Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is a serious side effect of too much insulin, or low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia can be a life threatening, even fatal condition that often happens in very small puppies. If your puppy is monitored carefully you can prevent this condition.
WARNING SIGNS OF HYPOGLYCEMIA
The occurrence of these signs depends upon how low the blood sugar level has fallen and how far into an attack the puppy is. the further down the list the more serious the case.
LETHARGY (LACK OF ENERGY)
WEAKNESS
HEAD TILTING
UNBALANCED OR WOBBLY WALKING
EXCESSIVE HUNGER OR REFUSAL TO EAT
RESTLESSNESS
WHIMPERING
WHINING
MOANING
SHIVERING OR UNCONTROLLABLE TREMBLING
DISORIENTATION
STUPOR
CONVULSIONS
SEIZURES
COMA
DEATH

WHAT TO DO DURING AN ATTACK: stay calm and focused. bring the blood sugar back to a safe level, observe your puppy, and call the vet.
If your puppy is acting strangely,displaying one or several of the above signs, you should assume it is hypoglycemia and act accordingly. This is a situation where it is better to be safe than sorry. if your puppy is not hypoglycemic, then your treatment will have just raised the blood sugar causing no harm to your puppy. If your puppy WAS hypoglycemic, then you probably just saved his life!
While owning a tiny puppy always have Karon syrup, Nutrical, and or honey available.
Karo works well because it is pure sugar in a liquid form. if Karo is not available then use Nurtical, honey, Pancake syrup, or table sugar dissolved in water. Where ever you and your puppy go there should always be an emergency supply of sugar.
We recommend Nutrical, a high sugar vitamin to supplement your puppy until it is 4 months old and then as is need during major changes or stressful situations such as; moving, vet visits, grooming, playing with the kids, etc. Nutrical or a product like it can be obtained in most pet stores. if you do not have Nutrical, half a teaspoon of honey, once or twice a day will go a long way in the prevention of hypoglycemia. Also, unflavored Pedialite to drink is a great way to prevent hypoglycemia.
TREATING MILD HYPOGLYCEMIA: If your puppy is showing only mild signs of hypoglycemia, your should treat it by immediately feed the puppy some of its regular food. The effects of the food may be enough to counteract the hypoglycemia. If you puppy refuses its regular food, try offering it something it thinks of as a treat. ANY FOOD AT THIS POINT IS OK!!!!!!!!!! Your main concern is to get the blood sugar up to eliminate the signs of hypoglycemia. Observe your puppy for several hours to make sure that the hypoglycemia does not happen again. Also give plenty of fluids to drink as hypoglycemic dogs are usually dehydrated.
TREATING MODERATE HYPOGLYCEMIA: Karo or honey should be given, either alone or combined with food. Karon can be mixed in with wet food or poured over dry. The Karo will bring the blood sugar up quickly and the food will help to keep it up. Small puppies should be given about 1-2 tablespoons and larger puppies about 0.25-0.5 ml per lb of body weight. The effect of the Karo will only last for a short period of time and the hypoglycemia may return so observe your pet and give Karo and food as often as needed. Don't forget the water!
SEVERE HYPOGLYCEMIA: If your puppy's case is severe, especially if it is having seizures or unconscious, you must give Karo immediately!
Rub small amounts of the Karo on your puppy's gums. DO NOT put a lot of liquid in the puppy's mouth. this could cause the unconscious puppy to choke! DO NOT stick your fingers in the mouth of a seizing puppy. YOU COULD GET BITTEN!!!!!!!!!
Call your vet!!!!!!!!! If you can not contact your vet, call any vet- and get additional instructions right away!
FOLLOW-UP: Whenever a puppy has a moderate to severe hypoglycemic reaction, you should call your vet. The possibility of a repeat episode is strong!!!!!!
Repeated attacks can cause brain damage. IF IN DOUBT CALL YOUR VET!!!!!!!!!!
PREVENTION OF HYPOGLYCEMIA: Please make sure that your puppy is eating. Tiny breeds have high metabolism and small stomach and need food and water available at all times. Please don't just set food out and assume your puppy is eating. Please watch your puppy and observe the amount eaten to be sure it meats the required daily amounts. reduce and monitor ruff play time with children and other pets - your puppy is still a baby!
Undisturbed sleeping time and sufficient rest is a must. Within a few weeks the attention span and waking periods of time of your little one will get longer and longer. Feel free to call us with any questions. We have had much experience and are always there to help