Calcium For Whelping Dogs

Calcium and the Whelping Itself

Calcium drives uterine contractions. A bitch low in available calcium can develop weak or stalled labour, which is one cause of primary uterine inertia. That is why calcium comes up so often in whelping discussions, and why it is also so often misused.

What We Stock

Calcium syrup

Around $40 for 250ml and around $120 for a litre. Liquid, for fast absorption.

Seaweed calcium powder

Around $23 for 200g, for ongoing supplementation through lactation.

The Rule That Matters

Do not supplement calcium through pregnancy. Doing so suppresses the parathyroid response and can leave her less able to mobilise calcium when labour begins, which is the opposite of what you want. Supplementation belongs during whelping and lactation, on your vet's instruction.

During Labour

Some vets advise oral calcium between puppies to support contractions. Some do not. It depends on the bitch, the breed and how the labour is progressing, and it is a decision to make with your vet on the night rather than from a forum post.

When to Stop and Call

More than two hours of strong contractions with no puppy, more than four hours between puppies, green discharge before the first puppy, or a bitch who is exhausted and has stopped trying. None of those are calcium problems.

Trusted by RPBA Breeders

Members have their vet's after hours number written on the whelping box and a plan agreed before the due date.