08/31/2025
BEWARE :Hypoglycemia
(low blood sugar) in an 8-week-old puppy is a medical emergency that can become fatal if not treated quickly The condition is especially common in toy and small breeds, but can happen to any puppy. It is caused by the puppy's high metabolic rate, low body fat, and immature liver, which make it difficult to regulate blood glucose levels.
Factors that can trigger repeat episodes of hypoglycemia in young puppies include:
Stress or illness
A new home: The transition to a new environment is stressful, and puppies may eat less or become too exhausted from over-excitement, causing their blood sugar to drop.
Infections and parasites: Illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses (like Parvovirus), or intestinal parasites (like coccidia, giardia, or roundworms) can consume glucose and cause digestive upset and diarrhea, leading to malabsorption of nutrients.
Getting too cold: A puppy's body will use up extra glucose to maintain its body temperature, which can deplete its energy reserves.
Excessive handling or play: Over-handling by people or too much playtime can exhaust a puppy and quickly burn its limited glucose reserves.
Diet and nutrition
Irregular feeding schedule: Young puppies need frequent, small meals throughout the day to keep their blood sugar stable. An irregular or infrequent feeding schedule is a primary cause of hypoglycemia.
Not eating enough: Illness, stress, or fussiness can cause a puppy to skip a meal, which quickly depletes its glucose stores. This is especially dangerous for tiny puppies.
Poor diet: Food that is not a high-quality, high-fat, high-protein diet designed for puppies can contribute to repeated episodes.
Underlying medical conditions
Portosystemic (liver) shunt: This is a congenital condition where a blood vessel bypasses the liver. Since the liver is responsible for regulating blood sugar, an abnormal liver can cause recurring hypoglycemia. This is more common in breeds like Yorkshire Terriers.
Severe liver disease or kidney failure.
What to do during an episode
If you suspect your puppy is having a hypoglycemic episode, act immediately and contact a veterinarian.
Immediate sugar boost: Rub a small amount of a concentrated sugar source, such as Karo syrup, honey, or Nutri-Cal paste, onto the puppy's gums. The sugar is absorbed quickly through the tissues, even if the puppy is unresponsive.
Keep the puppy warm: Wrap your puppy in a warm blanket to help its body conserve energy.
Follow up with a meal: Once the puppy becomes more alert, offer a small meal of high-quality, palatable canned food to stabilize its blood sugar.
See a vet: Even if your puppy perks up, you should still go to the vet to determine the underlying cause and prevent future incidents. Recurring hypoglycemia requires a professional diagnosis.
