Diabetic Shock in Dogs

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in diabetic dogs rapidly leads to diabetic shock, including seizures, coma and death. Hypoglycemia and diabetic shock are sometimes referred to as "insulin reaction" because they are often the result of a dog receiving too much insulin. Other causes of hypoglycemia and diabetic shock include too much exercise or excitement and the dog missing a meal or not being fed on time.

  1. Symptoms

    • The signs of hypoglycemia are progressive; however, it's important to note that some or all symptoms can appear in any order and some dogs are asymptomatic even at very low blood glucose levels. Owners must watch for lethargy, weakness, head tilting, "drunken" behavior, excessive hunger, restlessness, shivering, lack of muscular coordination, changes in head and neck movements, disorientation, stupor, convulsions, seizures and coma. Some dogs exhibit nose and paw pads "sweating," lip smacking or licking and getting "stuck" in places they'd normally get out of easily, such as behind partially closed doors.

    Immediate Response

    • Owners have to bring their dogs' blood glucose back up to safe levels during hypoglycemia attacks. Corn syrup should be given, alone or combined with food. While the syrup raises blood glucose quickly, the food helps keep it elevated. Small dogs should receive 1 to 2 tablespoons of syrup, while larger dogs should get ¼ to ½ milliliter per every pound of bodyweight, according to the Pets With Diabetes website. Unconscious or convulsing dogs need syrup rubbed on their gums or onto the insides of their cheeks.

    Be Prepared

    • Diabetic dog owners should always have corn syrup, pancake syrup, honey or sugar available, even taking some with them when going out with their dogs for a quick walk. Packets of honey are easy to carry, as are syrup-filled syringes and screw-top bottles. Liquid glucose packets can be purchased at the pharmacy, and cake decorating gel (which is mostly sugar) can be obtained at the grocery store. All emergency supplies, including syringes (without needles) for fast and easy administration, should be kept together in a handy spot within the owner's home.

    Traveling With Your Dog

    • Traveling with diabetic dogs requires advanced planning but is easy when owners are properly prepared. All diabetes supplies should be packed together, including insulin, emergency glucose and special food. Extra supplies are crucial in case something is broken or lost. Owners must remember to take their veterinarians' phone numbers and dogs' records, but should always know the locations of the nearest veterinary clinics. It's a good idea for diabetic dogs to wear special tags denoting their condition and an emergency number to call.

    Expert Insight

    • According to the Pets With Diabetes website, "Caring for a diabetic pet will place restrictions on your ability to spend time away from home. Each day, your pet must be given insulin or other medications, fed properly, and observed." Busy owners must either rearrange their schedules or ensure other competent people care for their dogs when they're not home. Trusted family members, friends and professional petsitters make fantastic backup personnel. Diabetic shock and its prevention cannot be taken lightly, since severe hypoglycemia quickly kills a diabetic dog.