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Hypoglycemia (or LOW
BLOOD SUGAR) is often seen in puppies from Toy breeds between about 5-6 weeks up
to 4 months of age. It can cause your puppy to get very sick, and in some cases
death can occur.
For this reason you
should know the signs of hypoglycemia, and how to treat it.
This information is here
for you, in the event that your puppy might have a hypoglycemic attack. However,
you should always contact your vet in cases of emergency.. this is not here to
replace any advice or Vet treatment.
Hypoglycemia can usually be treated at home, but if it has progressed to far,
you should take your puppy to the vet immediately!
A lot of resources on
the net describe on of the symptoms of hypoglycemia as "a loss of appetite".
This is incorrect, and your own vet will tell you in cases of hypoglycemia the
blood sugars need to be brought up. The way to do that is to eat. A natural
response to low blood sugars is hunger!
Below is a more complete
list of symptoms of hypoglycemia, some of the common causes, as well as
directions for quick at home treatment as well as preventatives.
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia:
Mild:
*acts very hungry
*nauseated and/or vomiting
*jumpy or nervous
*weak
*rapid heartbeat
*feels cooler than normal or acts cold
Moderate:
*becomes irritable or mean
*appears confused
*difficulty with walking and/or standing
*appears to have problems seeing
Severe:
*loss of consciousness
*seizures
*coma
**possibility of death can occur if untreated to long
Causes of
Hypoglycemia:
*stress
*cold
*malnutrition
*intestinal parasites
*vigorous exercise
*lack of water (dehydration)
*missed meals
*bacterial infections
*puppy being sick (vomiting or diarrhea)
*medical conditions
**or various combinations of the above
Quick treatment of
Hypoglycemia
attacks & Prevention:
Quick Treatment (usually work anywhere from 5-10 minutes):
*if the puppy can swallow you can give a small amount of milk
-OR-
*if puppy can swallow offer small amounts of food
-OR-
*rub tiny amounts of Karo Syrup or Nutri-Cal on your dogs' gums & cheeks.
*provide a warm, comfortable environment to rest in
*comfort your pet
**if puppy responds call your
Vet, and let them know that your puppy had a hypoglycemic attack, the Vet may
still want to see the puppy.
**If puppy doesn't respond to
any home remedies within 10 minutes, or becomes unconscious, please call your
vet immediately and let him/her know so you can take your puppy in for emergency
care.
Prevention of hypoglycemic attacks:
*warm environment
*frequent feedings
*routine vaccinations
*routine de-worming
*plenty of fluids
**Young puppies should be fed
several times throughout the day because they have smaller tummies.
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