Helpful Hints for you and your new puppy

What is Hypoglycemia?
It can be defined as abnormally low blood sugar called glucose, which is the simple sugar that the body uses for fuel to perform the body’s everyday functions. The body uses glucose as its primary energy source.
What can cause Hypoglycemia?

Not eating enough is sometimes common for puppies to maintain normal blood glucose levels. Do not assume the puppy is eating or drinking enough & do not expect your children to know what “enough” is, this should be monitored by an adult until you are sure everything is on track. You must monitor the puppy to ensure he/she is eating enough or drinking enough. Dehydration can also be a major problem with a pup. Puppies, especially smaller pups or smaller breeds need to eat 3-4 times a day to ensure they are getting the proper nutrition they need. Stress can also play a major role in causing eating issues, among other things as it noted below. When puppies are adopted into your new home, you need to monitor the eating habits for several days often several weeks if a tiny pup or that of a small breed. Adequate amounts of rest for the puppy is very prudent so not to exhaust him /her to the point of refusing to eat or drink.
What are some Symptoms of Hypoglycemia?
Weakness, staggering, lethargy, muscle twitching, exercise intolerance, abnormal behavior, rolling, shaking, seizures, limp.
How can I prevent my puppy from Hypoglycemia?
It can occur without warning, is not genetic or in bloodlines. It can occur in any breed of dog, even the large breeds is proper nutrition, and water are not maintained. Over exhaustion can contribute to this. Feeding a high quality dry puppy food can help & keeping your puppy warm, comfortable, being sure not to exhaust him/her or over stimulate him/her will also help.
When should I seek veterinary advice?
If your puppy has missed more than two meals even with your insistent urging. If he or she refuses to eat for more than 8 hours with encouragement. If he/she does not respond to any treatment when having a hypoglycemia incident Contact your veterinarian immediately.

COCCIDIA
Pronunciation: (cock sid' ee uh)

What is it?: Coccidia is a protozoa that causes diarrhea in puppies and that occurs usually when they are stressed. We have seen it every now and then when we wean and when puppies go to new homes.

What Causes the Symptoms? About 85% of all puppies have coccidia parasite in their digestive systems.  In plain terms if is a “bug” that most over 85% already have in their stool, these multiply at times of stress. Many puppies are never affected by this protozoa.  Stress can cause the coccidia to flourish, and this can lead to diarrhea. In extreme cases, the puppy can get severely dehydrated, so it's best to just medicate preventatively in our opinion. We have a strict regimen of prevention while puppies are here.

Puppies are at risk for Coccidia and Giardia which is often brought on by the stress of shipping, any moving to a new home, new food, new people, change of climate or surroundings. etc.  Puppies shipped or vehicle driven seem equally prone to have bouts with Coccidia or Giardia.  Another thing that may show up with shipping and/or the stress of moving and a new home is  Kennel Cough (Bordatella-a raspy cough may be signs of this) which is common in dogs that are shipped and is usually caused by bacteria.  Kennel cough is self limiting and like the common cold, it must run its course.  Full recovery is expected and kennel cough, Coccidia or Giardia on their own are not life threatening either.

A Fact and Just Plain a Good Idea:  We could treat our puppies according to veterinary recommendations for coccidia, and still a puppy could get coccidia-related diarrhea with the stress of leaving littermates and going to a new home. If you are worried about this we encourage our new owners ask their vets if they should have Albon or Corid on hand for their new puppy (VERY cheap medicine).

Hypoglycemia & your puppy