One condition that is quite common – especially for smaller puppies – when they experience stress, like a journey home – is hypoglycemia. Puppies have not fully developed their ability to regulate their blood glucose (sugar) levels yet and do not have the energy stores developed at this young age as adult dogs do.  Hypoglycemia is also known as low blood sugar. Most cases of hypoglycemia are easily treated.  However, sometimes it can get quite serious.  

How to Identify Hypoglycemia 

As you’ll soon learn, puppies generally have quite a bit of energy. If your puppy arrives home with low energy, and no appetite and a generally lethargic mood, it’s important that you pay close attention. 

Common symptoms of hypoglycemia include: 

• Low Energy 
• Little to no appetite 
• Lethargy 
• Overly hot (or cold) body temperature 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea  

If you notice any of these symptoms we want you to be concerned but don’t panic. There is plenty you can do that will have an immediately positive impact on your puppy.  

First treatment to do when you notice any of the typical hypoglycemia symptoms is to immediately administer a sugar supplement such as Nutri-cal or Karo syrup directly to the puppy’s gums, making sure to cover both sides of the mouth. Nutri-cal, Karo syrup, and honey all work great.  You can get Nutri-cal at your local pet store or online. These should also be part of your preparation kit for bringing your puppy home. If you have some handy, you can also add Pedialyte to your puppy’s water as well. 

If you need to give your puppy some sugar supplements, follow these simple steps. 

• First, try putting some Nutri-cal or honey on your fingers and letting your puppy lick it off. If your puppy isn’t interested, then put some right on your pup’s tongue or the roof of the mouth. The important thing is to make sure that your puppy swallows the Nutri-cal.  
• Another great way to administer a supplement is with a syringe. Much like with a human baby, syringes work great for feeding a puppy some medicine.  

A little goes a long way so please read the label on the Nutri-cal package so you know the right quantity for your size puppy. 

Remember your puppy will start feeling better after the sugar is ingested. Your puppy should start to show improvement within 30 minutes of consuming the supplement. Continue with the supplement until your puppy feels better and is starting to eat regular food.  

If your puppy does not show any signs of improvement, you should take your puppy to the vet right away. 

Each puppy is different so make sure you understand how much food is the right amount for your particular breed. For example, Doodles and Great Danes eat very different quantities of food.  

Prevention is the best treatment 

In order to avoid hypoglycemia make sure you puppy is on a proper, monitored feeding schedule – especially for the first two weeks in your home.  

In addition to the kibble they have been eating at the breeder, many puppies will be drawn to wet foods and treats and those are a great way to make sure your puppy is eating. Always have water out where your puppy can easily drink it and in the first 2 weeks keep dry food available throughout the day. 

Other steps you can take to prevent low blood sugar are keeping household stress levels low, limiting play time, and making sure your puppy isn’t alone. Just like us, puppies take comfort in knowing their family is nearby.  

As you puppy grows, hypoglycemia is less likely to occur. However, it never hurts to always be aware of your puppy’s eating – and pooping – schedules.  Changes to these can be the first signs of something that is wrong with your puppy and that they need your attention. 

Hypoglycemia can be very serious if left untreated or unnoticed.  Luckily, it is easily treatable if you know what to look for and manage it when it first appears.

Note: This article is not intended as a substitute for veterinary care. If you suspect your dog has low-blood-sugar, contact your veterinarian immediately.