Hypoglycemia In Dogs-- What You Must Know To Prevent This Deadly Complication Of Canine Diabetes

You may not be aware of it, but hypoglycemia in dogs is a very serious complication of canine diabetes. This life-threatening condition can develop very quickly, and can result in brain damage or death for your diabetic pet. Read on to discover what you must know to prevent this condition.

Blood Glucose Levels Are Important In Diabetic Dogs

Most people know that high levels of glucose in the blood over a long period of time can damage every organ in the body. Blindness, kidney failure, and nerve damage are common diabetic complications in canines. But if the glucose levels get too low, canine hypoglycemia is the result.  

Your pet's brain needs a constant supply of glucose since the brain can't store it for use later. If glucose is not available, symptoms of hypoglycemia will occur rapidly and quickly become severe. This is why it's so important to prevent highs and lows in the amount of glucose in your pet's blood.  

What Are The Signs Of Hypoglycemia In Dogs?

Since hypoglycemia affects the brain, her nervous system will be affected the most

• Weakness
• Lack of energy
• Restlessness
• Shivering
• Becoming disoriented
• She may be in a stupor
• Head tilting or changes in how she moves her head and neck
• Ataxia--this means that her balance is affected. She may be uncoordinated, and wobble around when she's trying to walk.
• She may start having seizures or convulsions.

She can quickly go into a coma and die. Get her to the vet right away.

First Aid For Hypoglycemic Canines

Always keep some corn syrup or honey on hand. If your pet shows signs of this condition, immediately give her a spoonful of syrup. You can squirt it into her mouth with a syringe (with no needle). If she's unconscious, and can't swallow, rub the syrup on her gums and under her tongue.

Low blood sugar levels will cause a drop in body temperature. You may need to wrap her in a blanket to keep her warm while you're taking her to the vet.

Regulating Your Diabetic Dog's Blood Glucose Levels Is Essential

If the level of glucose in your pet's blood is always going up and down, this will lead to problems. You should be monitoring these levels at home, so that you can stay on top of the situation.  

Feed your pet two or three smaller meals spaced evenly throughout the day. Always wait until after a meal, and check her blood sugar before giving her an insulin injection. If you give the injection before you feed her, and then she doesn't eat, the insulin will cause dangerous drops in the amount of glucose in her blood. Think ahead to prevent this from happening.

Avoid vigorous exercise, which can cause the amount of glucose in her system to drop too quickly. It's better to stick to a short, easy, exercise session every day at the same time to prevent problems. Also carry some syrup with you in a syringe so you can give her some if she needs it.

Natural Remedies For Dogs Are Helpful

Many herbs will help to regulate blood sugar naturally. Many pet owners have been able to reduce the amount of insulin their pet needs, or even eliminate it completely by using herbal pet remedies. These remedies are safe to use right along with the insulin prescribed by your vet. Always be sure to contact your vet before changing your pet's treatment plan.

Don't let canine diabetes cause complications for your pet. You may be able to manage it, and prevent hypoglycemia in dogs, by giving your pet a natural remedy for dogs. Why don't you learn more right now?