What can I give my nursing dog for calcium?

Understanding Calcium Needs for Nursing Dogs
When it comes to caring for a nursing dog, ensuring she receives adequate calcium is crucial for her health and the well-being of her puppies. Calcium plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including muscle contraction, nerve function, and the formation of strong bones. During lactation, a dog’s calcium requirements increase significantly to support milk production.
Sources of Calcium for Nursing Dogs
There are several effective ways to provide calcium to a nursing dog, ranging from natural food sources to supplements:
1. Natural Food Sources:
– Raw Meaty Bones: Soft, raw bones such as chicken necks, wings, or lamb ribs are excellent sources of calcium. These bones not only provide calcium but also contribute to a balanced diet when they make up about 10% of the dog’s overall intake.
– Fish: Certain types of fish, particularly those with bones, can be a rich source of calcium. Canned fish like sardines can be a convenient option.
– Enriched Dog Foods: Many commercial dog foods are fortified with calcium and other essential nutrients, making them a practical choice for nursing dogs.
2. Calcium Supplements:
– If natural sources are insufficient or if the dog has specific dietary restrictions, calcium supplements can be beneficial. Options include calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, and calcium gluconate. These supplements often come in various forms, including tablets and powders.
– It’s important to choose high-quality supplements that are specifically formulated for dogs, as they may also contain additional beneficial ingredients like glucosamine and omega fatty acids.
Dosage and Considerations
Determining the right amount of calcium for a nursing dog is essential. While the general recommendation for adult dogs is about 1,000 mg of calcium per day, nursing dogs may require significantly more, depending on the number of puppies and their growth needs. However, caution is necessary; too much calcium can lead to health issues, including kidney problems and skeletal abnormalities.
Before introducing any supplements or making significant dietary changes, it’s advisable to consult with a veterinarian. They can provide tailored advice based on the dog’s specific health needs and ensure that the calcium intake is balanced with other nutrients, particularly phosphorus, to avoid mineral imbalances.
Conclusion
In summary, providing adequate calcium to a nursing dog is vital for her health and the development of her puppies. By incorporating natural food sources like raw meaty bones and fish, along with high-quality supplements if necessary, you can help ensure that your nursing dog receives the calcium she needs. Always consult with a veterinarian to determine the best approach for your dog’s unique situation.

How do you give a nursing dog more calcium?

Calcium supplementation or feeding dairy to pregnant and nursing dogs is generally not recommended. Excessive calcium intake during pregnancy or nursing can suppress parathyroid hormone production and increase the risk of developing eclampsia. Your veterinarian can help you determine if your dog needs supplementation.

Is peanut butter good for nursing dogs?

Generally speaking, any peanut butter that doesn’t contain xylitol, chocolate, or cacao/cocoa should be fine for a dog. It can be a good source of protein and healthy fat — in moderation, of course.

How do you treat low calcium in nursing dogs?

Appropriate treatment begins with a slow IV injection of calcium gluconate and follows up with oral supplements. If she has multiple episodes of hypocalcemia during this same lactation, we would recommend weaning early and using Esbilac milk replacer.

What can I give my dog at home for mastitis?

If the infection is mild, early treatment at home will help reduce pain. For example, you can apply warm towels to the mammary glands. Cabbage leaves laid on the glands can relieve symptoms, a remedy that works with human mastitis, as well.

What is the best calcium supplement for dogs after giving birth?

Calcium supplements for nursing dogs such as Breeder’s Edge ® Oral Cal Plus Powder a great source of calcium for dogs after giving birth. Breeder’s Edge ® Oral Cal Plus Powder has both calcium and phosphorus, which is needed for effective absorption. Giving only calcium actually decreases absorption.

What home remedy can I give my nursing dog?

Milk thistle is one natural supplement known to help nursing mothers with their milk-making. Other dogs benefit from taking zinc while providing for their pups. In small doses, apricot can also increase milk production. Whatever you decide, it’s always best to run it by your vet before you begin supplementing.

Can you give a nursing dog Tums for calcium?

Your veterinarian may recommend oral calcium carbonate tablets and vitamin D supplements after getting your dog stable when she is discharged from the clinic. Tums® are often recommended at home following a diagnosis of eclampsia until your dog stops producing milk.

What is a natural source of calcium for dogs?

Dairy products, like yogurts, cheeses, and cottage cheese, are a great source of calcium for dogs and can be mixed in with dry dog food. Vegetables and legumes such as broccoli, spinach, and beans are rich in calcium, but many dogs will refuse to eat them, finding their taste unappetizing.

How do you make homemade calcium for dogs?

It’s okay to give a dog a whole egg, including the shell, as a treat on occasion, but when using eggshells to provide dietary calcium needed to balance out a homemade diet, it’s safest to grind the shells to a powder.

What is the best thing to feed a nursing mother dog?

Besides the puppy chow, it is always nice to give a nursing mother some extra food – chicken and plain rice, any simple meat or fish (boneless) with some rice or oatmeal or sweet potato. Plain yogurt or kefir, an egg, a can of sardines, some liver, warm chicken broth (or beef). Just no salty or sweet things.