Low Blood Glucose in Dogs

Low blood glucose levels in dogs can be a very serious medical condition. It is important to recognize the symptoms and risk factors for hypoglycemia in order to provide immediate intervention and to prevent this condition from becoming life-threatening. Work closely with your veterinarian in order to keep your dog healthy and avoid letting its blood glucose levels get out of control.

  1. Hypoglycemia

    • Hypoglycemia is a medical condition in dogs which causes them to have low blood glucose levels. This means their blood sugar level is less than 70 mg per deciliter of blood. However, symptoms are not usually noticed until the glucose levels reach less than 50 mg per deciliter. Normal blood glucose levels in dogs are 70 to 150 mg per deciliter.

    Causes and Factors

    • Puppies and small breed dogs are much more likely to develop hypoglycemia than older dogs or large breeds. Puppies are likely to develop this condition as a result of a stress, malnutrition or parasites; young puppies have a high glucose requirements but their blood glucose regulation is not completely developed.

    Symptoms

    • Hypoglycemia has many possible symptoms. Some signs of low blood glucose levels in dogs include anxiety or depression, loss of coordination, dilated pupils, vision problems, weakness and lethargy, twitching and trembling, disorientation and loss of appetite. Hypoglycemia can also cause a dog to have a seizure or go into a coma. Illness, stress, bacterial infections and parasites are common causes of hypoglycemia in small breed dogs. According to Mike Richards, DVM, pancreatic tumors are one of the most common causes of low blood glucose levels in older dogs.

    Diagnosis

    • If your dog is showing any symptoms of having low blood glucose levels, discuss them with your veterinarian. Your vet can confirm the diagnosis using blood tests, urinalysis, a physical examination and other tests. If a pancreatic tumor is suspected, she may use ultrasound testing.

    Treatment

    • Hypoglycemia can be treated by administering glucose to the dog in order to increase blood glucose levels; this can be done orally or with an injection. Dietary changes, such as feeding several smaller meals throughout the day, may be used to help control this condition. If the dog's hypoglycemia is caused by certain factors, such as illness or parasites, the underlying conditions will need to be addressed. Pancreatic tumors may be surgically removed.