Teaching others how to test

[Victoria & Buttons]

So far I have taught my dad and brother how to give insulin. But I'm really wanting to get at least one of them to learn how to test her blood sugars too so I can actually go out of town and not worry the whole time! Plus I plan on going away the first week of August for a few days, and I'm definitely not going days without testing her.

Any advice would help tremendously! I'm sure its not going to be as hard as when I started testing her as now Buttons is use to it, but I was just wondering of anyone elses experiences!

 

[Carl & Polly & Bob (GA)]

I've only shown one other person how to test. My vet had given her my number just in case she needed help. When I got to her house she was a wreck, in tears because she couldn't do it. It turned out her big problem was fear she would hurt him. Once I showed her the steps, how to lay all the stuff out so she could use the right hand to poke, and insert the strip only when she was ready to use it, how to hold his ear with the cotton ball, and mostly how to try not to feel so anxious about it, she was ok. I then got the kitty, who didn't know me from adam, in my lap and sweet talked him. Managed to get a drop on the 2nd try, and he didn't flip out, she saw how easy it could be. We gave him a treat, let him roam around for a few minutes, and then she tried it. He fussed a bit more with her, but only because it took her a few tries to get blood. She was crying when I got there, but she was smiling when I left.
I think the hard part is getting a new person to realize it doesn't hurt like they think it does. And making sure they understand it on a step by step basis so they don't get all flustered and pass that stress on to the cat. The important part is getting that first successful test under your belt. Then you know it CAN be done.
Carl

 

[Hope + (((Baby)))GA]

I'm with Carl.......fear is a major factor and by having someone else do it can make all the difference in the world. I've gone to several homes over the years to explain and show everything. I then test the cat and I've never had a cat run screaming. Heck, some of them never even knew what I did. Right there the owners saw for themselves there is no pain for the cat and how easy it truly is. Once that fear is removed they can then do it themselves and know they are not hurting their kitty. Years ago we all winged it...no videos,no pictures, no one to show us or come to our home, just word of mouth through the old board. IMHO fear is the main problem with newbies thinking they will hurt their kitty.