How to Care for a Dog After a Hypoglycemic Episode114


Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a medical emergency that can occur in dogs. It is characterized by a blood sugar level that is below 60 mg/dL. Hypoglycemia can be caused by a number of factors, including: insulin overdose, diabetes, liver disease, and certain medications. Symptoms of hypoglycemia in dogs include lethargy, weakness, disorientation, seizures, and coma.

If you think your dog is experiencing hypoglycemia, you should take the following steps:
Call your veterinarian immediately.
Check your dog's blood sugar level using a home blood glucose monitor.
If your dog's blood sugar level is below 60 mg/dL, give your dog some glucose orally. You can use a commercial glucose gel or syrup, or you can dissolve some honey or sugar in water and give it to your dog. Do not give your dog insulin.
Monitor your dog's blood sugar level every 15 minutes until it returns to normal.

Once your dog's blood sugar level has returned to normal, you should feed your dog a small meal. The meal should be high in protein and low in carbohydrates. This will help to prevent your dog's blood sugar level from dropping again.

If your dog has repeated episodes of hypoglycemia, you should talk to your veterinarian about ways to prevent it from happening again. Your veterinarian may recommend changing your dog's diet, adjusting your dog's insulin dosage, or giving your dog a medication that can help to prevent hypoglycemia.

Additional Tips for Caring for a Dog After a Hypoglycemic Episode
Keep your dog warm. Hypoglycemia can cause your dog's body temperature to drop.
Do not give your dog alcohol. Alcohol can further lower your dog's blood sugar level.
Do not give your dog a sedative. A sedative can make your dog's symptoms worse.
If your dog is unconscious, you should perform CPR.

Preventing Hypoglycemia in Dogs

The best way to prevent hypoglycemia in dogs is to:
Feed your dog a healthy diet.

2024-11-01


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