Is Your Diabetic Dog At Risk For Hypoglycemia In Dogs?

If you have a pet suffering from canine diabetes, you need to be aware of hypoglycemia in dogs. This is a very serious condition that can cause permanent brain damage, or even kill your canine friend, if left untreated for very long. Here's what you need to know about hypoglycemia in diabetic pets.

What Is Canine Hypoglycemia?

Your pet's body needs sugar, in the form of glucose, as fuel. It's especially critical for the brain, which is unable to store glucose to use later. If enough glucose isn't readily available in the blood, it affects your pet's brain very quickly.

Your pet will become hypoglycemic if her blood sugar levels fall too low. If the level of glucose in her blood drops below 80, this is too low. If it's below 60, this is a crisis, and immediate action is required.  

What Causes Hypoglycemia In Dogs?

There are many reasons why a canine can become hypoglycemic, but for a diabetic dog, there are usually three reasons: 

1. An insulin overdose
2. Too much exercise all at once.
3. Meals are not being spaced properly

How Do I Know If My Diabetic Pet Is Hypoglycemic?

If you have a diabetic dog in your life, it's essential that you be watchful for these symptoms:

• Trembling and shaking
• Acting confused or disoriented
• Becoming restless or agitated
• Suddenly becoming uncoordinated
• Nervousness
• Becoming weak or lethargic
• Seizures

These symptoms may come on very quickly if her glucose levels drop too fast. Brain damage or death can result. Get your pet to the vet right away.

Be Prepared

It's essential to increase the amount of glucose in your pet's blood. You can do this by putting a spoonful of honey or syrup into a syringe (without a needle) and squirting it right into her mouth.  

If she's unconscious and can't swallow, rub the syrup or honey right on her gums and under her tongue.

Keep her warm, as hypoglycemia will cause a drop in body temperature. You may want to wrap her in a blanket before transporting her to the vet.

Prevent Hypoglycemia In Dogs

You should be checking your pet's sugar levels at home. If you don't, you have no way of knowing if she's heading for trouble. Your vet can show you how to do this.

Always wait until after feeding your companion to give her insulin. If you give it to her before a meal, and then she doesn't eat, the insulin will cause a dangerous drop in the amount of glucose present.

Feed your pet two or three smaller meals a day to prevent ups and downs in her glucose levels during the day. Avoid vigorous exercise, as it can lower the level of glucose in her blood too much.

Natural Remedies For Dogs Can Help To Regulate Your Pet

Many pet owners have found it much easier to prevent dips and spikes in glucose by giving their pets herbal remedies. You'll want to look for a product that contains astragalus, goat's rue, and fenugreek, along with chromium. These remedies are helpful in balancing sugar levels naturally.  

In fact, some people have been able to lower their pet's insulin dose, or even discontinue it by using natural remedies for dogs. Always check with your vet before starting any new treatments.

Prevent hypoglycemia in your diabetic dog. You'll want to consider trying an herbal pet remedy today to protect your diabetic pet from this dangerous condition.