What is Hypoglycemia?   If you have purchased a tiny toy pup from us-please read! One of the most serious side effects of too much insulin is hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose(low blood sugar) Hypoglycemia can be-but need not be- a life-threatening, even fatal condition and often happens in the smaller toy breeds.

How does Hypoglycemia happen?  Hypoglycemia is usually stress related.  Puppy stress: Moving to a new home, being alone for long periods of time vs. with litter mates, rough play with children and older pets, excessive exercise, food changes or not enough food to eat. Hypoglycemia need not belief threatening, however when your pup does not receive enough TLC and monitoring from you, it well can be!

Signs of Hypoglycemia:  The occurrence of signs depend son how far the blood sugar level drops and how far into the episode the puppy has progressed. Lethargy(lack of energy) weakness, head tilting, unbalanced wobbling when walking, excessive hunger or refusal to eat, restlessness, whimpering and high pitched whining or moaning, shivering or uncontrollable trembling, disorientation, stupor, convulsions or seizures, coma, and death.

What can I do during an episode?  During a hypoglycemic attack, your goal is to stay calm, bring the blood glucose back to a safe level, continue to observe your pet and contact the vet.  If your pet is acting strangely, displaying one or several of the above symptoms, you should assume it is due to hypoglycemia and treat it accordingly. This is situation where it is better to be safe then sorry.  If your pet is not hypoglycemic, you treatment may have raised the blood glucose for a few hours.  If your pet was hypoglycemic, you may have just saved its life.

If you own a Toy pup, always have corn syrup or honey available. Corn syrup works well because it is a very pure sugar, and it is liquid.  In the US, “Karo” is a brand name of corn syrup and you’ll often see this work used. If Karo is not available, pancake syrup, honey, or table sugar dissolved in some water will also work. Whenever your pet is, there should be an emergency supply of sugar. Greene Garden recommends homey or Nutri-Cal, a nutritional supplement as a daily treat until the pup is approx 10-12 week-old, and then as needed during major changes prevention or stressful situations, as moving, vet visits, grooming, playing with the grandchildren, etc. Half a teaspoon of honey, once or twice a day will go a long way In prevention of this, your puppy will be happier and so will you>>>>>.