Idea Exchange: Practice makes perfect when clients give insulin injections

To teach owners of newly diagnosed diabetic pets how to inject insulin, I have them practice with sterile water. At the clinic, I demonstrate how to draw up the medication and administer it. I then send one or two sterile water vials home with the owners to practice. They can inject the sterile water multiple times to get accustomed to the mechanics of injection without worrying about hurting their pets. Owners usually only need to practice a few times before they are comfortable giving injections.

Dr. Andrew Smith

East Ridge, Tenn.