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SIGNS of hypoglycemia: not all signs
may be present during an attack
Lack of energy
Sleepiness/unable to wake easily when sleeping
Laying,sleeping,or curled up in an unusual location in the home
Acting in an unusual way
Sweating-check nose and paw pads
Weakness
Glassy eyes-looks like their staring int space
Getting physically "stuck" in a place it could normally get out of
Vomiting
Drooling
Coughing
Lip smacking or licking
Head tilting
Drunkenness: wobbling when walking,unbalanced
Hunger
Restlessness
Shivering
Lack of muscular coordination,but maybe changes in head/neck movements
Disorientation
Stupor
Convoltions or seizures
Coma
Death
Some animals are asymptomatic at very low blood sugar (glucose) levels.This means they do not show
any signs of hypoglycemia even though their blood sugar is very low.
Be Prepared:
Always have CORN SYRUP, PANCAKE SYRUP, SUGAR, or HONEY available! Wherever your pet is, there
sould be an emergency supply of sugar. DO NOT use artificial sweetner of any kind because it can be deadly to your
pet!
How to carry a sugar supply:
purse, doggie pack, car, pocket
1. Use small screw top plastic bottles from sporting goods stores or "travel size"
plastic bottles from the drug store.
2. Packets of honey or jam/jellies
3. Liquid glucose packets from the pharmacy
4. A tube of cake decorating gel - which is mostly sugar
5. Fill a 1mL syringe (no needle) with the sugar and carry it on trips.
All may be placed in a small bag and attached to your dog's harness so it is always with
them.
These are general guidelines for treating hypoglycemia. Ask your veterinarian
for information that is SPECIFIC for your pet.
Mild hypoglycemia: Pet has slightly low blood sugar or showing mild
signs of hypoglycemia. Feed pet any type of food it will eat readily. Monitor for several hours.
Moderate hypoglycemia: One to two TABLESPOONS of the sugar should
be given alone,mixed with wet dogfood,or drizzled over dry dog food. Monitor for several hours.
Severe hypoglycemia: If your pet is severely hypoglycemic,especially
if it's having seizures or unconscious, you MUST give liquid syrup IMMEDIATELY! Carefully rub small amounts of
syrup on the cheeks and gums. DO NOT put a lot of liquid in pet's mouth,and be sure pet does not choke. DO
NOT stick fingers inside the teeth of a seizureing pet - you may accidentally get bit. Then call the Vet! If you
cannot reach your vet call any vet and get further instructions. Your pet will probably have to go to the vet immediately.
NOTE: Whenever a pet has a hypoglycemic attack,you should contact your
veterinarian!
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