How to Treat Hypoglycemia in Dogs

Common in toy breeds, hypoglycemia is a sudden fall in normal glucose levels. Glucose is the body's primary source of energy, especially in the brain and muscles. The liver stores and releases glucose into the blood stream as it's needed. Hypoglycemia signs include listlessness, muscle weakness, drowsiness, shivering, drowsiness, seizures, disorientation, tremors and collapsing. It sometimes occurs due to poor nutrition, stress, illness, excessive work or exercise, low body temperature or sudden changes in food or schedules. In adult dogs, hypoglycemia can occur as a side-effect of pancreatic tumors, severe Addison's disease, hormone imbalance, liver disease, sepsis, and as a pregnancy complication.

Things You'll Need

  • Corn syrup or other sugar supplement
  • Food with high carbohydrate, protein and fat content
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase and use high-quality food with high carbohydrate, protein and fat content. Carbohydrates are essential for producing glucose.

    • 2

      Feed your animal small meals at regular intervals throughout the day. Exercise the dog regularly and try to ensure he takes routine naps. Stick as close to a schedule as you can to help regulate the dog's system.

    • 3

      Prevent a dangerous glucose drop by feeding toy breeds and sporting dogs a meal a couple of hours preceding strenuous activity.

    • 4

      Supplement your dog's diet with added sugar. You can purchase a glucose supplement from your veterinarian or slowly add common household substances. Add a teaspoon of honey or sugar water for a small dog or a tablespoon for a larger dog to a bowl of your pet's regular food each day. Yogurt has a lot of protein and sugar and makes a nice treat on a hot summer day.

    • 5

      Keep your puppy or dog warm. Hypoglycemia can cause chills. When this occurs, it's important to stabilize the animal's body temperature. A hot water bottle or heating pad may be used to add warmth quickly. Cocoon a blanket around the dog to keep in the warmth. Holding a small dog may aid in temperature retention.

    • 6

      Stock liquid corn syrup in your home at all times in case of emergencies. If your dog becomes unconscious or goes into seizures, rub small amounts inside his gums and cheeks or use a syringe without a needle to shoot it inside his mouth. Use moderate amounts to avoid choking. The syrup is quick acting but also burns out of the system rapidly, so take the dog to a veterinarian quickly.

    • 7

      Carry a small plastic bottle with a leak-proof lid to store corn syrup or carry packages of honey on walks or trips in case of emergency.

    • 8

      Make regular veterinarian visits to have your dog's blood and overall health checked.