Ask Dr. Paola – HELP! My Havanese Puppy Isn’t Eating! (October 5, 2026) — Dogster

“Pricey Dr Paola,

I bought my Havanese, Paisley, at 8 weeks. She hasn’t eaten any meals for 3 weeks now. That makes her blood sugar drop. I’ve taken her to the emergency vets twice and my common vet quite a few occasions. 

They’ve run a number of liver exams however cannot discover something flawed together with her. I’ve been hand-feeding her the prescription sugar water the vet gave me, however I’ve to drive her mouth open to present it to her. 

Have you ever ever heard of something like this?“

– Angela

Pricey Angela, 

A tiny pet has restricted power reserves, so when she stops consuming, her blood glucose can fall rapidly. That is one cause we usually feed puppies a number of occasions all through the day. Nevertheless, three weeks with out consuming is far more regarding than easy “pet hypoglycemia.” Sadly, as soon as a pet stops consuming, this may turn into a vicious cycle as a result of low blood glucose may cause weak spot, irregular habits, and even much less curiosity in meals. Sugar can quickly elevate her blood glucose, however it doesn’t tackle the underlying drawback. And since Paisley has been refusing meals for a number of weeks, this deserves some critical detective work. 

Regular liver blood exams are reassuring, however they don’t utterly rule out each situation that may trigger power inappetence or recurrent hypoglycemia in a pet. Relying on what has already been evaluated, your veterinarian may think about further investigation for circumstances similar to an infection, gastrointestinal illness, congenital portosystemic shunting, adrenal illness, or different metabolic disorders. 

A portosystemic shunt (PSS) is an irregular blood vessel that enables some blood from the digestive system to bypass the liver as an alternative of passing by it usually. As a result of the liver performs an vital position in processing vitamins and sustaining regular metabolism, this irregular circulation may cause issues in some puppies. Extra specialised blood exams and imaging, similar to belly ultrasound with Doppler analysis or, in some instances, CT angiography, could also be wanted to analyze these circumstances.

The Havanese is among the many breeds with a better threat of PSS, so if it hasn’t already, I feel this ought to be totally investigated. 

Though managing her glucose ranges is essential, please be cautious;  forcing sugar water into her mouth carries a threat of aspiration (inhaling the liquid into the lungs). If Paisley is aware and in a position to swallow usually, the advice is to position a small quantity of an applicable glucose supply, just like the water you talked about, straight onto her gums or inside her cheek, the place it may be absorbed by the mucous membranes. This may help elevate her glucose ranges with out the chance of aspiration. Nevertheless, if she turns into extraordinarily weak, can’t swallow usually, collapses, turns into unconscious, or has a seizure, nothing ought to be given by mouth due to the chance of inhaling it into the lungs. These conditions require speedy emergency veterinary treatment.

As a result of Paisley has gone this lengthy with out consuming voluntarily and continues to expertise low blood glucose, I might talk about referral to a veterinary inside drugs specialist or hospitalization for dietary and glucose help. Consider the glucose as an influence generator protecting the lights on, however the precedence remains to be discovering out why {the electrical} system retains failing. Sugar can preserve the lights on for some time, however ultimately we have to discover the defective wiring. Supporting her blood glucose is crucial, however figuring out and treating the underlying trigger is what’s going to finally enable her to keep up regular glucose with out fixed intervention. 

I want you and Paisley the easiest, and I hope this helps. 

– Dr. Paola