Hypoglycemia of Hunting Dogs

Definition

• Hunting dog hypoglycemia is characterized by a sudden drop in glucose levels in hunting dogs, generally while hunting. A standard blood glucose level and concentration for dogs is around 60 mg per deciliter; when this concentration drops it results in hypoglycemia. Because hunting dogs exert high amounts of energy, their body attempts to gain energy by breaking down and using the glucose and carbohydrates stored in the body. When there is not enough glucose to feed the level of energy exerted, hypoglycemia is the result.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of hypoglycemia in hunting dogs can be mild to severe. Mild symptoms include fatigue--just like what happens in humans around lunchtime when they do not eat a proper breakfast. However, severe symptoms include seizures and confusion. Other symptoms reported by hunting dog owners are running in tight circles, eyes that are fixed and open, fear of the handler and running into objects.

Cure and Maintenance

• There is no known cure for hypoglycemia in hunting dogs; however, hypoglycemia does seem to be a condition that many pet owners have managed with diet and nutrition. Veterinarians suggest the first change to be feeding your pet several small meals (four to six) throughout the day instead of feeding once or twice a day so that the glucose concentrations are being replenished throughout the day. Also, speak to your veterinarian about special foods that are high in complex carbohydrates and fiber, which break down more slowly in the system than simple sugars, which burn up quickly.

Glucose Monitoring

• Along with a controlled diet, glucose monitoring is the key to managing hunting dog hypoglycemia. The first step is to test the glucose level of the other dogs in your pack so that you can see what is a normal glucose level for your hunting dog pack based on your pack's diet and activity level. The second step is to use that level to gauge the level of glucose in the dog in question; compare how low that dog's glucose level drops before feeding and during the hunt with the rest of the pack. Monitoring glucose levels will help you determine how much extra food to feed during the day and on the hunt to maintain a healthy level of glucose.

Glucose Monitoring Kits

• Veterinarians report that the same glucose monitoring kits sold at drugstores for humans can work equally well for hunting dogs. A glucose level between 45 and 60 mg per deciliter is considered mildly low to normal. Speak to your veterinarian about which monitoring kit is best for your hunting dog and how to use a glucose monitoring kit on your hunting dog.

Managing Glucose Levels While on the Hunt

• There are ways to make managing your hunting dog's hypoglycemia while on the hunt easier. The first tip is to bring along foods, snacks and vitamin-infused water to offer your dog between high levels of exertion. For example, some hunters bring along peanut-butter and honey sandwiches, nutritional bars, extra treat foods and even juice to keep glucose levels from dropping. Additionally, consider supplying your hunting dog with foods high in complex carbohydrates--such as brown rice and cooked lean meats--the day before the hunt.

Considerations

• If your hunting dog is showing symptoms of hypoglycemia, speak to your vet to rule out other conditions that mimic the symptoms of hypoglycemia in hunting dogs, such as liver problems and Addison's disease.