Jan 10 2009
What is Hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia in Dogs and Cats
“Does my dog have hypoglycemia?”
“How can I tell if my cat is hypoglycemic?”
“How do I help a dog with hypoglycemia?”
“How do you treat hypoglycemia?”
Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs when an animal’s blood sugar drops to uncomfortable levels. Hypoglycemia occurs when a dog, cat or other pet does not eat for a period of time, usually due to illness, injury, stress or anxiety, which causes the dog or cat to lose his appetite.
How Long Does it Take for a Pet to Become Hypoglycemic?
The amount of time it takes for a cat or dog to become hypoglycemic depends on the animal’s metabolism.
If you feed your dog once a day, his metabolism will be slower since the dog’s body needs to make one meal “last” for 24 hours. A dog with a slower metabolism may be able to go without food for 36 hours before the dog develops hypoglycemia.
If you feed your dog twice a day, his metabolism will be faster, meaning the body will process sugars at a faster rate. A dog with a faster metabolism who eats meals every 12 hours could develop hypoglycemia in as little as 24 hours.
What Are the Symptoms of Hypoglycemia in Dogs, Cats and Other Pets?
The symptoms of hypoglycemia in pets include:
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Shivering or Trembling
- Poor Appetite
- Irritability
- Increased Sleeping
Related Reading for a Pet Owner With a Sick Dog
Read How to Treat a Hypoglycemic Dog for tips on how to help a dog with hypoglycemia.
Is your dog sick? If so, check out the other articles on The Pet Health Blog designed to provide information for owners of sick pets, including, Is My Dog Sick?, along with Why Isn’t My Dog Eating? and Is My Dog Dehydrated?
