Have No Fear! Your Lancing Tutorial is Here!
Lancing our dogs can be the most frustrating procedure we have to perform, especially when we are new to the world of canine diabetes.
When Lucy was diagnosed the vet tech told me I needed to test blood glucose levels and handed me a post it note with blood glucose meter information. I went home and ordered a meter kit and once it arrived, I chose a day to test Lucy’s blood glucose levels. It was a Saturday and it was a complete disaster. Not just a little disaster but a big disaster; I could not get a blood sample no matter what and we were both crying by the tenth try. I walked out of the house crying and decided to take a break, read up on lancing and get some tips from my vet. Our next vet visit, the vet tech showed me where to test and how to get a blood sample. It was so easy and I knew that I could do it because I HAD to do it.
I picked a day to practice testing on Lucy and ahead of my schedule I tested the lancing device on myself at different depths. This helped me understand the lancing process and the different depths. I got plenty of blood and was confident that I would be successful with Lucy.
Then came the day that I tried to test Lucy, I was a bit apprehensive but had been desensitizing her by rubbing her ears at various times throughout the day. I got all my testing supplies out and calmed myself down a little bit by telling myself over and over, “I got this.” When both Lucy and I were relaxed I started rubbing her ear and then lanced her ear. SUCCESS! I wanted to yell with happiness but I did not want to startle Lu so I tested the blood sample and got a reading! This was a major moment and little did I know what road this would take me down. I tested Lucy faithfully for 4.5 years and I learned a lot about lancing and testing blood glucose levels.
Lancing devices can be hard to get the hang of using so today I am going to give specific instructions for lancing devices along with tips and areas to lance.
Grab a cup of your favorite cold caffeinated beverage and let’s get to it!
I know that is a lot to take in and that is why this tutorial is printable PDF, just click here! Below each picture in the PDF is an area where you can write notes for future reference.
Here are product links to PetTest products:
Red Dot Lancing Device: https://shoppettest.com/red-dot-lancing-device/
PetTest 21 Gauge Twist-top Lancets: https://shoppettest.com/pettest-twist-top-lancets/
PetTest 21 Gauge Safety Lancets: https://shoppettest.com/pettest-safety-lancets/
PetTest Genteel Painless Lancing Device: https://shoppettest.com/genteel-lancing-device/
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please start a conversation below.
Until next week stay comfy, cool and caffeinated!
Michelle Miller-Matlock
AAHA Certified Diabetes Educator
Administrator of Diabetic Dog Owners on Facebook
Founder/Administrator of DDO: Diabetic Dog Owners University
Want to learn all you can in a simple and easy to follow format? Please join DDO: Diabetic Dog Owners University, sponsored by PetTest.
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Do you need a blood glucose meter kit for your diabetes arsenal? Click here to purchase one today!