Puppies and kittens can quickly go from active, squiggling babies to seriously ill. Within a matter of hours, viruses or parasites can cause a healthy puppy or kitten to “fade”. Other causes include maternal neglect, blood compatibility, hypothermia, dehydration, and hypoglycemia.
Fading can be a serious concern for puppies and kittens under eight weeks old. Regardless of cause, vomiting and diarrhea can quickly dehydrate a young puppy or kitten. Dehydration leads to weakness, and a weak puppy or kitten won’t move around as much. They will quickly lose body heat. If they are too weak to nurse, the puppy or kitten can develop low blood sugar.
Take your puppy or kitten to a vet within four to six hours if you notice any of the following fading symptoms:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- A drop in activity level
- Inability to nurse aggressively
- Frequent crying
The most important thing to do with a fading puppy or kitten is keep her warm. Wrap a hot water bottle in a towel or microwave plain rice in a sock. Be sure to protect the animal from direct exposure to the heat source or she may get burned. Give plenty of fluids — milk replacer if you have it, or warm water with sugar dissolved in it. The fluids will help fight dehydration and low blood sugar. If the puppy or kitten has not nursed and you fear low blood sugar, rub a few drops of honey or Karo syrup onto the gums to keep the blood sugar levels up.
Your veterinarian will prescribe different treatments based on the cause of fading. Parasites may mean you’ll be dosing your puppies or kittens to kill the invaders. Severe dehydration may require subcutaneous fluid therapy. And nursing problems may mean you’ll be bottle feeding or tube feeding your puppies or kittens.