Hypoglycaemia
Sugar Drop In The Chihuahua
By Ella Courtley
Sugar drop in the Chihuahua is otherwise known as Hypoglycaemia.
Hypoglycaemia is when the blood sugar level drops to an extremely low level and when the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood drop rapidly, the dog's body and brain are deprived of essential nutrients.
Hypoglycaemia is usually caused by stress, illness, lack of food, or by using up stored energy without it being replenished by food.
These are some symptoms that can occur:
- Low energy, weak, lethargic and drowsiness
- Lack of head and muscle control
- Increased hunger
- Tremors and shivering
- Unbalanced, disoriented and confused
- Heart palpitations
- Glassy eyes
- Convulsions, seizures, loss of consciousness, even coma.
Contact your vet immediately if you see any of the above symptoms.
If not treated, Hypoglycaemia can be life threatening.
Mild Hypoglycaemia:
Mild Hypoglycaemia can be treated straight away with food.
If your dog is not interested in eating then try food he/she really loves.
Monitor his/her condition for a few hours and keep an eye out for any further symptoms.
Regular feedings will counteract dropping sugar levels.
It is important to contact your vet if there is no improvement.
Moderate Hypoglycaemia:
For moderate Hypoglycaemia you can feed honey, this can bring his/her sugar level back up.
If the honey has little effect, your dog is developing chronic Hypoglycaemia.
If symptoms persist, contact your vet.
Severe Hypoglycaemia:
With severe Hypoglycaemia your dog may experience seizures, convulsions and may fall unconscious, you need to rub honey on gums and call your vet straight away.