Calcium supplementation is important both before and after delivery for the mother dog

The reason that mother dogs experience postpartum convulsions is mainly due to a large loss of calcium from their bodies through breast milk during the lactation period. Therefore, if the number of puppies is too many or the nursing frequency is too high, it can lead to postpartum convulsions in the mother dog.

1. Susceptible Pets: lactating mother dogs

2. Symptoms: Dogs with this problem usually have sudden onset without obvious prior signs. The dog will show signs of excitability, restless behavior, timidity, occasional whimpering, unsteady gait, and relatively rapid breathing. Soon after, convulsions appear, with intermittent or tonic muscle spasms, stiff limbs, unsteady walking, or even lying down unable to rise. Some severely affected dogs may also develop high fever, difficulty breathing, rapid pulse, foaming at the mouth, and cyanotic mucous membranes. From symptom onset to seizures, the time can be as short as 15 minutes or as long as 12 hours, progressing rapidly. Without timely treatment, the severe cases may suffocate and die within 1-2 days.

3. Treatment: If the mother dog's convulsions are frequent, ordinary calcium supplementation alone is difficult to alleviate the condition. Therefore, medical intervention is necessary. If the owner can perform injections, they may inject 10% calcium gluconate 5-20ml at a slow rate. At the same time, intravenously administer pentobarbital 2-4mg/kg body weight or intramuscular chlorpromazine hydrochloride 1.1-6.6mg/kg body weight to control the convulsions. Afterwards, provide the mother dog with daily appropriate calcium supplements and plenty of sunshine.

When puppies are too many, goat milk powder can be used as a partial substitute

4. Recovery Care:

Daily reasonable calcium supplementation is essential, and appropriately take the dog out for some exercise.

5. Tips:

1. Although the dog lacks calcium, the amount of supplementation must be reasonable, otherwise it may be counterproductive.

2. To prevent postpartum convulsions, relevant calcium supplementation should be done before delivery, including providing sufficient calcium, vitamin D, and inorganic salts in the diet.

3. If the number of newborn puppies is large and causes pressure on the mother dog, the owner can appropriately use goat milk powder to replace some of the nursing, thus reducing the mother's burden.