What it is
Glucose is the brain's main fuel, and the brain keeps almost none in reserve. When blood sugar falls, the brain is the first to feel it, which is why the early signs are confusion, trembling and wobbling rather than hunger.
Very young puppies and small dogs have little stored energy and burn through it fast, so a missed meal, a long day of play, cold or an upset stomach can tip them into hypoglycemia. In an older dog, low blood sugar can be a sign of another illness, such as a hormone disorder, liver disease, a severe infection or certain tumours.
For a tiny puppy, a skipped meal or a long, cold outing matters far more than it would for a bigger dog. Keep a close eye on a puppy that seems unusually quiet, especially after play or a journey, and know where your nearest emergency vet is before you need it.
Signs you may notice
- Sudden weakness or wobbling
- Trembling all over
- Confused or dazed
- Unusually sleepy or listless
- Collapses suddenly
- Has a seizure
The dog suddenly becomes weak, listless or confused, trembles, wobbles, and may collapse, lose consciousness or have a seizure. If you see these signs, don't wait: contact a vet right away.
When to see a vet
Weakness, trembling, confusion, collapse or a seizure mean a vet is needed immediately; do not wait to see if it passes.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.