Hypoglycemia in Puppies

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia In Puppies

Canine Hypoglycemia, the medical term for low blood sugar or low blood glucose level is a condition in which there is a drastic, sudden drop in the level of blood sugar in the puppy. Hypoglycemia in puppies is a disease most often seen in toy breed puppies and usually not seen in puppies over twelve weeks of age. It is most likely caused by the uneven spurts in growth of the internal organs of the puppy, especially the pancreas. The brain will receive incorrect signals from the pancreas and not send out a correct signal for the release of a proper amount of sugar in the bloodstream. Hypoglycemic symptoms in maltese puppies or symptoms of low blood sugar in dogs are: weakness, confusion, wobbly gait, frothing or drooling from the mouth – sometimes even a seizure and drain of blood from the head. A check of the gums will show them to be pale, almost a grayish white in color rather than a healthy bright pink. With puppy hypoglycemia, the puppy can go into shock and, if not cared for properly and promptly, may even die.

Hypoglycemia Causes In Puppies

Hypoglycemia in puppies can be an inherited condition. If a female has been hypoglycemic, it’s likely that she will pass it on to her puppies. For the young pup prone to this condition, even a brief period of fasting in a toy breed puppy can trigger a hypoglycemic “attack”, Any significant stress, such as a routine trip to the vet’s, that occurs in the absence of a recent meal, can cause the blood sugar to drop to dangerously low levels. Low environmental temperatures, infections, vaccinations, strenuous exercise, and inadequate nutrition increase the risk even further.

Hypoglycemia Treatment In Puppies

Feeding recommendations for puppies at risk for dog hypoglycemia include: frequent (4-5 times a day) feedings of high-carbohydrate, high -protein and/or -fat foods. Feeding soft moist foods may help to prevent a hypoglycemia attack due to the high sugar content. Gatorade mixed with a little honey, Ringers lactate with dextrose or Pedialyte are good products to use for hypoglycemic puppies. These products have electrolytes, which hypoglycemic puppies need. Honey and corn syrup can be used also for hypoglycemic treatment. For pups who have had recurrent or prolonged signs of hypoglycemia, monitoring the urine for ketones with a “dipstick” made for diabetics is helpful, since a return to “ketone negative status” signals a return to normalcy. If these measures don’t correct the problem, a trip to the vet is recommended. Intravenous feedings to restore normal glucose levels may be necessary and the vet will need to check the puppy for more serious problems.