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Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar. It is caused by the pancreas not producing enough insulin for the body’s metabolism. Dogs with this condition may be lethargic, tremble, not eat, show a lack of coordination, and, if left untreated, may lose consciousness. Untreated hypoglycemia can result in death. Yorkie puppies under three months are particularly susceptible to the condition, but all toy dogs run a risk. Hypoglycemia can be treated by meal management and awareness of the owner. Several small meals may be advised for toys that show radical spikes and valleys in their blood glucose levels. 

It is often precipitated by stress (such as going to a new home) and can occur without warning. It might appear after the puppy misses a meal, chills, becomes exhausted from playing, or has a  digestive upset. These upsets place an added strain on it's energy reserves and brings on symptoms. Hypoglycemia is a real threat to these tiny puppies, watch for your puppy to become tired or droopy. The first signs are those of listlessness and depression. They are followed by muscular weakness, tremors, and later convulsions, come and even death. The puppy may appear depressed or may be weak, wobbly and jerky, or the puppy may be found in a coma. If your puppy has any symptoms of hypoglycemia you must act fast. If the puppy is awake, give it Nutra-Stat, Nutra-Cal or Dark Karo syrup by mouth. Just put a dime sized amount on your finger and let them lick it off or wipe it inside their mouth. You should see signs of improvement in 5-10 minutes. If no improvement, call your Veterinarian immediately! If the puppy is unconscious, it should be taken to the Veterinarian immediately!

 Prevent hypoglycemia from happening by allowing only 20 minutes of play at a time, followed by rest or sleep. Do not allow the puppy to over tire at first. Supervise closely with children to make sure the puppy is getting enough rest. Keep the puppy warm. Don't let them become chilled. Your Yorkie is a house dog and should not be living outdoors! He/she has been living inside a house with a comfortable temp of 70-72 degrees.

Prevent attacks by making sure puppy eats 3-4 small meals per day (Feed the food that I recommend) Always have fresh, clean, bottled water available at all times. If the puppy does not eat, you can mix some goats milk (Powdered or canned in Grocery stores) mix with the food I recommend to encourage him/her to eat. You can give a small dime sized amount of the Nutra-Stat, Nutra-Cal or Dark Karo Syrup every morning and night for the first week or so to help prevent low blood sugar.

PLEASE ALWAYS FEEL FREE TO CALL OR TEXT ME IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR  ANY ISSUES  WITH PUPPY THE EATING, OR IF YOU EVEN THINK THE PUPPY MAY BE HAVING HYPOGLYCEMIA ISSUES. 

302-228-5887

 

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