LaRue's Precious Puppies & Palm Pom Pomeranains want to inform all potential puppy owners about the risks of hypoglycemia when selecting your new puppy. All toy or puppy owners should take the proper steps to avoid serious drops in their puppies blood sugar levels, especially until they are about four months old. LaRue's Precious Puppies are given extra TLC, proper veterinarian check ups, and a thorough examination before leaving our nursery or being added on our site. We want you to experience a healthy, happy new best friend for many, many years.
What Are The Symptoms of Hypoglycemia in Puppies?
Hypoglycemia, the medical term for low blood sugar is a condition in which there is a sudden and drastic drop in the blood sugar levels. It is a puppy disease often seen in toy breed puppies and usually not seen in puppies over twelve weeks of age. It is often caused by the uneven spurts in growth of the internal organs of the puppy, especially the pancreas. The brain gets incorrect signals from the pancreas and does not properly send out a correct signal for the release of a proper amount of sugar in the bloodstream. Signs of an attack are a weakness, confusion, wobbly gait, frothing or drooling from the mouth. Some may witness even a seizure and drain of blood from the head. When you check their gums, often they will appear pale, almost a grayish white in color rather than a healthy pink. The puppy can go into shock if their blood sugar drops sudden and drastically and, if not cared for properly, may even die.
What Causes It?
If a female has been hypoglycemic, she could pass it on to her puppies. When a young pup is genetically prone to hypoglycemia, a brief period of fasting in a toy breed puppy could trigger a hypoglycemic "attack". New owners should avoid Any significant stress, such as a routine trip to the veterinarian, that occurs in the absence of a recent meal, as this could cause the blood sugar to drop to dangerously low levels. Low environmental temperatures, infections, vaccinations, strenuous exercise, and inadequate nutrition increase the risk even further.
Treatment
Always ask your veterinarian for medical advice. Some toy or puppy owners have found that feeding recommendations for puppies at risk for hypoglycemia include: 4-5 times a day and include feedings of high-carbohydrate, high -protein and/or fatty foods. Feeding soft, moist foods sometimes help reduce a hypoglycemia attack. Gatorade mixed with a little honey, ringers lactate with dextrose or Pedialyte are sometimes suggested products. Anyone with small toys or puppies needs to be cautious of hypoglycemia and take immediate steps to prevent serious drops in their loved one's blood sugar levels.
