Prevent Hypoglycemia
Toy and miniature breed puppies, especially those under 3 months of age, have not fully developed their ability to regulate their blood glucose levels. Providing proper nutrition on a routine schedule is crucial. Your puppy should be kept warm and fed three to four times a day.
Be alert for the following signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia.
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Weakness
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Drowsiness
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Disorientation
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Unsteady gait
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Glassy or unfocused eyes
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Twitching, shaking, trembling, or shivering
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Head tilted to one side
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Seizures
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Unconsciousness
If your puppy is conscious but showing signs of hypoglycemia, start by offering food that he or she will want to eat. If your puppy refuses to eat, a fingertip of Nutri-cal may make all the difference. It consists of a malt-flavored paste with sugar and vitamins. Some puppies will readily lap it off your finger and others will only take it if it’s smeared on the roof of the mouth. In most cases, the puppy will respond very quickly to treatment, within 5-10 minutes.
If your puppy is listless, comatose, or seizing, a small amount of Karo syrup can be rubbed on the gums for first aid. It will absorb through the gums; actual swallowing is not necessary. Beyond this, the puppy should be rushed to an animal hospital for treatment.
With any signs of hypoglycemia, make sure your pup is warm by wrapping them in a blanket. When the blood sugar drops, puppies can’t regulate their body temperature.
A hypoglycemic puppy or kitten is almost always an emergency. If caught early, the prognosis is good. If presented after seizing for a prolonged period or comatose, the prognosis worsens.
The key is to prevent hypoglycemia from occurring by keeping your puppy warm and providing frequent meals.