Common sense disclaimer: As with everything else on this blog, it’s critical to seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian, preferably one that is board certified in theriogenology (reproductive science) for reproductive matters. This website, its blog, and its courses are NOT designed nor intended to replace the need for a qualified veterinarian, but instead to help educate people to to work optimally with their veterinarians. All recommendations should be reviewed with qualified professionals, such as a board certified reproductive veterinarian, prior to implementation in a breeding program. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian. Readers assume all risks associated with use of material on this site. More here.
First, please see this post to learn more about the role of calcium during whelping as well as a critical warning about not using calcium prior to onset of active labor—this can cause eclampsia and kill your bitch.
The parathyroid gland controls the release of calcium needed to produce milk. When calcium is given prior to onset of active labor, the parathyroid gland doesnt regulate properly (it gets “lazy”) and wont always release calcium adequately from the bones to support lactation. This results in a dangerously low level of calcium in the bloodstream and can cause eclampsia, which is often fatal if not immediately corrected. Eclampsia is a medical emergency and can kill before you can even get to the vet clinic.
Once active labor starts, it is safe to start supplementing calcium. Calcium supplementation not only assists with milk production, but it alleviates many behavioral problems some people incorrectly label as bad mothering: excessive digging, aggression toward puppies, restlessness, rejection of puppies. These behaviors are actually signs of low blood calcium.
Most breeders with any experience realize this. However, theres a lot of misinformation about the best source of calcium and not much knowledge about how much to give. There are varying reports, and when in doubt consult a board certified reproductive veterinarian.
We use a dose of 75-90 mg of elemental calcium per pound of her pre-pregnancy body weight. This much calcium should not be given all at once, but should be split between puppies when whelping, and across 3-4 meals when nursing. This much calcium should not be given all at once.
Heres one area where theres a lot of confusion: elemental calcium is not usually listed on packages unless its a supplement specifically designed for calcium supplementation, such as Oral Cal Plus or Calsorb.
We give this amount through peak lactation. Always contact your reproductive veterinarian prior to whelping to confirm these amounts are correct and suitable for your dog. While your regular vet may do a great job, unless your vet specializes in reproductive medicine, they may not be aware of how much calcium to supplement. Whenever possible, we recommend a board certified reproductive veterinarian. In particular, dogs with health issues such as kidney problems, urinary problems (including UTIs), diabetes, clotting disorders, and heart problems should consult a veterinarian prior to calcium administration. Let your vet know what form you will be using, as calcium supplements can contain other ingredients in addition to their calcium source.
PLEASE DO NOT STOP READING AT THIS POINT AND THINK YOU KNOW HOW MUCH TO GIVE—you need to determine the type of calcium you are giving to know how much of your supplement to use. Please read on! Theres a table further down that includes amounts of commonly used calcium-containing products.
Elemental calcium is the pure atomic form of calcium that you see on the periodic table, often abbreviated as Ca. Calcium generally doesnt exist in its elemental form—it needs to bind with another element to form a molecular compound. Each compound has different proportions of calcium and the other element(s), so they each have different amounts of elemental calcium per milligram or other measurement. Common forms of calcium and their rough percentage of elemental calcium are:
If you want to test the digestibility of your calcium supplement, put it in a glass of white vinegar for 30 minutes to see if it dissolves.
Most commonly, ice cream or yogurt or some other dairy product is given between puppies and thought to be sufficient. While ice cream provides a good source of energy through the sugar in it, it is surprisingly low in calcium. Here are some average calcium levels of common dairy products:
Youll notice that dairy doesnt provide the amount we like to give per whelping. For example, a 30 lb dog would need over 13 cups of ice cream or over 6 cups of yogurt to reach the maximum amount of calcium we use.
We like Oral Cal Plus because it contains vitamin D and other ingredients that enhance calcium absorption and its more palatable for the dogs. During whelping we want quick absorption. Some of our bitches dont like the Calsorb and will gag from it.
We use Oral Cal Plus during whelping because its quickly absorbed and easy to give. After whelping, we switch to a bulk powdered form of calcium citrate that we mix in with her food every day. Or you can use Doc Roys Healthy Bones tablets or granules if you want a calcium supplement with phosphorus and vitamin D. Both of these options are much less expensive than giving the Oral Cal Plus every day. The 1kg package of powdered calcium citrate for about $16 lasts us a long time. The Doc Roys will last about 15-20 days for a 50 lb lactating bitch. We give 1.5 teaspoons of this powder to a 50 lb dog per day of lactation spread over the whelping (split between puppies) or spread over her meals during the day. Avoid giving all of the calcium in one dose as too much at once can cause heart arrhythmias or other problems.
Vitamin D helps with absorption of calcium. Ideally your dog will get enough vitamin D through her food. Vitamin D can be supplemented, but be aware that vitamin D poisoning can occur, so please ask your vet for an appropriate dose if you want to supplement vitamin D. Doc Roys Healthy Bones tablets or granules are a good option if you want added vitamin D.
These amounts are per whelping. Divide by the number of puppies expected and give that amount after each puppy.
You are not alone! Please reach out to us and we will be happy to work with you. Book with Ji
Please comment below if you like this article, have anything to add, or disagree with something in it! We want to hear from you!
Breeders Edge Oral Cal Plus Gel is a calcium supplement for whelping dogs and queening cats. Oral Cal Plus gel provides 3 calcium sources to support strong and normal contractions. This calcium gel for dogs and cats contains vitamins D3 and B6 to support calcium absorption while MCTs and dextrose support mental alertness and energy levels. Calcium impacts dilation, contractions and her mood, making Oral Cal Plus Gel a must-have for every whelping kit. Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
Breeder’s Edge is the first and only brand dedicated solely to making sure you have what you need for successful breeding. Our products fit together like a system, cutting through the noise to help you give each dog or cat the Edge they need at every stage of their reproductive life. Our mission at Breeder’s Edge is healthier moms, healthier newborns. We help you achieve this by providing you with the products and plans you need to keep your males, females and newborns at their healthiest.
Please comment below if you like this article, have anything to add, or disagree with something in it! We want to hear from you!
Elemental calcium is the pure atomic form of calcium that you see on the periodic table, often abbreviated as Ca. Calcium generally doesnt exist in its elemental form—it needs to bind with another element to form a molecular compound. Each compound has different proportions of calcium and the other element(s), so they each have different amounts of elemental calcium per milligram or other measurement. Common forms of calcium and their rough percentage of elemental calcium are:
The parathyroid gland controls the release of calcium needed to produce milk. When calcium is given prior to onset of active labor, the parathyroid gland doesnt regulate properly (it gets “lazy”) and wont always release calcium adequately from the bones to support lactation. This results in a dangerously low level of calcium in the bloodstream and can cause eclampsia, which is often fatal if not immediately corrected. Eclampsia is a medical emergency and can kill before you can even get to the vet clinic.
Youll notice that dairy doesnt provide the amount we like to give per whelping. For example, a 30 lb dog would need over 13 cups of ice cream or over 6 cups of yogurt to reach the maximum amount of calcium we use.
You are not alone! Please reach out to us and we will be happy to work with you. Book with Ji
Breeders’ Edge Oral Cal Plus is the most complete, fast-absorbing oral calcium supplement available today. This supplement contains a unique blend of Calcium Carbonate and Milk Calcium Complex, to help dogs and cats maintain strong, normal contractions throughout labor. Antioxidants are also included with Breeders’ Edge Oral Cal Plus to help her body combat the stress associated with labor. This supplement is available in a dial-a-dose syringe for more accurate dosing.
Give your moms, males, and newborns the tools they need to succeed! Breeders Edge offers exclusive solutions for the times when you need them the most. Formulated especially for breeders, these proprietary blends are ready to help you out through breeding, pregnancy, whelping, and nursing.
FAQ
Should I give my dog calcium during labor?
How much calcium should I give my whelping dog?
How is calcium used during whelping?
Does calcium Speed Up dog labor?