Hypoglycemia In Yorkies

Hypoglycemia is the medical term for blood sugar concentration below normal levels.  It is not a disease but a potentially dangerous/life-threatening medical emergency that you can prevent.  Yorkies and other toy breeds are particularly prone to canine hypoglycemia.  It accounts for about 65% of all Yorkie deaths under the age of 16 Weeks.

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia in Dogs

Early signs of hypoglycemia in dogs include weakness, confusion, frothing or drooling, and wobbly gait.  The puppy may be shivering and trembling, and the body temperature will drop. The gums and tongue will appear pale and grayish white rather than a healthy pink.  As the condition progresses the Yorkie may appear limp and lifeless.  His eyes may become unfocused and unresponsive.  If not cared for properly and promptly, Yorkie puppies can go into a coma and/or convulsions and die.

Causes of Hypoglycemia in Yorkies

Hypoglycemia in Yorkies is often caused by not eating, playing too long and hard or stress.  Generally, hypoglycemia can occur after just 3 hours of not eating.  Make sure your pet is eating in regular frequent intervals.  Puppies might not eat, but it is never intentional. There can be many reasons why your Yorkie may not be eating, including:

• Stress – Visiting a veterinarian, traveling too much, change of home environment, a thunderstorm, etc. are all things that add stress to your puppy and in turn he may not want to eat.  Relocation from your breeder to your home can also provoke stress.

• Activity and Play  –  If a puppy is more captivated with playing than eating then he may not be getting the rest and nourishment he needs.  Every couple of hours, take away his toys and be sure he gets some food and rest.  Avoid over-handling young puppies so they can get enough rest and sleep.

• Exposure to lower temperatures for longer periods of time can cause hypoglycemia in dogs.  A Yorkie’s body will adjust its body temperature to compensate and this can lead to a change in metabolism. All of which leads to hypoglycemia.  Keep your Yorkie in areas where it stays around 82 to 78 degrees.

• Illness – A sick puppy may not want to eat.  Your Yorkie may have a fever due to a communicable illness, reaction to a vaccination, congenital defect, etc. Bacterial infections or intestinal parasites can also lead to loss of appetite.  Although your puppies has been checked for infections and parasites, it only takes one flea or one lick of a contaminated feces to cause parasites.

Treatment

When it comes to hypoglycemia in Yorkies, it is best to avoid an attack in the first place.  Make sure your puppy gets enough rest and let him feed freely.  You may also feed him 4 or 5 times a day with a diet that is high in protein as well as carbohydrates.   Always keep the right room temperature. It’s important to know your Yorkie and his or her personality as well as the routine they have. If your Yorkie shows symptoms of hypoglycemia, treat it immediately before the condition gets worse.

To treat hypoglycemia in dogs, the initial thing you have to do is elevate the blood sugar. You have been provided a supplement called Nutri-Drops.  It is given as a dropper.  Always carry your Nutri-Drops in your travel kit of supplies if away from home.  If you do not have any supplement on hand, use any food that has sugar.  The best is Karo Light Syrup.  Make sure your puppy stays warm.  If necessary, wrap your puppy in a blanket.  Always take your Nutri-Drops with you when traveling with your puppy.  If you run out, you may purchase them at: www.revivial.com.

Lack of fluids and hypoglycemia in Yorkies often go together.  If your puppy refuses to drink liquids then do your best to get fluids inside him yourself.  You can make use of an syringe for water (provided for you) to get the necessary fluids into your Yorkie’s body.   A hypoglycemic puppy will usually get better fast when given sugar.  If for some reason your Yorkie does not get well within a couple of minutes, take the puppy to see the veterinarian right away. 

Hypoglycemia in Yorkies rarely persists beyond 12 months or over 3#.  If your adult Yorkie continues to suffer from hypoglycemic attacks, he may be suffering from an underlying illness and should be seen by your vet.  Never EVER travel anywhere without your Nutri-Drops.

My recommendation for feeding your new Yorkie Pup is as follows:

Royal Canin XS Puppy Kibble and leave available at all times 24/7 with fresh water.   Grind your kibble in a blender until your puppies teeth are large enough to chew the kibble.  I put a little whole down beside the ground to watch and see when my puppies can go to the kibble without being put in the blender.

I use Caesars Puppy, Pedigree in the pouch and/or Royal Canin Puppy Mousse in the am and pm for extra nutrition until the puppy reaches at least 6 months of age. 

When to give Nutri-Drops

Enclosed with your gift package is a 1 oz. bottle of Nutri-Drops

·         Use when traveling long distances

·         Prior to or After Immunizations

·         Anytime puppy has diarrhea or vomiting

·         Anytime puppy is not eating well

What are Nutri-Drops

Most folks know a product called Nutri-Cal.  Nutri-Drops can only be purchased online and works much faster than Nutri-Cal especially in small puppies.  Nutri-Cal puppy formula is also available at the Pet Stores however, it has the consistency of toothpaste and is not as easily to administer or as rapidly acting and sometimes the puppy is not strong enough to lick that particular consistency.

Pet Nutri-Drops is the fastest energy source available - it goes to the bloodstream in minutes to restore your dog's energy and stamina. While other supplements are still digesting, the nutritional combination of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and glucose are already at work boosting the immune/blood sugar system.  

Nutri-Drops are also great during times of poor appetite, hypoglycemia, infection, stress and diarrhea.  Remember your puppy will need to see your Vet for continuing symptoms.  Nutri-Drops should be taken with your puppy on outings, trips, etc.  I keep one in the car and one in my purse at all times if I have a small puppy under the age of a year

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