Introduction
After giving birth, mother dogs require proper nutrition and care to support their health and the well-being of their puppies. Calcium supplementation is a crucial aspect of post-whelping care for mother dogs. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the importance of calcium supplementation, the right timing and dosage, potential risks, and recommended supplements for nursing dogs. Let’s delve into the world of calcium supplementation for mother dogs and ensure the optimal health of both the mother and her puppies.
The Role of Calcium in Mother Dogs
Calcium plays a vital role in various physiological processes of the body, including muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. In mother dogs, calcium is particularly important for uterine muscle contraction during labor. Adequate levels of calcium enable effective contractions, ensuring the successful delivery of puppies.
Low blood calcium levels can lead to ineffective contractions and nervousness, potentially resulting in puppy loss. However, supplementing calcium before whelping can disrupt the dog’s natural ability to regulate calcium levels based on the demands of labor and milk production. It is important to strike a balance between providing sufficient calcium and allowing the mother dog to naturally adjust to the needs of whelping and lactation.
The Timing of Calcium Supplementation
While calcium supplementation is essential for nursing dogs, it is crucial to administer it at the right time. Pre-whelping calcium supplements can suppress the dog’s ability to mobilize calcium from her bones during labor and lactation, causing more harm than good. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid calcium supplements during pregnancy and start supplementation at the onset of labor.
At the first sign of labor, oral calcium gel is a suitable option. Administering one cc (ml) of gel, which contains 200 mg of calcium, at the start of labor can help support the dog’s calcium levels. Large dogs may receive 2 cc, while small dogs can receive 1 cc. This dosage can be repeated after the delivery of each puppy, ensuring a steady supply of calcium.
Calcium Supplementation During Labor
During labor, fast-absorbing calcium supplements are desirable to maintain adequate blood calcium levels. Breeder’s Edge® Oral Cal Plus Gel is a recommended supplement that can be used multiple times throughout the birthing process. This gel allows the pregnant dog to fine-tune calcium levels from her bones.
Supplementing with Oral Cal Plus Gel or injectable calcium gluconate is particularly important for pregnant dogs with a history of calcium issues or those at a high risk of eclampsia. If signs of ineffective labor, nervousness, or muscle twitching are observed, prompt administration of Oral Cal Plus Gel or injectable calcium gluconate is crucial to prevent complications.
Can You Give a Whelping Dog Too Much Calcium?
While calcium supplementation is important, it is equally important to avoid over-supplementation. Giving a whelping dog excessive calcium can have detrimental effects, although it is challenging to do so during lactation. When considering calcium supplementation, it is essential to take into account the amount and form of calcium, as well as the levels of magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin D3 in the supplement.
Injectable calcium gluconate 10% provides the fastest onset of action. However, it is important to note that higher concentrations of calcium injectable products are dangerous and should be avoided. During labor, either injectable 10% calcium gluconate or Breeder’s Edge® Oral Cal Plus Gel can be used for a prompt response. Over-the-counter products like Tums® do not deliver sufficient calcium and phosphorus quickly enough to be used as a substitute for Oral Cal Plus Gel.
Post-Whelping Calcium Supplementation
After giving birth, all high-risk mothers and heavy milkers should continue to receive calcium supplements until weaning. Calcium supplementation for nursing dogs is crucial to support their calcium requirements during lactation. Breeder’s Edge® Oral Cal Plus Powder is an excellent source of calcium for dogs after giving birth. It contains both calcium and phosphorus, which are necessary for effective absorption.
It is important to note that giving only calcium can actually decrease absorption. Therefore, supplements like Breeder’s Edge® Oral Cal Plus Powder, which provide a balanced combination of calcium and phosphorus, are preferred. Calcium supplementation should be continued until the puppies are weaned to ensure the mother dog’s optimal health and the successful growth of the puppies.
Determining the Right Dosage
The appropriate dosage of calcium supplementation for nursing dogs depends on various factors, including the size of the dog and the number of puppies. After all the puppies and placentas are delivered, transitioning to oral calcium powder or tablets is recommended.
Small females with large litters may particularly benefit from oral calcium supplementation to avoid eclampsia, a life-threatening medical condition. Breeder’s Edge® Oral Cal Plus Powder contains 500 mg of calcium and 200 IU of vitamin D3 per 5 gm. Calcium tablets, such as Doc Roy’s® Healthy Bones tablets, have varying amounts of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and Vitamin D3, so reading labels is important to determine the appropriate dosage.
According to veterinary formularies, oral calcium gluconate or calcium carbonate can be administered at 10 to 30 mg/kg three times daily. For example, a 60-pound dog would require a maintenance dose of 300 to 900 mg every eight hours. It is essential to follow the recommended dosage guidelines to avoid potential side effects.
Potential Risks of Calcium Supplementation
While calcium supplementation is important for nursing dogs, it is crucial to be aware of potential risks. Overexuberant calcium supplementation can cause gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and even constipation. Additionally, large tablets given to small dogs can adhere to one another, potentially causing an obstruction.
It is important to monitor the dog’s response to supplementation and consult a veterinarian if any adverse reactions or concerns arise. Veterinary professionals can provide guidance tailored to the specific needs and condition of the mother dog.
Conclusion
Calcium supplementation plays a crucial role in supporting the health and well-being of mother dogs after giving birth. By providing the right amount of calcium at the appropriate time, we can help prevent complications such as eclampsia or milk fever. Understanding the importance of calcium, the timing of supplementation, and the appropriate dosage is essential for ensuring the optimal health of both the mother dog and her puppies. Through proper care and nutrition, we can support the incredible journey of motherhood in dogs.