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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. But if you puppy is monitored carefully you can prevent
this condition.
WARNING SIGNS OF HYPOGLYCEMIA
The occurance 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 UNCONTROLABLE 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,displayinhg 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 pur sugar ina liquid form. if Karo is not available then use Nurtical, honey, Pancake
syrup, or table sugar dissolved in water. Whereever you and your puppy go there should always be an emergency supply
of sugar.
We recomend 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 regualr food. The effects of the food may be enough to countact the hypoglycemia. If
you puppy refuses its regualr 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 orcombined 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 cuase the unconsciou 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 possiblity of a repeat episode is strong!!!!!!
Repeated actacks 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 pupy is still a baby!
Undisturbed sleeping time and sufficent rest is a must. Within a few weeks the attention span and waking periods
of time of yourlittle 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.
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