Yorkshire Terrier Puppies
Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Care
Treatment And Prevention Of Hypoglycemia In Yorkshire Terrier Puppies
In Yorkshire Terrier Puppies Hypoglycemia is rare, and really should not occur at all on a regular basis, but do to requests I will provide information about this issue.
Hypoglycemia, often known as low blood sugar is known as a condition resulting in a sudden drop in blood glucose in a puppy. It can be a problem frequently noticed in the toy breeds. It can also be present in smaller puppies of a litter in comparison to other litter mates or underweight puppies. It is usually brought on by lack of food consumption, stress, infections or poor diet. Puppies of smaller size alike are most prone to hypoglycemia from 2 days to five months of age. 2 day old puppies having hypoglycemia can usually be attributed to a newborn puppy nursing on its mother but not being successful in getting enough milk. Supplement feeding is required for a puppy in this case to avoid fading puppy syndrome which will result in dehydration and death. Newborn puppies must be weighed at birth and then again every day to monitor weight gain. If no weight gain is noticed within 24 to 32 hours after birth, or any loss of weight, supplement feeding should be given to avoid fading puppy syndrome. Other signs besides no weight gain or even weight loss is that the puppy will become colder as body temperature lowers, and the skin will lose elasticity indicating dehydration. If gone untreated, the result is deadly.
Some but not all signs of hypoglycemia in older puppies is that generally the puppy will appear limp and lethargic. The gums and tongue will lack color, they could shiver or tremble. Other signs can be weakness, confusion, wobbly gait, frothing or drooling, wobbling of the head, and even seizures and convolutions. Immediate care must be given.
Some causes of hypoglycemia can be as follows:
- Over-handling young puppies, not allowing them enough rest or sleep.
- Puppies not getting enough nutrition nursing on their mother, or eating an adequate amount of food during their meal.
- Stress due to any change in its environment.
- Switching diets to a different brand of food and or going through the weaning process.
- Stress due to any type of traveling. (Regular outings should be limited until five to six months of age).
- Bacterial infections or intestinal parasites.
- Poor diet or poor eating habits.
More.... !
Newborn puppies require a lot of rest. It is sensible to contain them to at least one room when young. Keep puppies confined with plenty of water, puppy pads, a soft bed, toys and don't skip scheduled feedings. This can help avoid the potential of your new Yorkie puppy over exerting himself when playing. It is important for them to get lots of rest. Limit playtime to small intervals throughout the day.
Hypoglycemia in older Yorkshire terrier puppies is usually triggered by some sort of stress or a missed meals or a combination of both. Always keep on hand a highly palatable high calorie paste. Some such brands are Nutri Stat or Nutri Cal. To help avoid hypoglycemia, puppy paste could be given to your puppy during and prior to any types of stressful situations such as travel, vaccinations, strenuous exercise, low temperatures, changing of homes, absences of a recent meal, or lack of rest.
Stress and improper nutrition may cause the blood sugar to drop to dangerously low levels. Always feed a high quality dog food 3 to 5 times a day depending on age. The more youthful they are, the more frequent they need to be feed.
Treatment:
Blood sugar levels should be restored as soon as possible. One way of doing this is to use something such as Nutri Cal or Nutri Drops .25cc per pound. Take note to follow directions on the Nutri Drop bottle. When using Nutri Cal place two inches on your forefinger and wipe it on the roof of your Yorkie puppies mouth. Repeat in 30 minute intervals if needed. Honey, sugar or Karo syrup works in a pinch if rubbed on the roof of the mouth. Only use puppy paste or Nutri drops, or the honey or Karo syrup substitute. Never combine them. Follow the above with spoon feeding your Yorkie puppy with baby food, stages 1, beef flavored.
Making sure the puppy is warm is another essential part of treatment as body temperature goes down when a puppy has hypoglycemia. In progressive stages of hypoglycemia this happens very rapidly. A temperature that falls below 96 degrees usually ends in a coma. Keeping the puppy warm with blankets or heating pad set at low during treatment will aid in the puppy's recovery process.
Frequent feedings of 4 to 5 times a day is recommended for puppies at risk to prevent hypoglycemia. Feed moist or semi moist food to make it more palatable and use only top quality dog food made specifically for puppies. Puppies which can be more vulnerable to hypoglycemia are tiny puppies, underweight puppies, puppies weaned to early or placed to soon to new homes (12 weeks should be minimum age). Most outgrow this condition at 4 to 6 months of age. Puppies with estimated adult weight under 4 lbs are at higher risk of occurrence and may have several episodes throughout their lifetime. Always pay careful attention to eating habits and diet of any tiny toy puppy.
Things to have in case of emergency are a heat lamp or heating pad. Nutri Stat or Nutri Cal. Baby food, beef. Nutri Drops. Karo syrup or sugar. Rebound to aid in re-hydration.
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