While Paris Hilton and Beverly Hills Chihuahua may have helped popularize toy-breed dogs over the past few years, many new owners of these pint-sized pups are unaware of their severe susceptibility to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. toy breeds, such as the Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Pomeranian, toy Poodle and Chihuahua, can have difficulty maintaining their blood sugar, especially when very young.
Small dogs can suffer dangerously low blood sugar levels very quickly, so it's important to know the signs. The first signs usually include listlessness and lack of coordination (often equated to "drunken staggering). If not treated quickly, this can progress to seizures and even coma. If you suspect your toy pup may be suffering from hypoglycemia, immediately offer food and contact your veterinarian for further instructions.
The ideal scenario, of course, is to prevent hypoglycemia from occuring. Theis best achieved by feeding moist food (either wet food or moistened kibble) four-to-five times a day during puppy-hood. Ensuring they are always warm and dry will help prevent a drop in body temperature that can spiral into hypoglycemia. With these handy tips in mind, you can concentrate on the important things, like which designer diamante collar will look best on your pocket pooch!
Fetch Volume 6 2010/2011
