What to do if your dog is deficient in calcium after giving birth
Postpartum calcium deficiency in dogs is a concern for many pet owners, especially after a female dog gives birth, her body consumes a lot of energy and nutrients and is prone to symptoms of hypocalcemia. This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide you with detailed answers to the causes, symptoms and countermeasures of postpartum calcium deficiency in dogs.
1. Causes of postpartum calcium deficiency in dogs

Postpartum calcium deficiency (also known as postpartum hypocalcemia or eclampsia) usually occurs within 1-3 weeks after the bitch gives birth. The main causes include:
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Breastfeeding consumption | During the lactation period of the female dog, a large amount of calcium is lost through the milk, resulting in insufficient calcium content in the body. |
| Unbalanced diet | Insufficient calcium supplementation during pregnancy or lactation, or an imbalance in the calcium to phosphorus ratio. |
| Endocrine disorders | Abnormal parathyroid gland function and the inability to effectively regulate blood calcium levels. |
2. Symptoms of postpartum calcium deficiency in dogs
If your dog has the following symptoms, it may be a sign of calcium deficiency and requires prompt treatment:
| Symptoms | Specific performance |
|---|---|
| muscle twitching | Muscle spasm in the limbs or whole body, and in severe cases unable to stand. |
| Shortness of breath | Increased breathing rate may be accompanied by anxiety. |
| Increased body temperature | The body temperature rises abnormally, even reaching above 40℃. |
| decreased appetite | Refusal to eat or drink, listless. |
3. Emergency treatment for postpartum calcium deficiency in dogs
If your dog shows symptoms of severe calcium deficiency, the following measures need to be taken immediately:
1.Calcium supplementation treatment: Send to the pet hospital immediately. The veterinarian usually injects calcium gluconate intravenously to quickly increase the blood calcium level.
2.stop breastfeeding: Temporarily isolate the puppies from the mother dog to avoid further loss of calcium.
3.keep quiet: Reduce external stimulation and prevent dogs from aggravating symptoms due to stress.
4. Preventive measures for postpartum calcium deficiency in dogs
Prevention is better than cure. The following are effective ways to prevent postpartum calcium deficiency in dogs:
| measures | Specific methods |
|---|---|
| scientific diet | Choose high-calcium dog food or supplement calcium tablets during pregnancy and lactation (need to consult a veterinarian). |
| Regular inspection | Regularly check blood calcium levels before and after delivery to detect abnormalities in time. |
| Control the amount of breastfeeding | When there are too many puppies, artificial feeding of some puppies can be considered to reduce the burden on the mother dog. |
5. Precautions for calcium supplementation
1.Avoid excessive calcium supplementation: Excessive calcium supplementation may cause bone problems or urinary tract disorders.
2.Balanced calcium and phosphorus ratio: The ideal ratio of calcium to phosphorus is 1.2:1 to 2:1, which can be achieved with professional dog food.
3.Consult a veterinarian: Be sure to consult your veterinarian before supplementing calcium and develop a plan based on your dog’s individual situation.
6. Summary of popular questions and answers on the entire network
The following are the popular questions and answers from netizens in the past 10 days regarding postpartum calcium deficiency in dogs:
| question | answer |
|---|---|
| Can dogs recover from postpartum calcium deficiency on their own? | Mild calcium deficiency may be restored through dietary modification, but severe calcium deficiency requires medical intervention. |
| Can I give my dog milk to supplement calcium? | It is not recommended. Milk may cause diarrhea, so you should choose calcium supplements specifically for pets. |
| Will calcium deficiency recur after delivery? | If dietary problems are not completely corrected, they may recur during the next delivery. |
Summary
Postpartum calcium deficiency in dogs is a common but preventable disease. Owners need to pay close attention to the health status of their bitches, supplement their nutrition scientifically, and seek medical treatment promptly when necessary. With proper dietary management and care, your dog will be able to survive the lactation period smoothly!
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