Hypoglycemia in Puppies 

Remember, your health guarantee does NOT cover hypoglycemia so it is imperative you read this information closely and stay on top of things !

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        Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar (sometimes called “sugar shock”) is a condition where the blood sugar level drops to an extremely low level due to lack of food, or by using up all stored energy without it being replenished. (Such as when your puppy plays for an extended period of time without eating.)  The most common trigger is stress (such as going to a new home).Toy breeds can be prone to hypoglycemia because they have such tiny digestive systems. They can only store a small amount of food (energy) in their stomach at one time.  Their liver and pancreas which are necessary for digestion and sugar balance are also small and usually underdeveloped as well. Most puppies tend to grow out of hypoglycemia as they get older. As they grow, so do their major organs. This makes them more able to utilize and to process the food that they eat so it can sustain them for longer periods of time. REMEMBER: to prevent hypoglycemia, puppies need to eat several small meals a day.  It is much easier to prevent by always having a readily available food supply, than to have to treat it once it happens. It is very scary to see a puppy that you love so dearly in “sugar shock.” Symptoms and Treatment Symptoms of hypoglycemia.

 

            Hypoglycemia can occur without warning in a healthy puppy and can be a very scary thing! So it is best to know what to look for! Your puppy may exhibit one or more of these signs: The first sign that is usually seen is vomiting on an empty stomach. (clear liquid) If your puppy has not eaten in a while, and vomits without acting sick, some other signs are acting listless, weak, tired, sometimes walking with an unsteady gait and drunk, shakiness, falling over, stiffening up, laying on their side paddling with their feet and being unable to get up, and in very severe advanced cases, laying on their side and being totally unresponsive or comatose. If your puppy becomes hypoglycemic, it is very important that you react IMMEDIATELY!! If the puppy is not given some quick form of nutrition containing sugar (i.e. Nutri-Cal, honey, sugar, glucose, Karo syrup or sugar containing product) to raise the blood sugar immediately, coma and/or possibly death could result. 

 

   1. how to treat your puppy if an episode occurs:

If your puppy is showing signs of a low blood sugar episode, don't panic! For most cases are treatable at home.

I would recommend a long tip oral syringe (typically found in your local pharmacy) containing 2-3 milliliters of Karo syrup, or any available syrup you have in your pantry, immediately followed by a 1 milliliter of Nutri-Cal to your puppy. If they are comatose or unresponsive do not force feed your puppy as it can worsen your puppies condition, as most puppies during episodes are unable to swallow or digest properly, but instead try to regain your puppies strength with 3-4 milliliters of kids Pedialyte every 1-2 hours until your puppy is moving and running around on its own. When your puppy looks or acts more alert and energized, then they should be able to eat on their own. Every puppy responds differently after a sugar low. The sooner they are treated after the onset of symptoms the faster they will bounce back. Many pups are back to their old selves and running around and playing in a few minutes or a few hours after an attack. But if your puppy has had a very severe case or was comatose before treatment, then I would recommend taking them to your preferred vet. 

 

   2. What to feed your puppy when treated back to health:

Remember low blood sugar causes their tiny bodies to totally shut down, so many pups act very depressed or groggy and some will not eat on their own after a severe attack, if your puppy seems to have gained his or her appetite, What works for us is to  mix a Gerber of either turkey or chicken with puppy wet food of your preference. Keep your puppy warm. When a puppy has low blood sugar, their body temperature drops very low. It is important to gradually warm your puppy. Wrap them in a towel or put them on a low temperature heating pad until they are well enough to keep their own temperature up.