What Is Hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia means the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood has dropped too low. Glucose is the main fuel for the brain, so even a short drop can cause weakness, confusion and seizures. In dogs and cats it is a sign of an underlying problem rather than a disease on its own, and severe cases are an emergency.
Emergency signs
Collapse, seizures or a pet who cannot be roused need a vet immediately. Low blood sugar can become life-threatening quickly.
Common Causes
- Toy-breed puppies and kittens that skip meals, get cold or are stressed; see toy breed dogs and fading kitten syndrome
- Too much insulin in diabetic pets, or insulin given when the pet has not eaten; see dog diabetes and cat diabetes
- Xylitol poisoning in dogs; see xylitol poisoning
- Insulin-secreting tumors such as insulinoma
- Severe infection (sepsis), liver disease, Addison’s disease and extreme exertion in hunting or working dogs
Signs to Watch For
- Weakness, wobbliness or lethargy
- Trembling or muscle twitching
- Confusion, staring or unusual behavior
- Apparent blindness
- Seizures or collapse
First Aid and Treatment
- If your pet is conscious and can swallow, rub a small amount of corn syrup or honey on the gums, then head to a vet
- Never pour liquid into the mouth of a pet who is unconscious or seizing
- At the clinic, vets give intravenous dextrose and monitor blood glucose
- Long-term care targets the cause: adjusting insulin doses, frequent small meals for tiny puppies, or treating a tumor or liver problem
Diabetic pets
Never give a second insulin dose if you are unsure whether the first was given. Missing one dose is usually far safer than doubling up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pets are most at risk?
Very small puppies under about three months, especially toy breeds, newborn kittens, diabetic pets on insulin and dogs that have eaten products containing xylitol.
Can hypoglycemia be prevented?
Feed young toy-breed puppies small meals often, keep them warm, store xylitol products out of reach, and follow your vet’s insulin plan exactly.
Is honey on the gums enough?
It is a short-term measure to buy time. The pet still needs a vet to confirm blood sugar and find the cause.
If your pet seems weak, wobbly or confused, check for low blood sugar and seek care quickly. Find a veterinary clinic near you for an exam.