Nowadays, toy breeds like Yorkshire Terriers are very popular companions to many people. But just because they’re small and adorable, it doesn’t make them any less of a dog. In other words, even Yorkies have specific needs that must be met, just like any other dog, so that you can avoid common health issues associated with small dog breeds.
That being said, hypoglycemia is one of those issues. Small dog breeds lack the muscle mass to store glucose properly, which is why grain free dog food, for instance, is vital for preventing this issue in the first place. Hypoglycemia is quite a serious condition that every Yorkie owner should be well aware of. With that in mind, here’s how to avoid hypoglycemia in Yorkies.
How to recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia in Yorkies
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is quite a serious condition that can occur in Yorkies. While it is most common in both young and senior dogs, any dog can be affected. If not treated promptly, hypoglycemia can lead to seizures, coma, and even death.
All dogs are prone to developing diabetes so keeping an eye on your Yorkie’s hypoglycemia is of vital importance. Therefore, the most common symptom of hypoglycemia is weakness. Other symptoms may include tremors, collapse, seizures, discoloration of skin and gums, and difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.
Why some Yorkies are more prone to hypoglycemia than others
There are a few reasons why some Yorkies may be more prone to hypoglycemia than others. One of the main reasons is an unhealthy diet. As mentioned before, all toy breeds have fewer muscle mass that helps them properly store glucose.
A Yorkie in its prime weighs about 7 pounds (3.2kg) and anything less than that means your Yorkie is more likely to experience hypoglycemia. Other reasons may include piled-up stress due to separation anxiety as Yorkies get very attached to the people around them and will feel down when left alone for too long.
What are some things I can do to help prevent hypoglycemia in my Yorkie?
There are a few things you can do to help prevent hypoglycemia in your Yorkie:
-Reduce stressors for small dogs.
-Feed them small, frequent meals rather than large ones. at every 2 to 4 hours
-Avoid letting them get too active or exercise too strenuously after eating.
-Utilize a nutritious diet and hand-feed your dog if they refuse to eat on their own.
Hypoglycemia is a common occurrence in small dogs and toy breeds like Yorkies so it’s crucial that you work on prevention and proper treatment should you notice low blood sugar in your dog.
