Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is a possible problem with all toy breed puppies, this condition is NOT Hereditary. As a pet owner, it is important to recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia and know how to treat it. Hypoglycemia is easily treatable in the early stages, but fatal if allowed to progress.

 

Hypoglycemic incidents are almost always preceded by a stress of some kind.

 

 

 The first sign of hypoglycemia is the puppy slowing down and then acting listless. The puppy will then begin to tremble or shiver. This is a reaction caused as the brain is starved for glucose. The trembling is followed by a blank stare and the puppy lying on his side. He may also experience convulsions. After a time, the puppy will become comatose. His body will be limp, lifeless, and the tongue and gums will be a grayish/blue color. The body temperature will be subnormal. The puppy may even appear to be dead.

 

If caught in the early stages, treatment is simple. Rub Nutri-Cal (Karo syrup will do if you do not have any Nutri-Cal) on the puppy's gums, under the tongue, and on the roof of the mouth. (Caution: do not use honey). Get a heating pad or heating blanket and slowly warm the puppy to proper body temperature (101-102 degrees F).  If the puppy responds, all is well. Feed a high quality canned food right away (you may want to mix it with egg yolk) and then monitor the puppy to be sure that the condition does not recur. Be sure to eliminate the stress that caused the episode if at all possible.

 

If caught in the more advanced stages, treatment is more complicated. Always assume that the puppy is alive. Rub Nutri-Cal or Karo Syrup in the mouth, and carefully insert a small amount in the rectum. Slowly warm the puppy to normal body temperature (101-102 degrees F). Keep him warm continuously with light heat. If the puppy still does not respond, carefully eye dropper dextrose solution or Karo syrup water into the mouth, a little at a time. Call your veterinarian and inform him that you have a hypoglycemic puppy.

 

 Causes

weaning, teething, vaccinations, a change in environment, shipping, over-handling, stress, cold temperatures, intestinal parasites, infections, anorexia, etc. Many puppies simply play too hard and stress their system or forget to eat.

 

 It is important to "Free Feed" yorkie puppies a high quality food. Yorkie puppies simply have too high of an energy level to be restricted to scheduled feedings. Most do fine if switched to scheduled feedings when they reach adulthood, but they must have access to food and water at all times when they are puppies. I personally "Free Feed" all of my dogs regardless of their age. If you like to give your puppy canned food, you can schedule the feeding of the canned, but allow access to kibble at all times.

 

 Things to remember 

1) Always keep Nutri-Cal or Karo syrup (Corn Syrup)  on hand. This is the quickest way to revive a hypoglycemic puppy.


2) If you ever see your puppy becoming listless, or laying on his side and acting unresponsive IMMEDIATELY  rub Nutri-Cal or Karo Syrup on his gums, under his tongue, and on the roof of the mouth. Slowly warm him to normal body temperature with a heating pad. Feed him as soon as he responds. Call your veterinarian if the puppy does not quickly respond.


3) Keep your puppy from chilling, free of parasites, and "Minimize" stress.


4) See that your puppy eats often and maintains a proper body weight.


5) Do not over-handle your puppy. Be sure to allow him rest time and alone time.

 

 Very Important 

 A puppy should sleep 80% of the day without being disturbed ~ Never wake a sleeping puppy.  Like all babies, puppies need to have a regular schedule of rest, meals, play and potty.

 

"NEVER" give a puppy full run of your home, they will forget where their food and water is located. It is always recommended to confine them in a small area (such as the kitchen and family room until they learn their way around memorizing where their food source, water and training pads are located).

 

 

                                      

                                       

 

                       

                            

 

 

 

 

 



 


 



 


"He is your Best friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. ~ Author Unknown ~





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