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Keep
your vet bills down. A healthy Chihuahua makes a happy Chihuahua (and
owner). It's not difficult to keep your puppy healthy. Below are some
health tips to keep your canine well so you can live a long happy life
together.
One of the
risks involved when breeding such a small dog is the development of
hypoglycemia. This can occur anywhere and at ant time. It is important
to get as much information about hypoglycemia if you are going to be a
Chihuahua puppy owner. Your vet can assist you with questions you may
have and any information desired. Owning a Chihuahua puppy doesn't
necessarily mean it will develop hypoglycemia. This information is so
you can learn more about the breed's history and needs.
| Signs of Hypoglycemia |
- lack of energy
- weakness
- head tilting
- "drunkenness" (unbalanced and walking funny)
- hunger
- restlessness
- shivering
- lack of muscular control, mostly around head and neck area
- disoriented
- convulsions or seizures
- coma
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The signs and
symptoms of hypoglycemia will depend on how far and how fast the dog's
sugar level has dropped. It is always recommended that you contact your
vet immediately when you witness the above warning signs. There are
many types of hypoglycemia so it is wise to ask your vet which one your
dog has.
- Mild Hypoglycemia: This
can be treated immediately with your dog's food. Regular dog food can
counteract dropping sugar levels. If regular food is refused than try
offering food he/she really enjoys. Anything is all right in this
situation. However, monitor your dog's condition for a few hours and
watch for further signs of hypoglycemia. Contact your vet immediately
if the symptoms persist.
- Moderate Hypoglycemia:
Our best suggestion is to use corn syrup by itself or mixed with food.
This can assist bringing the dog's sugar level back up to normal and
safe levels. For very small Chihuahuas you should be giving about 1-2
tablespoons and for larger dogs .25 - .5 ml per pound of body weight.
The effects of the corn syrup will pass if the dog is developing
chronic hypoglycemia. If symptoms continue to occur it is important to
contact your vet immediately.
- Severe Hypoglycemia: If
the dog is having seizures and becomes unconscious, you need to give
corn syrup immediately. You can rub small amounts on the inside of the
dogs cheeks and on its gums. Call your veterinarian immediately and ask
for further instructions. At this point your Chihuahua will probably
need to see the doctor. It is also important to follow up with the
veterinarian. The dog will probably need insulin until proper
adjustments of your dog's sugar can be found.
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