HYPOGLYCEMIA

Because Chihuahuas are so small they can be prone to hypoglycemia. Many people find these tiny babies impossible to resist. But they are very tiny dogs and do have special care requirements to keep them active and healthy. If you are the proud owner of a Chihuahua puppy it is very important you are aware of Hypoglycemia.

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is not a disease. It is a syndrome caused by tiny, active dogs being too playful, getting too excited to eat properly, losing their appetites with all the excitement of a new home or just the stress of changing their environment. Many times your new puppy will bounce and play until they are completely worn out! What happens in a case like this is that the puppy’s body uses up all the available sugar in its bloodstream for energy and has no reserve to draw on like an older puppy would. As that occurs, the puppy loses it’s appetite, making the problem worse, as he does not eat to replenish it’s energy needs.

A puppy in the throes of low blood sugar may do one or more of the following:
Act droopy, stagger, look glassy-eyes, tremble, appear weak or even be unable to hold its head up.
At this point it is important to get nourishment into your puppy immediately.  You can use moistened puppy food, canned puppy food, baby food, honey or karo syrup in water. Nutrical is made specifically for this purpose and is easy to administer. (You should consider having a tube handy at all times) Putting the nutrical directly into the puppy’s mouth and encouraging him may bring back his appetite. Sometimes he will need more encouragement for the next meal or two.
It is very important to monitor your new puppy and make sure it eats every few hours.
Hypoglycemia that goes undetected will cause the puppy to become very weak and even pass out. To prevent this, keep a tube of nutrical handy and give your new  puppy some 4 to 5 times a day, especially after exciting playtimes. With a little extra care, these new babies do just fine and are the spunky little dogs you’ve always wanted.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of your veterinarian. If you suspect
your puppy has become hypoglycemic, I always suggest you seek medical attention immediately.