attached so make sure to twist the needle tightly onto the syringe before drawing up your medication.

• Once you have your syringe and needle secure, remove the cap from the needle, being mindful to pull the cap straight away from the needle so you do not poke yourself, and hold the bottle upside down to insert the needle into the rubber port.

• Pull down on the plunger of the syringe past the amount you are measuring to while holding the bottle and needle upright. Draw the full amount needed into the syringe and pull the syringe out of the bottle without pulling on the plunger.

Finding the Injection Site

• Now that your drug is drawn up, you will find a loose area of skin. At the base of the neck between the shoulders is usually easiest but anywhere you can grab skin will do.

• You will create a "tent" by pinching the skin between your pointer and thumb, pulling up away from your pet slightly. You will see a triangle-like fold of skin. This is where you will be injecting.

Giving the Injection

• With the needle pointing toward the "tent" (your site of injection) and the syringe running parallel to your pet, you will insert the needle into the skin. DO NOT inject while inserting the needle.

• Once the needle is in place, pull back on the plunger. You will feel resistance and a "vacuum" effect. The needle should return to its original position once you release it. If you get air bubbles, or blood, or the plunger does not return to its original position, remove the syringe and try again.

• If there are no air bubbles or blood, you are safe to inject the full amount of your medication.

After the Injection

• Give a light rub of the injection site after administration to make sure there is no liquid. This confirms you gave the full dose and your injection was a success!