Diabetes in dogs is a controllable disease but complications are possible. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is one of the more common and among the most serious of these complications. Let's talk about what causes hypoglycemia in diabetic dogs, what symptoms to look, and what to do for your dog if he does suffer hypoglycemia.
What Causes Hypoglycemia in Diabetic Dogs?
Insulin overdose is, by far, the most common cause of hypoglycemia in diabetic dogs. In some cases, the insulin is given more than once when one family member fails to realize that a fellow member of the family has already injected the dog. In other cases, the syringe is accidentally loaded with too much insulin.
Though overdosage is the most common cause, it is possible for a diabetic dog or cat to experience hypoglycemia that is not related to diabetes. There are many things that can cause hypoglycemia in dogs that are not related to diabetes, including liver disease, starvation or malnutrition, toxins, cancers, infections and others. Thus, a diabetic dog may experience hypoglycemia that has little to nothing to do with the dog's diabetes.
What Are the Symptoms of Hypoglycemia?
If you are the caretaker of a diabetic dog, you need to be aware of the signs of hypoglycemia. These dogs need to be observed closely at all times. The symptoms seen are weakness, collapse, seizures, and tremors. Hypoglycemia can be fatal if not treated quickly.
What Can You Do for Your Diabetic Dog If He Becomes Hypoglycemic?
If your dog is still conscious, you can give Karo syrup by mouth to increase the blood glucose level. Then transport to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
If your pet is unconscious, you can rub Karo syrup on his gums but being seen by his veterinarian is critical.
Your veterinarian will treat your dog with glucose given intravenously. If the hypoglycemia is not related to diabetes, further testing to isolate the cause will be necessary.
Hypoglycemia is a very real and extremely dangerous complication of diabetes in dogs. Owners of diabetic dogs should know the warning symptoms and should act quickly, getting the dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible, if hypoglycemia is suspected.
