Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is a condition where the blood sugar level drops to an extremely low level, causing 'sugar shock.'  When levels of glucose in the blood drop rapidly, the body and brain are deprived of essential nutrients.  Results are weakness and seizures.  Usually this is due to stress, illness, lack of food, or by using up stored energy without it being replenished. Small Chihuahuas can be prone to this because they have such small digestive systems.

To prevent low blood sugar, small Chihuahuas should have small frequent meals and plenty of time to rest.  Another preventative for this is to feed your dog Nutrical, available from your Veterinarian or your local pet store. Nutrical gives your dog the vitamins needed with a single inch strip in the morning and in the evening.  Vanilla yogurt mixed in their food is also another good source. 

There is not much warning when a dog is experiencing a hypoglycemic episode.  The dog will appear tired, weak and sleepy in the beginning.  The dog may also fall over, become unconscious or begin to seizure. When this happens rub Nutrical or Nutristat on the dog's gums and the roof of it's mouth, so that it is absorbed in the dog's blood stream.  Another good source of sugar is honey or Karo syrup.  Keep the dog warm in a blanket or with a heating pad.  You should see improvement in 15 to 30 minutes with the intake of sugar.  However, it is always recommended to bring the dog to the veterinarian, as they may be in need of a glucose IV.

Each time a Chihuahua is threatened by hypoglycemia it takes much more to bring them out of it the next time. It is much easier to prevent hypoglycemia by always providing a readily available sugar supply, frequent meals and a warm bed, then to have to treat it once it happens.

Hypoglycemia can also be hereditary, so be sure to know about your dog's lineage.