Glucose is the sugar that powers your dog's body. When a dog's blood sugar level is too low, he is hypoglycemic. Hypoglycemia is what happens when the blood glucose level is too low to power the body's cells, according to the University of Maryland Endocrinology Health Guide.
A normal blood glucose level for dogs is 70 to 150 mg per deciliter of blood. Levels less than 50 mg per deciliter indicate hypoglycemia.
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Small Breed Puppies
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Puppies Small breed puppies are more susceptible to hypoglycemia because they have more brain mass in comparison to body size than other and larger dogs. The brain requires more glucose to function, according to the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary medicine.
Small breeds have a fast metabolism, and small breed puppies under 5 moths old don't have as much glucose stored in their blood. Signs to watch for are weakness, lack of mental alertness and shakiness.
Hypoglycemia in puppies is a serious condition. If it persists, it may lead to convulsions, coma and death. Respond quickly by rubbing a little corn syrup on the gums for a quick sugar boost. If the condition continues to occur, seek your veterinarian's assistance.
Over Exercise and Pregnancy
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Working dogs burn calories and glucose at a faster rate than average dogs. Hypoglycemia is relatively uncommon in larger breeds. Sporting or working dogs can sometimes get hypoglycemic from getting overworked. The animal burns up the stored glucose in blood and liver cells, and then will begin to show signs of weakness and fatigue.
If you see the dog is wobbly or shaking, feed him. If the animal can't eat, rub some corn syrup on his gums for a glucose boost. Keep a watch on the animal, and if symptoms continue, take your pet to a veterinarian.
A pregnant dog in her last trimester can be hypoglycemic. A great deal of the energy from food she eats is going to the developing litter with the result being not enough blood glucose being stored for mom. Monitor her diet and use feeds that are richer in carbohydrates. Better quality dog food will ensure a healthier mom and a healthy litter of puppies.
Disease
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If your dog has repeated instances of hypoglycemia, take him to a veterinarian. Hypoglycemia is often a symptom of a more serious condition in your dog. Cancer, pancreatic tumors and diabetes mellitus can all cause hypoglycemic episodes. In the case of diabetes, administering insulin and careful monitoring of the animal's diet will control the problem.
If your dog has repeated episodes of hypoglycemia you should see your veterinarian quickly. Liver disease and some cancers have hypoglycemic symptoms, and can quickly prove fatal if not dealt with.
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