Hypoglycemia in Yorkie Puppies

Anyone considering adopting a Yorkie puppy, especially a tiny teacup Yorkie puppy, absolutely must be aware of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia in Yorkshire terrier puppies is very serious and can be fatal! Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, is a condition where the blood sugar level of a Yorkie puppy drops to an extremely low level, usually due to lack of food, or by using up all stored energy without it being replenished, playing/running for extended periods. Hypoglycemia is completely preventable, it is much easier and cheaper to prevent hypoglycemia than to treat it. When you first bring your Yorkie puppy home, it's advised to give your Yorkie a high-protein, palatable meal. Make sure your Yorkie puppy eats every 3-4 hours, even if it is a small amount, and even if you have to hand feed your Yorkie puppy. If your puppy seems lethargic, overly sleepy, refuses to eat or drink, has pale gums, or when you pinch the scruff of your puppy’s neck and it stays tented  (count in seconds) 1-2 mild dehydration, 3-4 seconds severe, 5 or more second life-threatening dehydration. If any sign of dehydration you must act immediately. Mild to moderate dehydration can be treated at home by syringing at least 5-10 ml of water every 3 hours. Life-threatening dehydration must be treated at a vet with IV fluids. If your puppy is showing signs of hypoglycemia offer your Yorkie puppy a small amount of stage 2 meat-based Gerber baby food gently warmed. If your puppy refuses to eat the baby food syringe and force-feed to your puppy. Give your puppy at least 10-15 ml and then continue to syringe every 2-3 hrs for the next 48-72 until your puppy begins to start eating on its own. After a severe sugar drop rebound, sugar drops are extremely common so it’s very important to monitor your puppy VERY closely and ensure they are eating. You should continue to syringe your puppy to make sure you physically know they’ve eaten. If he/she doesn't eat, please call us right away so we can advise you and we will make certain your Yorkie does not become hypoglycemic/or fall into a diabetic coma.  Nutri-cal or Nutri-stat paste is wonderful for preventing hypoglycemia. We recommend using it 3-5 times a day, especially first thing in the morning, after playtime, and before bed. Just squeeze about 1/2 of an inch of paste on your finger and rub it on the roof of your Yorkie's mouth. Nutri-cal and Nutri-stat can be found at most pet stores.

BEING PREPARED If you are buying a small breed puppy you need to know about the risks of Hypoglycemia. Small puppies less than 6 months are prone to hypoglycemia because they have such tiny digestive systems and can only store a little bit of food (energy) in their bodies at one time. Hypoglycemia can be a life-threatening, even fatal condition. First, your puppy must be eating well. If your puppy is not eating his dry puppy food give him canned food, cooked chicken or beef, or even meat baby food. Keep dry dog food out for him/her at ALL times. Puppies can be stressed from leaving the only home they know and will refuse to eat. Your puppy can not go hours without eating. Second, too much play over a long period isn’t good for smaller puppies. They lose their energy very fast and that can cause low blood sugar. Small puppies must replenish their energy more frequently than larger pups. Play with your puppy for a short time, and then let them rest. Tiny puppies tire easily, so be careful not to over-tire them. A puppy may play so much that it gets too tired to eat. As the owner it's your responsibility to see that your puppy is eating several times a day and getting enough rest. The most important rule is always to have fresh food and water available for your puppy at all times and be sure you see them eat. It is not a good idea to show your new baby off too much when it first arrives, handle them for long periods, or travel with your puppy until they get older. It is also not recommended that your new puppy be left alone the first couple of days after arriving at their new home. During the first six months, it is also not recommended that your puppy be left for longer than 4 hours. When no one is home a puppy will not eat on their own. These are babies and must be treated as such. Remember your puppy can not go for a long period without food!