Hypoglycemia in Yorkies

Anyone who is considering adopting a yorkie puppy, especially a tiny teacup yorkie puppy, absolutely must be aware of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia in Yorkshire terrier puppies is very serious and can be fatal! The good news is hypoglycemia is 100% preventable.

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Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, is a condition where the blood sugar level of a yorkie puppy drops to an extremely low level, usually due to lack of food, or by using up all stored energy without it being replenished, (playing/running for extended periods of time, shivering out of nervousness or being chilled, stress, ect...).

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Hypoglycemia is completely preventable. It is much easier and cheaper to prevent hypoglycemia than to treat it. When you first bring your yorkie puppy home, I strongly advise you to give to give your yorkie proteins such as

Chewy and Stella . A better option is to feed your Yorkshire terrier a small amount of stage 2 Gerber baby food Chicken and Gravy flavor. 

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Check the label on the jar of baby food and make certain it contains no onion powder. Onions are toxic to yorkie puppies, and it could kill them! Your yorkie puppy should scarf this treat right down. If he/she doesn't, please call me right away so I can advise you and we will make certain your yorkie does not become hypoglycemic. Make sure your yorkie puppy eats every 3-4 hours, even if it is a small amount and even if you have to hand feed your yorkie pup.

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Nutri-cal or Puppy Booster paste are wonderful for preventing hypoglycemia. I recommend using 1/2 times a day, especially first thing in the morning, after playtime and before bed. Just squeeze about 1/4 of an inch of paste on your finger and rub on the roof of your yorkies mouth. Nutri-cal and Nutri-stat can be found at Petland or Wal-Mart for about $16. 

Please call me immediately if your yorkie has any signs of hypoglycemia, or if you even THINK your Yorkshire terrier may have hypoglycemia. You can call me at any hour of the night. Yes, that means call at 2am! I am here for you 100%. 

A yorkie puppy experiencing hypoglycemia is very scary and may exhibit one or more of the following signs:

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1. The gums of a normal yorkie puppy will be bright red 
or pink just like human gums. Gums that are pale in
places (whitish spots) or light pink may indicate that 
your yorkies blood sugar is dropping. Gums that are 
white, your yorkie puppy needs quick attention to 
avoid hypoglycemic coma.

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When the Yorkshire terrier puppies gums are pale pink or pink in spots you may give your yorkie puppy booster to restore your puppies blood sugar. If you do not have puppy booster on hand, you can use Karo's syrup, honey or pancake syrup to raise your yorkies sugar level or even real sugar will go after in the immune system!.

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2. Another sign that may be seen is your yorkie vomiting
greenish or clear bile. Foamy saliva may also appear 
at your puppies mouth. These symptoms usually go
hand in hand with your yorkie puppy not eating for 
awhile. You need to give your yorkie Nutri-cal, then
a protein based food as fast as possible.

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3. More signs are: acting lethargic and listless, walking
unsteady as if they were drunk, falling over, 
shakiness and even laying on their side and being 
unresponsive.

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EMERGENCY SITUATION: Take your yorkie puppy to a vet immediately if you see no signs of improvement or responsiveness, or if your Yorkshire puppy appears comatose. Rush to the vet for a glucose injection or a I.V to save their life!

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Causes of Hypoglycemia

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1. Over handling your new yorkie puppy and not allowing 
them to get enough rest. I know how it is when you get 
a new teacup yorkie puppy and you just want to play 
with them, but please keep in mind that they are babies
and need lots of sleep.

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2.Pups that do not receive enough nutrition. Just
because your tiny puppy has a bowl of food, does not 
mean they are eating. It is not uncommon for a new 
yorkie puppy to forget where their food is if they have 
run of the house. Make sure you actually see you yorkie 
eating their food. 

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3. Stress of moving to a new home. Please pay very close
attention to your new yorkie puppy when you take them 
home. It is quite a transition for them. They have just
left their mother and litter mates. Most of the time they
will be fine, but some will become stressed and stop 
eating.

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4. Changing your yorkies food can cause diarrhea, resulting 
in hypoglycemia. 

Tips for Preventing Hypoglycemia in Yorkies

1. Put a few Honey Nut Cheerios in your yorkies food bowl. 
The sugar on the cereal helps keep their sugar level up. 
Also add a few mini marshmallows to their food!

2. Feed your yorkie a palatable meal. If your puppy doesn't like their food, they are less likely to eat it.

If you have any questions, contact 403.606.8924

 

Baby Doll Tea Cup Yorkies!