What is hypoglycemia:
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, Is common in all toy breed dogs and puppies. Because Pomeranians carry little body fat or reserves, if they become stressed, miss a meal, overexercise, become ill, etc....they may experience a dangerous drop in glucose (sugar) in their blood. This drop causes the Pom to become weak, lethargic, nauseous and generally unwell. Hypoglycemia is LIFE THREATENING if left untreated. You MUST intervene and get your Pom's sugars up and stabilized.
When a Pom experiences a hypoglycemic episode, his or her brain is literally STARVED for glucose(sugar) and the Pom's brain begins shutting down.
Hypoglycemia is not a disease and it's not contagious, it's a condition that can happen to any small dog, regardless of health or age. It's most common in puppies up to six months old and up to a year old if the Pom will be exceptionally small.
SYMPTOMS :
The puppy may exhibit SOME or all of the following: appearing weak, disoriented, acting "drunk", not responsive when you call his or name. Vomiting. Can't stand up or walk well.Trembling or being nervous, uneasy or agitated. Most will seem VERY lethargic and listless.
Advanced hypoglycemia can include seizures, brain damage, loss of consciousnesses and if left untreated, coma and death.
Most hypoglycemia cases can be treated at home, however you Must SEEK IMMEDIATE VETERINARY CARE IF:
The Puppy loses consciousness, experiences a seizure, is non-responsive to at home treatment, OR if you don't know the cause of the episode.
If you are aware that your puppy missed a meal or was over exercised, then providing at home care is acceptable as long as the Pom responds immediately to care.
AT HOME TREATMENT
DO NOT PANIC
These little dogs bounce back fast when treated properly, so keep calm, follow the steps below and please, CALL US if you need some reassurance. It can be scary to see your little puppy suffering from low blood sugar, but they recover very quickly in almost all cases, so take a deep breath!
It is imperative to keep Instant GLUCOSE GEL on hand at all times (and with you when you travel with your pom!) This can be found in the HUMAN Diabetic department of your pharmacy for about $6. This gel is absorbed through the gums quickly to get sugar into the bloodstream and glucose to the brain.
If you do not have instant glucose gel, you may use any color Karo Syrup (very small amount). Nutrical (a high calorie pet product that's like a thick syrup) works well too and can be given in advance of a hypoglycemia
episode if you know your puppy is under stress, not eating well, was over exercised, etc...Do not over-do it on treatment or you could upset the puppy's stomach or cause loose stools.
Keep your puppy warm and put several PEA sized drops of gel in his or her mouth (by force if you have to-unless he is having a seizure).....every 10-15 minutes or so until the puppy "perks up". You should see a huge improvement within 30-60 minutes.
We also like to give Rescue Remedy by Batch for stress at the same time .
If the puppy is CONSCIOUS, then offer him SOFT FOOD (jarred baby food in a meat variety, vienna sausages, hot dog/lunch meat/scrambled eggs......something soft and tasty to entice the puppy to eat! He will not want his hard kibble, he isn't feeling well at this point.)
If he won't eat, give him some time and glucose...remember, he is nauseous from the hypoglycemia. It's okay if he/she vomits the food up at first, but he should be able to keep it down within the first few hours. (Vomiting can be a symptom of worm infestation, blocked intestine or Parvo) Monitor the puppy closely, continue to keep him warm and watch to see how he does. If there is little or no improvement, take him to your vet asap. If he relapses for an unknown reason, it's to the vet.
If the at home care is working you'll see your puppy "perk up", eat the soft food well and begin acting normal again within a 1-2 hours. Do not let him or her run around or exercise for a day or two. Keep him or her warm, calm, quiet, well fed and monitored VERY closely for a relapse. Keep the puppy with you when you sleep and check him or her every two hours or so (in a small laundry basket in bed with you works well).
We are available 24/7 for questions, concerns and emergencies related to hypoglycemia.
801-637-4412 (Cheryl) - Or call your Veterinary office ASAP
HYPOGLYCEMIA