Hypoglycemia simply means low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia tends to be a problem seen most often in toy & tea cup breed puppies, but it can occasionally occur in large breeds as well. The main cause of low blood sugar is inadequate nutrition; either not enough or poor quality foods. This is one reason why we do not recommend changing your puppy's diet.
He/she has been eating the food we recommend and is doing well on this diet. A quick change in diet and he/she may stop eating. Monitor your puppy's food intake in order to be sure he/she is eating properly. Feed your puppy several times during the day regardless if at home or out on the town. At home, you may want to provide your puppy with food at all times during the day. We recommend this, but ask that you closely monitor his/hers food intake to insure that the puppy is indeed eating well.
Stress or excessive exercise may also cause low blood sugar. The symptoms of Hypoglycemia include:
- Lethargic behavior or lack of coordination (stumbling, falling, staggering).
- The puppy may tilt it's head to one side and the neck may appear stiff
- His/her gums will appear white or gray instead of pink
- And in severe cases coma!
If any of these signs occur, YOU MUST ACT QUICKLY! Your puppy's life may depend on it. The blood level of glucose must be restored immediately! If he/she is conscious we recommend giving your puppy Nutri-Cal®. It is a food supplement we recommend adding to the pups food or giving orally to your puppy. Nutri-Cal® contains the added calories and vitamins your growing puppy needs. This product is available at most reputable pet supply establishments and we have provided you with a full tube. The Nutri-Cal® is given orally and is absorbed quickly into the blood stream. If you do not have this product available in an immediate emergency, Karo syrup or honey are excellent sugar sources.
Simply rub the syrup in conservative quantities on the puppy's gums or give it a little under its tongue. You can also mix a little karo syrup or honey or Nutri-Cal® with warm water. Just stir until it completely dissolves and give small amounts orally with a syringe or medicine dropper. Your puppy will gladly lick up The Nutri-Cal® from your finger with great desire during most acceptable cases of Hypoglycemia. If you find yourself in a position where you are force feeding him Nutri-cal, karo, or honey you should already be in route to the veterinarian’s office as quickly and safely as possible! If your puppy looses consciousness it needs to be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
Controlling Hypoglycemia
To reduce the chance of hypoglycemia or during the treatment of typically mild hypoglycemia, Nutri-Cal® can and should be used daily is a very small amount. Pedialite, typically available at your local drug store is also a great source of energy. You should use this product in the event your puppy stops consuming enough water or is experiencing even a slight case of diarrhea. To avoid your puppy from dehydrating, restrict his/her consumption of liquid to a diet of 100% pedialite during a hydration sensitive period. Non-flavored pedialite and your drugstore's generic brand are perfectly acceptable. Don't forget that pedialite is only effective for the first 48 hours after the bottle has been opened. We recommend having one bottle in the house stored for an unforeseen event.
If your puppy stops eating it may be due to the stress of a new environment. If this happens, try offering him/her a small amount of canned puppy food mixed with our recommended dry food, Cesar®. If the puppy fails to eat the canned food mixture try Gerber® brand beef and gravy or veal and gravy. They are high in protein and puppies love the taste! They may eat baby food when they refuse to eat anything else. Since canned foods contain too much moisture and baby foods are intended for human babies, only use these products if your puppy stops eating the dry food. Although you have only the best intentions for your puppy, feeding him/her these foods as treats or for variety, you are actually allowing increasing the chances that your puppy will suffer with dehydration or diarrhea.
Remeber that these helpful hints are recommended for emergancy purposes only! If an emergency occurs, you should be in direct contact with us or your veterinarian right away. Remember, we are here for you and your puppy, if you don’t call we can’t help!
