{"id":630933,"date":"2025-01-06T16:55:08","date_gmt":"2025-01-06T21:55:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630933"},"modified":"2025-10-08T11:44:13","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T15:44:13","slug":"novolin-n-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/novolin-n-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Novolin N be used in dogs?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Veterinarians treat canine diabetes with longer-acting <\/span>insulins<\/span><\/a>, including Novolin N, a brand-name insulin made by Novo Nordisk. The generic name is NPH insulin, which can also be purchased under the brand name <\/span>Humulin<\/span><\/a> N. NPH is one of the two most common insulins prescribed for dogs. It is an intermediate-acting insulin that lasts about four to 10 hours in dogs, so caregivers must inject doses twice daily. They can make injections using a syringe and needle or injector pen. Doses vary based on the dog\u2019s size and response to the drug. They can change at any time during treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Save up to 80% on Novolin N<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

What is Novolin N used for in dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Veterinarians prescribe Novolin N to control blood glucose levels in diabetic dogs. It\u2019s one of the most commonly used insulins for canine diabetes, often prescribed at the start of treatment. Veterinarians also use Novolin N to treat diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in an emergency.<\/span><\/p>\n

Canine diabetes\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

About <\/span>1%<\/span><\/a> of dogs are diagnosed with diabetes at some point in their lives. Most dogs have Type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, which is the most common form of human diabetes, is rare in dogs. When veterinarians treat either Type 1 or Type 2 canine diabetes, the standard treatment is insulin and dietary changes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Insulin is a natural hormone that regulates the body\u2019s uptake, use, and storage of vital nutrients, particularly carbohydrates, fats, and sugars. Most importantly, insulin regulates blood sugar levels in the body. Dogs with diabetes are unable to remove blood sugar, which then damages blood vessels and, eventually, major organs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Unlike in people, veterinarians only use longer-acting insulins in dogs to provide continuous blood sugar control throughout the day and after meals. They also only use rapid-acting or regular insulin when treating dogs hospitalized for high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).<\/span><\/p>\n

Longer-acting insulins are classified as either intermediate-acting insulins or long-acting insulins. From a caregiver\u2019s perspective, the difference is between giving two injections daily and one. Although giving one injection is more convenient, veterinarians most commonly start with one of two intermediate-acting insulins: porcine insulin or NPH insulin.<\/span><\/p>\n

The most common starting treatment is porcine insulin (pork lente insulin) harvested from pigs. Though no longer FDA-approved for use in people in the USA, it\u2019s an insulin of choice in dogs because it is identical to canine insulin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The second most common choice is NPH insulin, a human insulin. NPH stands for \u201cNeutral Protamine Hagedorn.\u201d Also called isophane insulin, it is a drug of choice at the start of canine diabetes treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Caregivers will need to give two subcutaneous injections daily. Doses will vary depending on the dog\u2019s weight and responsiveness to the medicine. At the start of treatment, doses will change regularly. Because of changes in the dog’s weight, health, and activity level, caregivers can expect doses to change even after the most effective dose is reached.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: Metformin for dogs: Uses and safety<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Is Novolin N safe for dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Novolin N is one of the most commonly used insulins in dogs. Because insulin is both natural and essential to life, there are no dogs that can\u2019t receive insulin shots. The only time insulin is dangerous is if a dog has low blood sugar.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some dogs may have problems with specific types of insulin, like Novolin N. In particular, it may become less effective over time. In those cases, veterinarians will switch to a different type of insulin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects of Novolin N in dogs<\/span><\/h3>\n

The most common side effects of Novolin N are:<\/span><\/p>\n