Whether you call it low blood sugar or you call it hypoglycemia, your dog's glucose level is too low. Glucose is the fuel for your pup's body; it gives him the energy he needs to get through his busy day. Whether your puppy overdid it in his daily romp or your diabetic dog had too much insulin, you can get his blood sugar level back up to a healthy level.
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Normal Blood Sugar Levels
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According to veterinarian Ronald Hines of 2ndChance.info, the normal blood glucose level for a healthy dog ranges between 70 and 140 mg/dL. A diabetic dog's glucose level will obviously be higher, and Hines notes that a dog in treatment should strive for a glucose level between 100 and 150 mg/dL during the course of a day. The most common reason for a low blood sugar level is too much injectable insulin. Other causes of low blood sugar include medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, pancreatic tumors, liver disease, digestion problems, Addison's disease and starvation. Sometimes puppies and toy breeds suffer from low glucose levels for no apparent reason. Occasionally severe exertion or bacterial infections can prompt a drop in blood sugar level.
Signs of Low Blood Sugar
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Before you treat your dog or puppy for low blood sugar level, you should understand the signs. Lethargy, depression and confusion are common symptoms of glucose depletion. A dog may also experience facial tremors and take on an unsteady gait. In severe cases, a dog may go into a stupor or become comatose.
Treating a Sudden Drop in Blood Sugar
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If your pup has a sudden attack of low blood sugar, you need to increase his glucose level quickly. If he's able to swallow, give him some honey, corn syrup or sugar water to drink. A small dog weighing up to 20 pounds should have a teaspoon of quick sugar; a dog weighing between 20 and 50 pounds should have 2 or 3 teaspoons; 2 tablespoons will work for larger dogs. Gatorade, fruit juice or cola will work in a pinch. If your dog is not conscious or able to swallow, do not pour the liquid down his throat -- he may inhale it directly into his lungs. Instead, rub the sugar onto his gums to be absorbed into his bloodstream. He should respond to his treatment within a few minutes -- by the time he's made it to the vet for an emergency visit.
Steady Through the Day
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If your dog is susceptible to attacks of low blood sugar, you can help manage his glucose level by feeding him frequent small meals. He should eat a high-quality food a minimum of four times a day, but take care to adjust his portions so he doesn't overeat and thereby develop a weight issue. If your dog is diabetic and relies on insulin to manage his glucose level, be sure to stick to the schedule and dosage recommended by your vet. His blood glucose level will vary through the day; keeping him on a reliable medication and feeding schedule will help avoid extreme highs and lows in his blood sugar levels.
Talk to the Vet
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If your pup is prone to attacks of low blood sugar -- or sugar fits, as they're sometimes called -- it's wise to know how to quickly get his blood sugar level back up. But even if he gets back on his feet soon after and attack, he still needs to visit the vet. The vet will perform blood tests and urinalysis to look for clues about your dog's condition. If he's diabetic, his insulin may need to be adjusted. If he's not, the vet will look for a trigger to help minimize repeat episodes. A dog with low blood sugar can quickly lapse into a coma or die. A visit to the vet is in order.
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