In layman’s terms, hypoglycemia is low blood sugar. Puppies are affected by low blood sugar far more often than adult Pomeranians because they have almost no storage of fat. Fat is the body’s fuel and if sugar levels fall there is not enough due to keep their little bodies going. Adult dogs are able to balance it out better because their livers can create more sugar. Puppy livers do not have this ability. For this reason, even if your puppy is very healthy hypoglycemia may still affect him. Because hypoglycemia can be deadly if left untreated, it is very important that you learn to recognize the symptoms and know what to do to treat them. 

Before bringing your puppy home make sure to have your vet’s phone number where you can find it quickly. It is also a good idea to know the location and phone number for the nearest 24 hour emergency clinic!! 

Signs of Hypoglycemia

Your puppy is weak or sleepy.

He appears to be disoriented.

He walks like he’s a little bit drunk.

His eyes seem unfocused or glassy-eyed.

His head tilts down to one side.

He has seizures.

He shivers, shakes or trembles.

He loses consciousness and you can’t wake him.

Symptoms may be easy to miss in the early stages. You must keep your eyes out for them, particularly in a tiny puppy due to high susceptibility!  Unless you can apply immediate first aid, your beloved puppy may die. Fortunately, it’s easy to reverse the symptoms and treat hypoglycemia if caught in the early stages. In most cases, your puppy will react to the treatment within a maximum of 10 minutes. However, if he doesn’t seem to be getting better get him to the vet urgently! If you do not act quickly he may slip into a coma and his heartbeat and/or breathing could stop. 

Treatment for Hypoglycemia 

Give him Nutri-Cal…rub it on the puppy’s gums, under the tongue and on the top of the mouth. I will send a tube of Nutrí-Cal home with your puppy.

Get him warm….If puppy’s blood sugars drop, he can’t control his body temperature. Wrap him in a blanket and use a heating pad or hot water bottle and keep him warm until his glucose levels increase and start burning for energy. The warmth reduces the effects of shock.

Evaluate… If your puppy responds well to the above treatment then follow that up with a meal that he will readily eat such as a quality canned puppy food or Gerber's baby food (chicken or beef). Keep him quiet and free from stress and continue to monitor him making sure he eats frequent small meals.

If he does not get better, is convulsing, is limp or lifeless then get him to the vet immediately! Call your vet and tell him you are on the way so that he may prepare a warmed dextrose solution for an IV drip.

Prevention of Hypoglycemia

Prevention is the best way to avoid a frightening episode with your puppy. Please follow these instructions for the best results…

Have dry kibble and water available to your puppy at all times. 

If you want to feed canned food it’s ok to schedule these feedings as long as dry kibble is always available. 

Keep your puppy free of parasites. Your vet can prescribe monthly flea and worm prevention. 

Keep your puppy warm and comfortable. 

Do not over handle your puppy or let him play too long without eating. 

Avoid stressful situations when possible. Remember going to a new home is stressful for your puppy so be sure to monitor him closely!

Keep in mind that adult Pomeranians can be affected by hypoglycemia too. Always make sure your Pom is eating well and maintaining a good weight. 

Disclaimer: This article is intended to be helpful but not a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your dog.