Chihuahua breeder in Georgia
Hypoglycemia in small puppies
What is hypoglycemia in small puppies?
Hypoglycemia is a common health concern in many young small puppies. It typically affects very tiny puppies who may be the runt of the litter (also known as teacups) and can be deadly if not caught in time. Hypoglycemia in very young and small puppies is caused by limited fat and muscle mass, immature livers, and leads to the inability to store enough glycogen.
What can cause a hypoglycemic spell?
This is of KEY IMPORTANCE for new puppy owners to know. Many times, a hypoglycemic spell can be avoided with some basic knowledge of things to consider with your new puppy.
- Starvation- Your puppy MUST EAT! A smaller puppy must eat more than a larger puppy, typically about 3-4 meals a day verses being fed the traditional morning and evening feeding regimen. You must make sure that your puppy is eating during this time. Offer your puppy a proper diet suited for his/her size and breed. ALWAYS feed your puppy a PUPPY FOOD. Adult foods are NOT the same and do not contain the proper nutrients a puppy needs.
- Toxin- related- Certain drugs or toxins can cause an over-secretion of insulin and overuse of glycogen which leads to depletion. Overdoses on things such as dewormers or giving your puppy things with xylitol sweetener can be TOXIC to your puppy. Some other toxic things include:
- Sago palm tree
- NSAIDs
- Zinc
- Aluminum phosphide
- Insulin overdose
- Beta blockers
- Fruits with pits
- Vetsulin (not evaluated for safety in puppies)
- Exercise-induced- Puppies LOVE to play! However, too much overexertion can lead your tiny puppy to fall into a hypoglycemic spell. Let your puppy play but be sure not to let him/her overdo it.
How do I know if my puppy is having a hypoglycemic spell?
These are some common signs to watch out for in a hypoglycemic episode.
- Fainting
- Severe trembling
- Drowsiness or lethargy
- Collapse
- Seizures
- Inability to stand
What to do if my puppy is having a hypoglycemic spell?
As a breeder of chihuahuas for many years, I've seen many of these episodes. The first thing to do is STAY CALM!
Keep a bottle of dark karo syrup on hand in case this happens. If you do not have karo syrup, you may use honey. Gather a small amount of karo or honey on your fingertip and spread it on the gums of your puppy's mouth.
While you're doing these collect the puppy and wrap him/her in a warm blanket. When puppies have hypoglycemic spells, their little bodies cannot regulate itself. You must keep the puppy warm. You may also put your puppy on a heat pad while you wait for the karo/honey to do its work. However, make sure that the heat pad isn't too hot! A nice subtle low setting is good enough.
MOST of the time your puppy will come back to normal within a few minutes depending on how long ago the hypoglycemic spell was noticed. Time is crucial!
Call your veterinarian and explain what is going on with your puppy. Explain the first steps you've taken and ask for your veterinarian's advice on what to do next.
MOST little puppies outgrow this. It just takes some time, and you must properly monitor your small puppy. Make sure he/she is eating plenty of food and they're warm. Make sure they're not overexerting themselves at playtime.
