How to supplement calcium when a female dog is pregnant
Recently, among the hot topics about pet care, the issue of calcium supplementation for female dogs during pregnancy has attracted much attention. Pregnant female dogs have a significantly increased demand for calcium. Reasonable calcium supplementation can not only ensure the health of the mother, but also promote the skeletal development of the fetus. This article will combine the hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to give you a detailed introduction to how to scientifically supplement calcium for female dogs during pregnancy.
1. Why do pregnant female dogs need calcium supplements?

During pregnancy, a large amount of calcium in the mother dog's body will be transferred to the fetus, especially in late pregnancy and lactation. Insufficient calcium intake may lead to hypocalcemia (postpartum convulsions), fragile bones and other problems in the female dog, and may even affect the development of the puppies.
| stage | Changes in calcium requirements |
|---|---|
| Early pregnancy (1-4 weeks) | Demand increased slightly, about 10% more than usual |
| Late pregnancy (5-9 weeks) | Demand has increased significantly, about 30-50% more than usual |
| Lactation | Demand reaches its peak, about 2-3 times more than usual |
2. How to supplement calcium scientifically?
1.Dietary calcium supplement: Supplementing through food is the most natural way. Here are some recommendations for high-calcium foods:
| food name | Calcium content (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| cheese | About 700mg |
| yogurt | About 120mg |
| Egg shell powder | About 2000mg |
| bone broth | About 150mg |
2.Calcium tablets or powder supplements: If the diet cannot meet the needs, you can use pet-specific calcium tablets or calcium powder under the guidance of a veterinarian. The following is a comparison of common calcium supplement products:
| product type | Features | Applicable stage |
|---|---|---|
| liquid calcium | Quickly absorbed, suitable for emergency calcium supplementation | Late pregnancy, lactation |
| Calcium tablets | Easy to use and accurate dosage | All stages |
| calcium powder | Can be mixed with food, good palatability | All stages |
3.Sunbathing and exercise: Ultraviolet rays in sunlight can promote vitamin D synthesis and help calcium absorption. Let the female dog bask in the sun for 15-30 minutes every day and maintain moderate exercise.
3. Precautions for calcium supplementation
1.Avoid excessive calcium supplementation: Excessive calcium supplementation may cause premature calcification of bones, affect the development of puppies, and even cause constipation or stones in bitches.
2.Calcium Phosphorus Balance: The ideal ratio of calcium to phosphorus is 1.2:1 to 1.4:1. Excessive phosphorus will affect calcium absorption, which can be adjusted by adding meat or fish.
3.Adjustments in stages: There is no need to supplement a lot of calcium in the early stages of pregnancy, but it will gradually increase in the later stages and reach the peak during lactation.
4.veterinary guidance: If the female dog shows symptoms such as convulsions and loss of appetite, she needs to seek medical attention immediately.
4. Answers to the most popular calcium supplement questions on the Internet
According to the search data of the past 10 days, the following are the issues that netizens are most concerned about:
| question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I give my female dog milk to supplement calcium? | Not recommended as some dogs are lactose intolerant and may suffer from diarrhea. Choose from lactose-free milk or yogurt. |
| Will calcium supplementation cause dystocia? | Scientific calcium supplementation will not, but excessive amounts may increase the risk of dystocia. |
| When is the best time to start taking calcium supplements? | Start increasing the amount of calcium supplement after the 5th week of pregnancy and continue supplementing during lactation. |
Summary
Calcium supplementation for bitches during pregnancy requires scientific planning, both to meet the needs and to avoid overdose. Through a combination of diet, supplements and sunshine exercise, the health of the mother dog and puppies can be effectively guaranteed. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian promptly.
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