Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo
  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Can I give my aggressive dog insulin shots without tenting the skin?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Welsh Terrier | Male | neutered | 27 lbs

I can't pinch dog skin for insulin injection my vet said it's okay to just give him a shot going in on an angle without tenting. My dog is super aggressive and won't let me tent the skin. I keep reading that it won't work unless I tent the skin

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on April 27th, 2019

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The point of tenting the skin is to help localize the subcutaneous space so that an injection can be given successfully. Without renting the skin, it is difficult to do that and you would be left with uncertainty if it went in the right place to be absorbed and used by the body. For that reason, if possible I would recommend tenting the skin. if not possible, do it like your vet suggested. Best of luck!
Vote Icon3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share

Styled arrow button