Hypoglycemia: (Low Blood Sugar)

A big word for a BIG problem in tiny puppies.

 

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) This is a disorder of the central nervous system and is a direct response to the lack of adequate food. "Dehydration" comes from lack of water. Hypoglycemia can occur without warning when a puppy goes to a new home, misses a meal, or doesn't eat full meals, becomes chilled, overtired, or exhausted from to much handling or playing. It occurs mostly in toy breeds, but it can also occur in the larger breeds as well. Signs to look for are depression, weakness, being wobbly or jerky, the head appears to be tilted to either the left or right side, the neck appears stiff and in a locked position, the body may soon appear the same way, and the teeth may be clamped tightly together. Convulsions, seizures, or coma which can result in death! Remember, this is only a puppy. Compare it to an infant child, which requires extra care. You would not wake your baby up to show your friends or neighbors. So do not wake your puppy up, as it needs rest too. This is important to you puppy's health.

 

Treatment: Once a puppies sugar drops you must act fast! The blood levels of glucose must be restored IMMEDIATELY ! DO NOT HESITATE, YOUR PUPPY'S LIFE IS AT RISK. Treatment by oral administration of certain glucose containing electrolyte fluids is very important. I use Nutri-Cal, it gives quick results and gets into the bloodstream within seconds with a 99% utilization rate. When given, the usual dose is about 1/4cc per OUNCE of body weight. If you don't have that on hand, you may mix honey or white Karo syrup with water and place on the puppies tongue with a dropper or just place some on your finger and rub on the puppies gums. Do not put excessive amounts in the puppy's mouth, as the puppy can choke. If the puppy does not improve within (10) ten minutes, contact your vet immediately!!! This is NOT something that can wait until the vet opens the following morning! I always recommend if you ever have any concerns, questions or worries don't hesitate to call your vet even if the puppy is doing better. Once a puppy's sugar drops, it is much more likely for him to have another episode. It can take weeks to build back up afterwards. Make sure you baby is eating and drinking OFTEN. The first stages baby food beef, turkey or chicken can be fed. They think it’s "Tasty" or boil chicken and tear into bits if he won’t eat anything else!

 

MAKE SURE YOUR PUPPY EATS AT REGULAR TIMES TO KEEP HIS/HER SUGAR UP. THAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TRY TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING

I look forward to hearing from you!

OR GIVE ME A CALL AT