Should I give my whelping dog calcium? In this Vet Minute, Dr. Marty Greer, Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services, talks about the importance of knowing the right time to give calcium in order to help dogs and cats in labor have effective contractions. If you have any questions on how to use calcium for dogs in labor or need help, call us at 800.786.4751.
Calcium for Whelping Dogs and Cats
How and when to use calcium for whelping dogs and cats in labor? In both cats and dogs, calcium helps the mom have effective uterine contractions when giving birth. Ineffective contractions can lead to puppy and kitten loss. But knowing the right time to give calcium for dogs in labor is key.
If you supplement calcium too early, you shut down the pregnant dog or cat’s ability to fine-tune the demand needed for whelping and milk production. However, once she’s in labor, supplementation is okay – in fact, it is desirable.
Oral Cal Plus During Whelping
Fast-absorbing calcium like Breeder’s Edge® Oral Cal Plus Gel used several times during the birthing process helps keep calcium levels up. Oral Cal Plus is a calcium gel that can be wiped in the mouth and does not have to be swallowed to be absorbed. When the female starts nesting (early labor) or their temperature drops one degree, give mom the first dose of calcium. In dogs, the goal is to get three to four doses in mom before the first puppy is born. Repeat the dose just before or after the first puppy or kitten is born and then use when needed if labor slows. And remember, the pregnant dog or cat that has had calcium issues in the past or is at a high-risk for repeat eclampsia and needs to be managed closely. If you are seeing signs of ineffective labor, nervousness or muscle twitching, quickly give Oral Cal Plus orally or inject calcium gluconate immediately.
Calcium For Dogs After Whelping
Continue calcium supplements for dogs after whelping with Breeder’s Edge® Oral Cal Plus Powder, Doc Roy’s Healthy Bones, or Pet Cal as a supplement.
If you have more questions on calcium for dogs in labor call our Pet Care Pros at 800.786.4751.
LEARN MORE:
Calcium Related Issues in Dogs after Whelping
Why is my dog acting differently after having puppies? Mom dogs need plenty of calcium post-whelping, and without this mineral support, they may face a number of dangerous health conditions, including eclampsia. Learn about calcium for dogs after birth.
How to Use Calcium at Whelping
To keep pregnant moms and their puppies healthy, it's important to know how to use calcium at whelping. Learn more from the Revival Animal Health team.
Eclampsia in Dogs: The Life-Saving Role of Calcium
Eclampsia in dogs can be scary, but it is often preventable. Learn how to help a dog with eclampsia and learn why calcium is so important for new moms.
Dog Whelping: The Complete Guide | Revival Animal Health
Revival Animal Health put together a complete guide on dog whelping to ensure you have the right information. Learn about how to prepare for whelping.
Written by: Marty Greer, DVM
Director of Veterinary Services
Marty Greer, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, has 40+ years’ experience in veterinary medicine, with special interests in canine reproduction and pediatrics. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 1981. She’s served as Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services since 2019. In 2023, Dr. Greer was named the Westminster Kennel Club Veterinarian of the Year.