If your Morkie is 4 pounds or less, you should have this lifesaver with you at all times: LIQUID CORN SYRUP. Why? Because of hypoglycemia in dogs.
With hypoglycemia, your dog can easily succumb to low blood sugar – in minutes. One moment your Morkie is lively and playful, the next, he seems to have gone into a stupor. Only a fast application of something like corn syrup to his gums can bring him back to himself.
Very small dogs (4 pounds and under) are susceptible to low blood sugar. Also called hypoglycemia, low blood sugar can be a temporary problem in toy dog puppies.
Once they’re bigger than about 4 pounds, their bodies can regulate vital blood sugar levels (glucose) better. But if your adult is under that size, you will need to watch this potential problem for his entire life.
What’s the problem?
The problem is, their very tiny livers aren’t able to store enough glucose for long periods of time. Any number of things can drive blood glucose level too low, threatening your dog’s health and very life unless it can be replaced quickly. But extremely small dogs have very small livers, which can’t store enough glucose to release it into the bloodstream immediately.
So a quick shot of sugar in the form of corn syrup to the gums is the answer.
What is hypoglycemia in dogs?
Basically, it’s a sudden drop in blood sugar levels. The brain requires glucose (blood sugar) for normal functioning, and unlike many other organs, the brain has a very limited ability to store glucose. So the brain is the organ that is most affected when blood sugar gets too low.
The brain uses the most blood sugar, but can’t store much at all.
The result can be fatal; but when it’s caught right away, it is completely treatable.
What are the signs of hypoglycemia in dogs?
Listlessness is often the first sign of hypoglycemia. In many cases, the dog will then begin to shiver or tremble.
- your dog will suddenly go limp
- breathing gets shallow
- gums may turn very pale pink
- may vomit some green bile or a foamy liquid
- unsteady, shaky appearing ‘drunk’ walking
- drowsiness, shivering, collapsing, disorientation, seizures, listlessness, depression, muscle weakness, and tremors.
In most cases, a hypoglycemic attack is preceded by some type of stress. Common examples include teething, weaning, a change in environment, vaccinations, over-handling or even playing too hard.
Treatment of hypoglycemia in dogs
- be prepared and keep corn syrup on hand — Rub it on the dog’s gums, under the tongue, and on the roof of the mouth at the first sign of symptoms
- warm the dog against your body or use a hot water bottle
Your Morkie should revive quickly. If not, call the Vet immediately – your dog is in serious danger. Let the Vet know that you have a possibly hypoglycemic dog.
Feeding your super small dog 4 or 5 times a day is a good way to reduce the chances of a hypoglycemic attack.
Seizures are common when toy dogs are 4 pounds or less. Extra care must be taken with these tiny treasures.
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