Insulin detemir in the dog: why start with low doses
9-year-old neutered male German Shepherd weighing 32 kg, diabetic on lente insulin at 0.9 U/kg every 12 h. Overdosing and concurrent disease have been ruled out, but the curve shows that each dose lasts only about 6–8 h. A switch to insulin detemir is decided.
How should the switch be made?
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A. Switch directly to the same dose in detemir units
This is dangerous: detemir is several times more potent in dogs than in people and than lente insulin. The same dose in units can cause severe hypoglycaemia.
B. Give detemir once daily at the total daily dose of lente insulin
This would double the per-injection dose of a more potent insulin; also, detemir is usually given every 12 h in dogs.
C. Continue lente insulin and add detemir at night
Combining insulins in a poorly controlled dog complicates monitoring and multiplies the risk of hypoglycaemia. One replaces the other.
D. Start with a much lower dose per kilo than lente (around 0.1 U/kg every 12 h) with U-100 syringes, and adjust with curves
Correct. Dogs are very sensitive to detemir, which also has a longer action: start with low doses and adjust carefully. It is U-100, so U-100 syringes are needed.
lightbulb Key takeaway
Detemir is a good option in dogs with short insulin action or that are hard to control, but it is very potent: take care in small dogs, where doses are tiny. When changing insulin, always start afresh with the new insulin's starting dose, not the unit equivalent.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.