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Low Blood Sugar Symptoms in Dogs

Low Blood Sugar Symptoms in Dogs

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Dogs have the ability to smell hypoglycemia and alert their owners to take measures before the attack. Most trainers claim that accuracy of trained canines to warn low blood sugar is 90%. But what if your dog has this condition. In that case, you must learn to identify the symptoms...Glucose is the main source of energy for humans and animals. It is obtained when the body breaks down carbohydrates from foods. There are many factors which might cause the blood glucose to drop to dangerously low levels causing a condition called hypoglycemia. According to most experts, in dogs, hypoglycemia occurs when their blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dl. The condition affects puppies more severely than adult dogs. Severely hypoglycemic puppies can have seizures or go into a coma. Sometimes, affected puppies may succumb to the condition. Being aware of the main symptoms of the condition can help you act before it gets too late to save your pet.


Your Dog May be Hypoglycemic if he...

...is more lethargic or sleepier than usual.
...is showing signs of depression, nervousness or anxiety for no apparent reason.
...has muscle weakness or has a wobbly gait.
...walks with a tilted head.
...is abnormally hungry or thirsty.
...has dilated pupils.
...is sweating more than usual, and has trembling lips.
...is not responding to your calls.
...is having trouble seeing.
...has jerky or clumsy body movements.
...has seizures.
...is going into a coma.


Things you Can Do

Once you notice the symptoms of hypoglycemia in your dog, feed him with corn syrup or similar sugar products. Administer the syrup with a needleless syringe. Avoid giving any liquid if your dog is unconscious; simply rub the sugar on the gums and under the tongue. This should be done before you take your pet to a veterinary hospital.

When the blood sugar level drops, dogs may feel extremely cold and so keeping them warm is also important.

Any medicines which have been prescribed by the vet should be followed according to the recommended dosages, and regular check-ups are a must.

Regular and frequent feeding (4 times a day), routine vaccinations, and deworming procedures should also be a part of the treatment for low blood sugar in dogs.


Susceptible Dog Breeds

1. Dogs employed mainly for hunting activities
Why?
- Such dogs are highly susceptible to hypoglycemia given their intense physical exertion.

2. Diabetic dogs
Why?
- Insulin overdose puts such dogs at high risk of low blood sugar.

3. Toy breed puppies especially those who are 6 and 12 weeks of age
Why?
- They lack the ability to regulate their blood sugar levels.

4. Dogs with insulinoma (tumor of the pancreas)
Why?
- Such tumors secrete insulin which acts to lower glucose levels in the blood.

Hypoglycemia in dogs is not a severe condition if it is tend to immediately. Owners whose dogs are diabetic must exercise extra caution. They should keep a close watch on their pets for any signs of low or high blood sugar level and also see to it that they are getting the proper amount of feeding and exercise too.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a qualified vet.

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