08/02/2026
This will be printed and added to each puppy pack
(Feel free to share this, you may save a life)
Many of you already know that hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) is one of the biggest risks for toy breed puppies. There is a wealth of information available online, but I want to explain why it often happens in those first few days after bringing your puppy home.
The first day is one of the most stressful days of a puppy's life. They've just left their mum, littermates, and everything familiar. That stress alone burns calories, so it's important to keep them calm, comfort them, reassure them, and shower them with love. A puppy that feels safe is more likely to eat, and eating regularly is essential to maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
At night, keep your puppy close to you if possible. Being alone for the first time can be frightening, and that fear creates even more stress. Your puppy is now part of your family, so help them feel secure and loved as they adjust to their new home.
On the second day, your puppy is still adapting to a completely new environment. Continue to keep things quiet and peaceful. Offer plenty of reassurance, avoid overstimulating play, and allow them to rest. Puppies grow incredibly quickly, and sleep is just as important as play.
I hear far too many heartbreaking stories of puppies being extremely active before bedtime and then being found unwell or passing away overnight. Sometimes, after using so much energy, they simply haven't eaten enough to replace what they've burned, putting them at risk of dangerously low blood sugar. Toy breed puppies have immature livers and very limited energy reserves, so frequent meals are essential.
For the first week, try to limit visitors. Being passed from person to person, hearing unfamiliar voices, and experiencing lots of excitement can add unnecessary stress. Your puppy needs time to settle into their new home before meeting lots of new people. Right now, your family are new enough for them to get use to
As your puppy begins to feel safe and secure, you'll notice them becoming more confident and relaxed. During this settling-in period, keep a close eye on their energy levels and make sure they are eating regularly. If you notice signs such as unusual lethargy, weakness, trembling, or difficulty staying awake, encourage them to eat immediately and give them some Karo syrup or honey ( nutrical) if symptoms persist, seek emergency veterinary care straight away. while you're on your way to the clinic give more sugars and keep the puppy warm since they go hypothermic also which is also dangerous for them
The risk of hypoglycaemia gradually decreases as your puppy settles into your home, becomes more confident, eats consistently, and grows. By around 5–6 months of age, many toy breed puppies have more mature liver and better energy regulation, making low blood sugar much less common.
Those first few days and weeks are so important. Keep your puppy close, keep them calm, make sure they're eating well, and don't underestimate how exhausting such a big life change is for such a tiny baby. A little extra care and attention during this stage can make all the difference.
