What to feed my dog after puppies? She's shaking, needs calcium.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! During nursing, Jewels' body is using up a lot of calcium storage to help create milk for the nursing puppies. Consequently, this usage of calcium in her body can cause her levels to drop rapidly and cause her to go into a hypocalcemic state known as eclampsia. This can rapidly progress if not addressed right away to full on convulsions. I would recommend taking her to the veterinarian and having her calcium levels tested to see if she is in need of supplementation or not. There may be a different cause but with her feeding the puppies, this is high up on my list. She could also be cold or anxious. Regardless of the proposed cause, it would be best to have a veterinarian take a look at her sooner rather than later. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Yes, i would continue with calcium supplementation (low blood levels can result in seizures in nursing mothers). Given her small size, i would recommend getting a dog version, in smaller, more accurate dosage such as canovel tablets or a calcium powder available from your vets office or petstore

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If you are worried a dog will have low calcium the supplement would need to be given AFTER the puppies were born while she is nursing. In order to confirm that is why Millie is sick your Vet should do a Calcium level on her blood. The diarrhea could be making her weak and diarrhea can be from worms. Also a fever from a uterine infection or mastitis can make her sick. I am glad she is eating but if your Vet hasn't examine her I would have that done to be sure that all she needs is the calcium tablets. It is a bit odd to have a low calcium 4 weeks after giving birth. i wish you the best!

This could be due to fever or pain and I recommend a recheck by your vet as soon as possible. Low calcium levels can cause agitation and tremors but would be unlikely so soon after birth especially when you have started calcium already

Hello. Is this Khaleesi's first litter? She may just be inexperienced, & probably still a little uncomfortable from her labor. As long as she is very intent on carry for her babies, she may neglect herself for a day or so. When she gets hungry, she will leave her babies for a few minutes. Give her a little more time. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Cookienear! Cookie needs to go to a vet immediately and be evaluated for hypocalcemia, which is low calcium. This is a serious condition after giving birth in some dogs. Once the diagnosis is conformed the Vet will give Cookie an injection to raise her calcium and prescribe medications. I hope this helps and i wish Cookiebear the best!

Weakness and shaking can sometimes be a sign of nutrient/blood chemical problems, but shaking can also be a sign of nerves, cold, etc. If you do suspect an issue, bringing Sugar into the vet for an exam and blood work to check her values is best.