Pomeranian Hypoglycemia, Hypoglycemia and puppies

Dog Health: Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is a sudden fall in the concentration of glucose in the blood below normal levels. The body uses glucose as its primary energy source. It is dangerous and you must do something about it immediately. Teacup Puppies can't skip meals and they need to have food and water next to the at all times until the puppy is mature. Pay attention to their eating habits and follow the feeding instructions your breeder gives you.

Always have in your house one of these: Corn syrup (such as Karo syrup), sugar water, or honey or Pancake syrup. If your puppy shows any signs simply give one of these syrups to your pomeranian puppy. Call us for information. The best thing to do is give two spoonfull of these. This is only for puppies that weight from 1-3 lbs. Please consult your veterinarian for instructions because it all depends on their size.

The brain, for example, is completely dependent upon glucose to function. The liver is responsible for manufacturing glucose and for storing it in a usable form, for release into the blood stream as needed. Muscle tissues store some of the important materials used in this process.

Hypoglycemia Must Be Treated

Transient Juvenile Hypoglycemia, which is brought on by fasting, is common in Toy dog breeds, such as Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle, Pomeranian and other Toy dog breeds, and usually seen in puppies 5 to 16 weeks of age. Stress, low body temperature, poor nutrition, sudden change in feed, water and schedule patterns, infections, and premature birth may precipitate the onset of hypoglycemia. Some puppies, bred exclusively for tiny size ("teacup Yorkies", "teacup Chihuahua"), are even more predisposed to Transient Juvenile Hypoglycemia since insufficient muscle mass may make it difficult for the body to store the glucose and keep its blood sugar properly regulated.

Signs of Hypoglycemia with Your Pomeranian Puppy

Symptoms of hypoglycemia will vary depending on how low and how fast the Pomeranian puppy's blood sugar level drops. Symptoms include but are not limited to:

Lethargy

Weakness

Head tilting

Restlessness

Trembling

Disorientation

Slow breathing

Convulsions or seizures

Treatment for Your Pomeranian Puppy

Your veterinarian can do a blood test to check your Pomeranian puppy's blood sugar levels. If your Pomeranian Puppy or dog is exhibiting mild signs of hypoglycemia, begin treatment by offering your Pomeranian Puppy some of its regular food or some treats. Corn syrup (such as Karo syrup), sugar water, or honey, can be added to the food to increase your Pomeranian Puppy's blood sugar levels. For small Pomeranian Puppies start with 1 teaspoon and larger Pomeranian Puppies 1 tablespoon.

If your Pomeranian Puppy is severely hypoglycemic, unconscious or having seizures, you must get some sugar into it immediately. Corn syrup works well because it is a very pure sugar in liquid form. Carefully rub small amounts of syrup on the gums and inside the cheeks. You can use a syringe without a needle to give corn syrup to your Pomeranian Puppy and reduce the risk of being bitten, but do not use a lot of liquid, to avoid your Pomeranian Puppy choking.

The blood sugar raising effects of corn syrup will last only for a short time, and the hypoglycemia may return. Keep a close eye on your dog and give more syrup or syrup and food as needed until you can get your Pomeranian Puppy to a veterinarian.

If your Pomeranian Puppy is showing any symptoms of hypoglycemia, treat it accordingly. Better to be safe than sorry. If your dog is not hypoglycemic, you may have raised its blood sugar level for a few hours and if it is, you may have saved his life.

Because puppies of 5 to 15 weeks of age are the most commonly affected, most Pomeranian Puppies and other breeds will outgrow this condition as they mature. For other causes of hypoglycemia. You can also use baby food. Call us for instructions or consult your veterinarian.