3 ways to save money on insulin for dogs

Diabetes mellitus is an unfortunate health condition that may affect humans and their parts. Yes, dog diabetes is more common than you can imagine; the problem is regular checkups, and blood tests are not something pet owners often do.

That’s why sometimes diabetes is diagnosed too late in pets, and it can be impossible to help them.

However, if diabetes is found on time, management is easy and similar to human treatments, most often by using insulin for dogs. 

And, as with insulin for people, sometimes it’s necessary to save money since insulin treatment can be expensive.

So, let’s discuss some helpful ways to reduce insulin costs for dogs.

More about diabetes in dogs

When we talk about diabetic dogs, we usually refer to an issue that causes an inability to process sugar (glucose) properly.

While in healthy dogs, glucose breaks down to smaller particles and is later absorbed by the body cells, for a diabetic pet, it can be challenging to do without medical help. Some animals cannot produce enough insulin hormone, while others cannot use it correctly.

Either way, the risk of experiencing high glucose levels is accurate, and it’s crucial to deal with this problem as soon as possible to avoid various health complications.

Fortunately, as new pet medications have developed, it’s possible to guarantee proper management of a pet’s blood sugar levels without risks.

However, vet bills can be a little overwhelming at first, so it is recommended start looking for ways to buy more affordable insulin for dogs because this remedy will be needed for as long as your pet is alive (as diabetes mellitus is not a condition that can be cured).

What are the warning signs?

A diabetic dog experiences high glucose levels in the bloodstream because of its inability to process this substance in the usual way.

If diabetes care isn’t timely, the disease can damage organs like kidneys, eyes, heart, and blood vessels. Pet owners may also notice such symptoms as:

• Sudden weight loss;
• Increased appetite;
• Recent excessive thirst;
• More frequent urination.

If you spot any warning signs, take your dog to the vet immediately. 

Although some pet insurance plans cover diabetes treatments for dogs, they will be excluded if the disease is considered a pre-existing condition. 

In that case, you may need to explore options for creating a pharmacy benefit plan for your four-legged friend. Your vet or local pharmacist should be able to provide more details. 

If your dog is diagnosed with diabetes, it is essential to have regular checkups to monitor your dog’s health and ensure you’re following the best treatment options.

Tips to save money on insulin for dogs

On average, a monthly supply of insulin injections will cost from $30 to $150 per dog, depending on the dog’s size and weight.

There are options to save money and provide your dog with the best medication at the same time.

Consider: 

• Buy medication online. While buying directly from a specialist may seem easier, many veterinarians (and clinics) markup their products — sometimes by 100% to over 160%. That’s why more people prefer purchasing medication online. Moreover, it’s now popular to buy insulin from Canada because even  including shipping, the prices for medication there are much lower than in the U.S.;
• Look for generic insulin instead of brand-name options. There are a few differences between types of insulin. The active substances are usually the same, and the medical effect is similar. However, a generic alternative is usually more affordable because the manufacturer doesn’t spend money on promotions. The difference in price can be significant; for example, the brand name insulin Humulin costs $100-$130, while its generic form Novolin is available for $70-$100;
• Think about a pharmacy benefit plan. By partnering with veterinarians, companies, and pharmacies, you can participate in savings plans, which are available in the form of monthly or yearly fees that can help save up to 75% on insulin for dogs.

The bottom line on buying insulin for dogs

Keeping your dog healthy is your priority.

It may seem tricky at first, especially with conditions like diabetes mellitus, but it gets easier once you figure out how to control this condition.

Of course, it may seem that insulin for dogs can be pricy and unaffordable for a person with an average income. However, we hope these tips help, so you can provide your four-legged friend with everything they need.