Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM
The onset of hypoglycemia in dogs can lead to fatal outcomes. Thus, prevention is key to avoid triggering a hypoglycemic episode.
In this article, we will discuss how hypoglycemia affects your pet’s body and also share dietary tips that will help keep this health condition from arising.
What Is Hypoglycemia in Dogs?
Hypoglycemia is the clinical term for low blood glucose levels. Glucose is a type of simple sugar and the major energy source for dogs. Their brains particularly need to receive a regular supply of it for them to function.
In general, the normal amount of glucose in a dog’s bloodstream is 80 to 120 mg/dl. Blood sugar dropping below this range means hypoglycemia is occurring.
What Causes Hypoglycemia in Dogs?
Hypoglycemia in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors. These include breed, underlying ailments, certain physical traits, age, and dietary issues.
- Health problems like portosystemic shunt, glycogen storage disease, and tumors of the pancreas affect glucose production in the body, which may reduce blood sugar levels.
- Puppies and toy dog breeds have lean muscle mass and small bodies, making it difficult for them to effectively regulate blood glucose production. As a result, they are more likely to slip into hypoglycemia.
- Working dogs that often participate in prolonged and intense physical activities quickly burn out their glucose, leading to a sudden drop in blood sugar levels.
- Overdosing of insulin in diabetic dogs can induce hypoglycemia as a side effect. In large doses, other types of medications like NSAIDs and beta blockers are capable of causing this health issue too.
What Are the Signs of Hypoglycemia in Dogs?
Glucose insufficiency mainly affects the cognitive function in canines, leading to symptoms like:
- Low energy
- Disorientation
- Drowsiness
- Lack of body coordination
- Trembling
- Seizures
- Fainting
GI clinical signs like inappetence, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur as well. If your dog shows these symptoms, take him to the veterinarian immediately. Any delays decrease chances of positive prognosis.
Diagnostic examinations to detect hypoglycemia in dogs include blood glucose tests, complete blood count, and abdominal ultrasound.
Treating this condition will involve IV fluid therapy containing concentrated dextrose to increase blood sugar levels back to normal.
If hypoglycemia in dogs is caused by an underlying disease, the veterinarian will find treatment options, specifically targeting the root cause.
How to Deal With Sudden Hypoglycemia in Dogs?
The first step to take if your pet is showing signs of hypoglycemia is to offer him food. It will help increase and stabilize his blood glucose levels. Skip this process if he is having a seizure or experiencing difficulties in swallowing.
If he refuses to eat it, gently rub 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey or Karo corn syrup on his gums. Its natural sugars provide him with a temporary short supply of glucose.
These steps only serve as first aid for hypoglycemia in dogs. Once you have carried them out, drive your canine friend to the veterinarian as soon as you can for appropriate treatment.
How to Prevent Hypoglycemia in Dogs Through Diet
If your dog suffers from or is at risk of hypoglycemia, his diet is one of the most important factors to monitor. Here are some of the things you should do to prevent this life-threatening ailment from cropping up:
1. Keep Him Away from Xylitol-Laced Food and Products
Many store-bought human food and household products contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol. This ingredient is highly poisonous to canines and can induce hypoglycemia when consumed.
It happens because the bloodstream of dogs quickly absorbs xylitol, leading the pancreas to release an excessive amount of insulin.
In other cases, xylitol causes liver failure, which triggers hypoglycemia because the organ can no longer function properly to regulate a dog’s blood sugar levels.
Xylitol can be found in sweets, baked goods, medicine, and even hygiene products. Thus, be aware of the ingredients making up the products in your home. Never leave those containing xylitol lying around to prevent accidental ingestion.
Xylitol goes by other names, including birch bark extract, birch sugar, E967, wood sugar, and Sucre de Bouleau. So make sure to familiarize yourself with these nicknames.
2. Maintain a Consistent Mealtime Frequency
Missing meals is dangerous for hypoglycemic dogs because it can lead to a sudden drop in blood sugar. The canine body draws energy from glucose, which is harnessed from food particularly rich in carbohydrates.
If your dog does receive enough food, he might exhaust all the glucose reserves in his body, resulting in hypoglycemia.
Feeding him smaller meals in frequent intervals ensures that his body produces enough glucose for energy throughout the day.
Ideally, adult dogs with hypoglycemia should be fed 3 to 4 small meals a day. On the other hand, puppies and toy breed dogs must be fed 4 to 6 times daily since they are more prone to low blood sugar.
For working dogs, they should be fed a medium-sized meal before letting them undergo a physically intensive activity.
As much as possible, follow a consistent feeding schedule. If you are feeding him every 6 hours, make sure to stick with it. Avoid sudden changes in your pet’s mealtimes to keep his blood sugar levels stable.
3. Bring Extra Doggy Food With You When Heading Outdoors
Outdoor excursions with your furry pal can use up large amounts of his energy. Thus, always have a pack of dog food or dog treats on hand. Allow him to intermittently snack on them to prevent his glucose levels from slipping.
It is also a good idea to take dog-safe sugary items with you. Some good options are honey or pet dextrose powder.
Also, consider mixing 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey or Karo syrup in his water. They can come in handy in case your dog shows signs of hypoglycemia while you are walking him outdoors.
FAQs About Hypoglycemia in Dogs
1. What Can I Give My Dog to Raise Blood Sugar?
Give your dog food to raise his blood sugar if he is experiencing hypoglycemia. If he refuses to eat, apply some honey or corn syrup on his gums. They contain natural sugars, which get converted into glucose.
However, these are simply temporary measures to help stabilize his condition. Once you have carried these steps, drive your canine companion to an animal clinic as soon as you can.
2. How to Make Sugar Water for Dogs With Hypoglycemia?
Making sugar water for dogs with hypoglycemia is simple. All you need is to combine 1 tablespoon of honey or corn syrup with 1 ounce of water. Stir until completely mixed.
3. How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Recover from Hypoglycemia?
Dogs suffering from mild hypoglycemia can recover within a day or two when given proper and timely treatment.
Life-threatening hypoglycemic attacks, on the other hand, may require a lengthy hospital stay. Depending on the severity of the condition, prognosis might be poor.
4. What Toxins Cause Hypoglycemia in Dogs?
The most common toxin that causes hypoglycemia in dogs is xylitol, an artificial sweetener. It has been vastly used in human food and household products, so make sure to check the ingredients list.
Overdosing on certain medications like insulin may result in a hypoglycemic episode too. Thus, always double-check to ensure that you are giving the right dosage.
Conclusion
Hypoglycemia in dogs is an emergency condition as it can be life-threatening. Making changes to your pet’s diet like increased mealtime frequency and bringing extra dog food or treats with you helps keep it from occurring.
Keeping your furry pal from harmful toxins, such as xylitol, is also crucial for hypoglycemia prevention.
If he does experience a hypoglycemic episode, do first aid methods that we have shared to stabilize his condition until you can bring him to a vet clinic for treatment.
