What to Know About Hypoglycemia in Small Dogs

pomeranian curled up in the corner of a couch

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, tends to affect small dogs (and puppies) much more than larger breeds. If you have a small breed dog, this is a condition you should be aware of. Here’s what to know about hypoglycemia in small dogs:

What is Hypoglycemia in Dogs?

Hypoglycemia is when blood sugar (glucose) levels drop. Glucose is a sugar molecule that gives cells energy. When the level of blood sugars decreases too much, the body doesn’t have enough energy to properly function.

The brain especially requires this energy to perform at its best. If a dog experiences low levels of glucose, it needs to be treated as soon as possible. Since hypoglycemia can affect neurological function, it can be extremely dangerous.

What is Normal Blood Sugar For Dogs?

A healthy and normal blood sugar level in dogs ranges anywhere from about 80 to 120 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl). Anything below 80 mg/dl is considered hypoglycemic.

What is a Dangerous Blood Sugar Level For Dogs?

Anything below 80 mg/dl is concerning and needs to be treated. However, if a dog’s glucose level drops below 40 mg/dl, it can be extremely dangerous and they need medical attention immediately.

Is Hypoglycemia Common in Small Dogs?

Although hypoglycemia can occur in any dog, the smallest dog breeds, including toy breeds like the Chihuahua or Pomeranian are a higher risk. This is because small breeds have a higher metabolic rate and require more energy proportional to their body mass than larger adult dogs.

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia in Small Dogs

It might be hard at first to spot signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia in small dogs but these are the most common symptoms:

  • Rapid heartbeat and shallow breathing
  • Lethargy
  • Drowsiness
  • Disoriented behavior
  • Difficulty walking
  • Trembling or shivering
  • Seizures
  • Unconsciousness

These are symptoms you should never ignore in your dog. If a dog’s blood sugar drops too low, they lose the ability to regulate their body temperature. When this happens, they get drowsy and cold. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your vet immediately.

What Causes Hypoglycemia in Small Dogs?

There are a few reasons why dogs may develop low blood sugar. A vet will be able to determine the specific cause. Some of these causes include:

  • Parasites like roundworms of the intestines that steal nutrients from a host
  • An unpredictable food routine
  • Not eating enough
  • Not enough sugar stored in the liver
  • An abnormal blood vessel close to the liver (portosystemic shunt)

Hypoglycemia is also seen in canine diabetes. However, it’s most commonly seen if they get too much insulin.

How Is Hypoglycemia Diagnosed in Dogs?

Veterinarians may use a few different tests to diagnose hypoglycemia in dogs. After looking at a dog’s symptoms and medical history, a physical exam may lead to further testing through lab work.

These tests can include a complete blood count, hormone levels, and a urinalysis. After reviewing the lab test results, your vet may recommend even more testing, like X-rays or an ultrasound, to check if there are any physical abnormalities causing issues.

How to Fix Hypoglycemia in Dogs

To fix hypoglycemia in dogs, their blood sugar levels need to be stabilized. Some dogs will have minimal symptoms, so some type of liquid glucose may be enough to raise their blood sugar.

If they have a more severe case, they may need to be taken to a vet hospital for more extensive treatment which will typically include intravenous (IV) fluids containing dextrose (a type of sugar) to help bring your dog’s blood sugar level up. This is done because it doesn’t require your dog to eat anything.

Preventive measures will be discussed and your vet will develop a treatment plan to help stabilize sugar levels. Luckily, once your dog has been diagnosed and you know the signs of hypoglycemia in dogs, you can easily treat the condition at home by simply giving your dog a source of sugar.

Typically, dogs respond to sugar within about 10 minutes. Talk to your vet about what kind of sugar to try and how much you should give. Call your vet immediately if your dog doesn’t respond as usual.

What Can I Give My Dog to Raise Blood Sugar?

The quickest way to raise your dog’s blood sugar is to get any kind of sugar into their mouth. Try corn syrup, honey, maple syrup, or even sugar dissolved into water if that’s all you have on hand. Rub about a teaspoon of the sugar onto their gums or drip it into their mouth.

How Long Does It Take For a Dog to Come Out of Hypoglycemia?

Typically, most dogs respond to treatment within about 10 minutes. Hypoglycemia lasts until enough glucose reaches the organs that need the energy source. It may take longer than 10 minutes for a dog to respond if their blood sugar has been too low for too long. Dogs that have other underlying issues contributing to hypoglycemia may also take longer to recover.

Prognosis of Hypoglycemia in Dogs

If your dog has uncomplicated hypoglycemia, their recovery time is usually fairly quick. Your vet will most likely recommend that you feed your dog small, more frequent meals that have plenty of protein, fats, and complex carbohydrates. This helps blood levels stay stable for much longer.

If your dog has a more moderate to severe case of complex hypoglycemia, hospitalization may be required. Finding and treating the root cause of hypoglycemia is necessary in determining a prognosis.

If your dog has diabetes, you’ll need to monitor glucose levels after administering insulin. Your dog will probably need to have routine visits to keep an eye on their vitals and to adjust any medication as necessary.

How to Prevent Hypoglycemia

While hypoglycemia may not be unavoidable for some dogs, there are certain things you can do to help mitigate symptoms and keep their blood levels stable. Set up a feeding station for your dog and give them small meals a few times a day to keep their blood levels normalized. Small dogs may have trouble eating enough food in one sitting so spacing it out throughout the day allows their body to keep a stable blood sugar level.

Make sure your dog doesn’t overexert themselves during playtime. While exercise is important for all dogs, playing too hard can expend too much energy, which may cause their blood sugar levels to drop. There are many ways to exercise with your dog so find something that works for a small dog. Making sure they have time to rest with a small snack can help keep their blood sugar at a healthy level.

This is just an overview of what to know about hypoglycemia in small dogs. It’s important to recognize these symptoms so you can seek treatment as soon as you can. If you think your dog might have low blood sugar or may be at risk, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.