Low blood sugar (especially small puppies and thin cats)
URGENT
Low blood sugar (especially small puppies and thin cats)
Metabolic
Common in puppies under 3 months, toy breeds (Chihuahua, Yorkie), and diabetic pets given too much insulin.
Symptoms to watch for
- ▸ Trembling, weak legs
- ▸ Loss of coordination, staggering
- ▸ Lethargic, unresponsive
- ▸ Cold skin, shivering
- ▸ Seizures (severe cases)
- ▸ Loss of consciousness
DO THIS NOW (in order)
- 1 Take honey / sugar syrup / corn syrup — rub a SMALL amount (1/4 teaspoon) onto your pet's gums
- 2 DO NOT pour it into the mouth if your pet is not alert / cannot swallow
- 3 Keep warm with a blanket — low blood sugar comes with a low body temperature
- 4 Watch alertness for 10 minutes — if this is the cause, your pet should improve
- 5 Still go to the vet — the cause must be found + IV glucose may be needed
NEVER DO THIS
- ✕ DO NOT give solid food (biscuits, kibble) while your pet is still dazed — choking risk
- ✕ DO NOT force water if your pet cannot swallow
- ✕ DO NOT give chocolate / sweets containing xylitol (FATAL)
- ✕ DO NOT wait to see if a puppy picks up on their own
Getting there safely
Put your pet in a carrier lined with a warm towel. Rub more honey or syrup on the gums if needed. Reach the vet within 1-2h.
While you wait for the vet
- ▸ Check how alert your pet is every 5 minutes
- ▸ If they improve — offer a small piece of warm food after 15 minutes
- ▸ If they get worse (seizures, unconsciousness) → DO NOT push sugar into the mouth, go to the vet at once
- ▸ Note the last meal time + whether insulin was given
RED FLAG — get emergency care right away if you see:
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- No improvement 15 minutes after applying honey
- A puppy under 8 weeks, dazed and cold
- A diabetic pet that has just been given insulin
This guide does NOT replace a vet's diagnosis. Always contact the clinic, even if your pet seems fine.