Paws N Tails Pups
AKC Maltese & Yorkshire Terriers
Maltipoos, Morkies, Yorkiepoos
Hypoglycemia
If you are buying a small breed puppy you need to know about the risks of
Hypoglycemia. It is always easier to PREVENT than to treat it.
Hypoglycemia is a condition where the blood sugar drops to an abnormally low level. This
usually occurs when the puppy uses up all it's stored energy by playing for extended
periods of time without resting and having time for it to replinish. Small puppies and
puppies less than 4 months are more prone to this. They have tiny digestive systems
and can only store a little bit of food (which is energy) in their bodies at a single
time. Always make sure your puppy is eating, even if only small amounts,
around every 3-4 hours.
Too much playing for a long period of time isn’t good for smaller puppies. They tend lose
their energy very fast, possibly causing low blood sugar. Small puppies must replenish
their energy more frequently than larger puppies! Play with your puppy for short
periods at a time, and then let them rest. They need it just like babies. Tiny puppies
tire more easily.
Sometimes a puppy may play so much that it gets too tired to even eat!! Your puppy
must be eating well. If your puppy is not eating his dry puppy food give him can food,
cooked liver, baby food WITH meat, or infant rice cereal. Your puppy can not go hours
without eating. It is your responsibility to see that your puppy is getting enough
rest and eating several times a day.
It is not a good idea to show your new baby off too much and let him/her be handled
alot or travel for long periods with them until they get older. These are babies
and must be treated as such. Puppies can sometimes get stressed from leaving
their litter mates and the only home they know so don't be startled if they
will not eat right away (see be-prepared section if this happens).
Symptoms of hypoglycemia: (will vary depending on how low and how fast the puppy's
blood sugar level drops)
Lethargy, Weakness, Head tilting
Restlessness, Trembling, Disorientation
Slow breathing, Convulsions, or seizures
Be Prepared!!! Always have something on hand like Nutri-Cal (works great, you can buy
it at most pet supply stores, and fits in your purse), Corn Syrup, Honey, or even
Pancake syrup.
If your pet is acting strangely, you should assume it is due to hypoglycemia and treat it
accordingly...NO DAMAGE CAN BE DONE BY TREATING POSSIBLE HYPOGLYCEMIA! If
your puppy is not hypo, your treatment may raise the blood sugar for a few hours,
but if your puppy is hypoglycemic, you just saved its life! If your puppy is only slightly
hypo, you can often treat it by immediately feeding your puppy some of its regular food.
If your puppy refuses its regular food, try offering a food it really enjoys or some
treats. Your main goal is to get the blood sugar up and eliminate the symptoms of
hypoglycemia. You can give your puppy Nutri-Cal 3-5 times a day! Especially first
thing in the morning and last thing before bed when you can not watch them as
well! Your puppy needs to be watched at all times for symptoms, eating habits,
and play/resting habits.If your pet is severely hypoglycemic, especially if it is
having seizures or unconscious, you must give Nutri-Cal or corn
syrup immediately!!
Don't be alarmed by this..BE EDUCATED!! Its all part of having a small
puppy, just like a baby!
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