It is important to read this page because "prevention" is always better than "cure"!

Young small breed puppies can get a condition called hypoglycemia.
As your puppy gets older he is less likely to be at risk but he can still get this up to 6 months of age, older dogs can have this but is is more unlikely.

Dogs most at risk for hypoglycemia are small breed puppies, the highest risk being the tinier puppies in the litter.
The highest risk for a puppy is when the puppy goes home and leaves their natural dog family and our family and begins their new life with your family.

The breeder cannot be held responsible for hypoglycemia in your new puppy!
Your puppy was given to you in good condition and now it is up to the new owners to care for their puppy diligently before the dog gets into crisis!
It is the responsibility of the new owner to do their "due diligence" in caring for your new puppy,
just as if you had a baby, it is your own responsibility to learn proper care of your new baby.
Breeders will do their best to guide you in your puppy's care, but you are responsible for your puppy's care.
 We are happy to assist new pet owners with some helpful care suggestions
because we care about our puppies and do not wish them to get ill after leaving, 
we want the best for them.
Any time spent with you, giving our suggestions in care, is loving concern for the puppy and we do our best, to assist you with your new puppy, but it is still your responsibility to educate yourself how to care for your new puppy.

We do our very best at www.morkies.ca to educate people with their new puppy regardless of their size as any puppy in this breed can get hypoglycemia even if it is a large puppy, (because a large puppy is still very tiny compared to a larger breed), if not cared for properly. 

We have raised your puppy healthy and stable to the point of being able to transfer ownership to you,
but you need to take responsibility for your new puppy at this point.
Our tiny puppies are stronger than other teacup puppies are and we also hold them longer than other breeders do to give them the best chance once they go home because we care for them so much!
But eventually we must release them and let their owners take responsibility!
If your lifestyle is too busy, then its best not to have a small breed puppy at all
as they are not the strength of a large breed and require diligent care to avoid getting ill so they can make it to an adult.
Note* this breed, Maltese and Yorkies are the most fragile as a puppy, but once they pass the puppy stage, they are fairly free of health issues and are one of the most longed lived dogs!
They also have the nicest temperaments and make the best companions, so they are well worth the effort!

It is best to rub honey on your puppy's gums as soon as you get him home and evening and morning for at least the first week until your puppy's stress is lowered and they are adapting to their new home.
This can help to prevent hypogycemia. Diligent care is required for a new puppy especially if your puppy is small.
Small puppies are the highest risk for hypoglycemia and must be carefully monitored.

Hypoglycemia can be prevented and also treated, however left untreated can become fatal to a young puppy.

Hypoglycemia can be caused in young puppies from stress, such as:

• Change of ownership,

• Not letting the puppy get adequate rest or sleep, over tired, too much play or holding.

• (Young puppies are safer at home to rest, than out and about going shopping.)
  If left alone too long your puppy can get stressed and ill, so please do not do all your errands at once.

• Limit visitors to your immediate family for the first week.

• Getting a chill or sleeping in a draft or low temperature area can cause hypoglycemia.

• Or sitting outside with your puppy on a hot day, a small young puppy can become quickly exhausted and dyhradrated from the heat.

• Puppies must be treated as you would treat a new baby coming home from the hospital because that is what they are.

• You cannot treat a puppy the way you would treat yourself or an adult dog, they are not strong yet and need protection.

• Not having regular meals. Puppies need to eat frequently, especially smaller puppies.

• Food and water should never be taken away from a small puppy.

• Dry kibble may not be sufficient for a small puppy and you may need to substitute their diet with extras.

• Vaccinations done too closely.
  
  **First signs of Hypoglycemia, is shaking, staggering, difficulty in walking, keeping balance,
  loss of appetite and fatigue and vomiting.
  
  The signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia are similar regardless of the cause. 
  These include shaking, lethargy, weakness, incoordination, seizures, nervousness, tremors and hunger,
  eyes not focused, vomiting.
  In severe cases the dog may become unconscious.
  
  IMMEDIATELY Rub honey on your puppy's gums if you notice your puppy's appetite failing.
  If your puppy does not get up to greet you, something is very wrong, he is too weak!
  Your puppy will most likely need veterinarian help to recover, especially if your puppy has vomited.
  SEEK A VETERNARIANS HELP IMMEDIATELY IF YOUR PUPPY VOMITS MORE THAN ONE TIME.
  Note* car sickness is normal, but this is referring to the puppy vomiting when you are not en route.
  
  Hypoglycemia is defined as abnormally low blood glucose (sugar) levels. 
  The brain requires sugar for normal function, and unlike many other organs, the brain has a very limited ability to store glucose. 
  The brain is the organ that is predominantly affected when blood glucose gets too low.
  As a primary source of energy for the body, blood glucose levels are regulated by a complex interaction of hormones and bodily processes. 
  Hypoglycemia can be caused by abnormal function of the hormones that regulate blood sugar or by the inability of the body to store adequate amounts of glucose.  
  Some of the specific causes of hypoglycemia include: Reduced glucose intake - Puppies, especially toy breed puppies, are predisposed to developing hypoglycemia because they have less ability to store and mobilize glucose, compared to older animals. 
  Puppies need frequent meals to prevent a hypoglycemic crisis.
  Food and water should always be available for a young puppy and a new owner needs to be diligent making sure the puppy is eating and not being over stimulated or alone too long as this can cause distress.
  
  
  A diagnosis of hypoglycemia as a cause of neurological problems is based on the presentation of clinical signs of hypoglycemia, blood glucose concentration test shows levels below normal, and the fact that clinical signs go away when glucose is administered to the patient.
  Emergency treatment of hypoglycemia involves administration of glucose usually by intravenous injection.  Giving a quickly absorbed source of sugar (syrup, honey, or jam) by mouth may also be effective.  
  
  Treatment for hypoglycemia: If you notice your puppy is acting wobbly or weak try giving some treats or canned food, anything you know your pet will eat. If your pet won't eat, they need immediate medical attention, rub honey or syrup on your puppies gums and go for help.
  Most likey the puppy can not maintain her/his own body heat and is up to you to keep your pet warm.

Rub the syrup on the gums and under the tongue if your pet is unconscious.
Honey is excellent because you can rub it right into the puppy's gums and the puppy will absorb it.
**Honey is a favorite because it is a natural sugar, food and full of nutrition, not just sugar.

If your pet is not unconscious and can swallow you can give the sugar with a needle less syringe. If your pets blood sugar drops it may also begin to suffer with hypothermia, so you'll need to help keep your cat or dog warm with a  hot water bottle and blankets.  This treatment can also work with puppies and kittens who are failing to thrive.

*After giving initial first aid get your pet to your veterinarian immediately.

*If your puppy is vomiting you need to take the puppy to the vet immediately because your puppy will quickly dehydrate and can suffer kidney damage or even death.

Please note, the information on this page is only a guide, to offer some helpful suggestions. 
 Seek veterinarian aid for complete treatment for hypoglycemia as your puppy may be dehydrated and need to be on an IV for a day or 2 until hydrated again.
Your puppy can most likely be saved if you seek immediate veterinarian help, the longer you wait, the harder it will be for the veterinarian to recover your puppy and your puppy may be lost. The veterinarian's will do their best to save your puppy, but it is harder for them to recover a puppy that wasn't taken immediately. Every hour counts for a tiny puppy, they will continue to get worse until you get the proper help.
If you attempt to care for the puppy at home, you may lose your puppy, when the vet most likely could save him/her.
If you delay, it is more challenging for the vet and the puppy may not respond.

We realize we may lose some customers after reading this page, as not everyone is up for the challenge of a small breed,
but we would rather educate you with these warnings so you are sure you are willing to put the care into a tiny breed
than have you purchase a puppy from us then have it get ill because you don't understand how to care for the puppy.
We do our best to help our clients before our puppies go to their new homes, but it is not possible to teach or clients everything,
you must  be in tune with your puppies needs and you must do everything possible to educate yourself!
Most clients have 2-3 months after purchasing before their puppy goes home, so they need to educate just as if you were expecting a child you would spend those waiting months educating yourself, so when your baby  finally arrives, you are prepared for everything and anything!

If you are truly committed, then we would be happy for you to adopt one of our precious puppies.
Many have and are so happy with their babies!