Hypoglycemia
Toy breed puppies are predisposed to developing low blood sugar, hypoglycemia,
because they have less ability to store and mobilize glucose compared to older
animals. Puppies need frequent meals to prevent a hypoglycemic crisis.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF LOW BLOOD SUGAR may include lethargy,
weakness, in coordination, seizures, nervousness, tremors and hunger. In severe
cases the puppy may become unconscious and even go into a coma, or die.
Hypoglycemia is often precipitated by stress and can occur without warning. It
might appear after the puppy misses a meal, gets chilled, after playing, or has a
digestive upset. These things place an added strain on the puppies energy
reserves and brings on the symptoms.
If you see any of these symptoms of low blood sugar it is important to act fast. If
the puppy is unconscious it should be taken to a veterinarian at once. If it is awake,
give it some honey, Karo syrup, or Nutri-Cal* by mouth. (you can do this by putting
a button size amount on your fingertip and rubbing it inside the puppies mouth) If
there is no improvement within thirty minutes, then call your veterinarian.
PREVENT HYPOGLYCEMIA from happening by allowing only twenty minutes of
play at a time, followed by rest or sleep. Do not allow the puppy to get overtired,
while the puppy is still young. Supervise closely with children to make sure the
puppy is getting needed rest. Keep the puppy warm, don't let it become chilled.
You can help prevent low blood sugar attacks by feeding a high quality kibble diet.
We use Purina Puppy Chow, See that your puppy eats at least every six to eight
hours. More often if he is very small. Keep dry food and water available at all times.
Some people give 1/2 teaspoon of syrup, honey, or Nutri-Cal morning and night for
the first couple of days when the puppy arrives in their new home, to help prevent
the low blood sugar that can come with the stress and excitement of going to a new
home. (it will not hurt the puppy)
* Nutri-Cal is a tasty, high calorie dietary supplement in a paste form. It is intended
for animals that require extra calories and vitamins in the diet. Dosage: 1.5 to 3
teaspoons per 10 lbs body weight. (found in any pet store or vet office)
Toy breed puppies are predisposed to developing low blood sugar, hypoglycemia,
because they have less ability to store and mobilize glucose compared to older
animals. Puppies need frequent meals to prevent a hypoglycemic crisis.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF LOW BLOOD SUGAR may include lethargy,
weakness, in coordination, seizures, nervousness, tremors and hunger. In severe
cases the puppy may become unconscious and even go into a coma, or die.
Hypoglycemia is often precipitated by stress and can occur without warning. It
might appear after the puppy misses a meal, gets chilled, after playing, or has a
digestive upset. These things place an added strain on the puppies energy
reserves and brings on the symptoms.
If you see any of these symptoms of low blood sugar it is important to act fast. If
the puppy is unconscious it should be taken to a veterinarian at once. If it is awake,
give it some honey, Karo syrup, or Nutri-Cal* by mouth. (you can do this by putting
a button size amount on your fingertip and rubbing it inside the puppies mouth) If
there is no improvement within thirty minutes, then call your veterinarian.
PREVENT HYPOGLYCEMIA from happening by allowing only twenty minutes of
play at a time, followed by rest or sleep. Do not allow the puppy to get overtired,
while the puppy is still young. Supervise closely with children to make sure the
puppy is getting needed rest. Keep the puppy warm, don't let it become chilled.
You can help prevent low blood sugar attacks by feeding a high quality kibble diet.
We use Purina Puppy Chow, See that your puppy eats at least every six to eight
hours. More often if he is very small. Keep dry food and water available at all times.
Some people give 1/2 teaspoon of syrup, honey, or Nutri-Cal morning and night for
the first couple of days when the puppy arrives in their new home, to help prevent
the low blood sugar that can come with the stress and excitement of going to a new
home. (it will not hurt the puppy)
* Nutri-Cal is a tasty, high calorie dietary supplement in a paste form. It is intended
for animals that require extra calories and vitamins in the diet. Dosage: 1.5 to 3
teaspoons per 10 lbs body weight. (found in any pet store or vet office)