Hypoglycemia occurs when an animal's (or a person's) blood sugar or glucose falls below levels needed to adequately provide fuel for the body, especially the brain. Hypoglycemia can cause lethargy, nervousness, disorientation, heart problems, white gums, fainting and seizures in the Maltese dog, a breed particularly susceptible to hypoglycemia. The primary cause of hypoglycemia in Maltese is a lack of eating, so you'll need to add food supplements to prevent an attack and be prepared to force-feed your pet if necessary.
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Nutri-Cal
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Nutri-Cal is a high-calorie gel supplement that provides extra calories and energy. It contains molasses, protein, fat, vitamins, complex carbohydrates, amino acids and omega fatty acids, according to The Kellys Maltese. If your dog is eating properly, supplement its food daily with 1 1/2 tsp. per 10 lbs of your pet's body weight, says 1-800-PetMeds. If your Maltese is not eating regularly, supplement its food with 3 tsp. daily per 10 lbs of dog. The supplement's gel state is ideal if you have to force-feed your Maltese. Simply apply the product to your finger and smear it on the roof of the dog's mouth.
Liquid Glucose
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Honey, jam or corn syrup are all excellent sources of glucose and can be especially useful during a hypoglycemic attack, according to the MaltAngels Maltese website. Dip your finger into your chosen sugary liquid and smear it on the dog's mouth. Slowly syringe water or sports drink into the side of the mouth, careful not to choke the dog.
Homemade Supplement
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Devise a homemade nutritional concoction useful in the event of an attack or when your Maltese won't eat. Mix two tbsp. of rice cereal baby food, two tsp. of strained chicken meat baby food, and one tsp. of corn syrup, says the MaltAngels site. Gradually add water until you get a consistency similar to pudding. Syringe 12 cc's of the mixture between the dog's cheek and gum, every four hours until your pet begins eating on its own.
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