Juvenile Hypoglycemia in Puppies - Know the Warning Signs

Hypoglycemia for small dogs is one of the most dangerous and deadly conditions that a toy breed puppy can encounter. If you are considering purchasing a toy breed dog you should consider doing some research on hypoglycemia in puppies before bringing your new puppy home. It could make the difference in saving your puppy's life. Hypoglycemia in simpler terms means low blood sugar. Glucose in the form of sugar is found within your puppy's bloodstream. Glucose is formed during the digestion of food, which can then be stored within your puppy's liver in the form of glycogen.

Inadequate nutrition is a contributing source of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar in puppies. Inadequate nutrition can be caused by not enough intake of food or feeding your puppy poor quality 'un-digestible' food. Additionally, excessive activity or exercise can also cause your puppy's body to use more sugar than is available. Juvenile hypoglycemia may be suspected when puppies, especially toy breeds such as Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terriers, and Toy Poodles show signs of weakness, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases of juvenile hypoglycemia in your puppy can result in a coma or death. Puppies less than 3 or 4 months of age require strong blood sugar levels while their immature systems sometimes lack the ability to regulate glucose.

If your puppy is sluggish due to low blood sugar, it is imperative to immediately provide your puppy a source of sugar. Karo Syrup and honey are fabulous sources of sugar and should be fed to your puppy immediately. Following a hypoglycemic episode you should have a thorough exam performed by a licensed veterinarian. Your veterinarian?s exam will help determine if the low blood sugar is simply the result of inadequate nutrition or a more severe underlying disease.

After a hypoglycemic episode, you will want to monitor your puppy's food intake and be aware of any changes in your puppy's energy level. If your puppy is initially reluctant to return to their normal eating habits, feeding them boiled chicken will serve as a satisfactory supplementation. As your puppy grows and gets bigger, the risk factors for hypoglycemia will diminish. With a proper diet and continued care your puppy's teeth will get stronger, their body will begin to store fat, and their immune system will mature. Eventually, the risks of hypoglycemia will become minimal and your puppy can continue life as any other happy and healthy puppy.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & RESOURCES

Hypoglycemia is defined as a blood glucose or blood sugar concentration of less than 70 milligrams per deciliter(mg/dl) of blood. Symptoms depend on how quickly the blood glucose concentration decreases but rarely occur until it falls below 50 mg/dl.

Contributing "Triggers" for Hypoglycemic Attacks:

* Cold temperatures
* Intestinal parasites
* Digestive upsets that prevent absorption of nutrients
* Illness resulting in a diminishing appetite
* Moving to a new environment
* Anything that puts a strain or stress on your puppy

Signs Your Puppy May Be Suffering a Hypoglycemic Attack:

* Weakness, lack of energy
* Lack of coordination
* Disoriented
* Froth at the mouth
* Seizure

Good Sources of Sugar to "Boost" Your Puppies Blood Sugar:

* Karo syrup
* Honey
* Sugar water
* Nutrical

IMPORTANT INFORMATIONAL TIP:

Even if your puppy is too lethargic to swallow, these products can be absorbed into the tissues if smeared on the gums and in the roof of the mouth.