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.
