If you have a pregnant pooch at home, you should know about a syndrome that could put her at risk.
Eclampsia [ē-CLAMP-see-ah]—sometimes called ‘milk fever’—is a calcium deficiency that affects dogs nursing puppies. When dogs use their calcium stores for pup development and milk production, they have little left to meet their own needs. As a result, they can develop muscle tremors and other abnormalities that can be life-threatening unless treated immediately.
Eclampsia can affect any dog—even those still in the late stages of pregnancy—but small breeds and dogs with large litters or big pups are at highest risk. So are dogs who’ve had eclampsia before.
Feed your pregnant pooch a regular balanced diet to ensure she’ll get the nutrients and energy she needs for late pregnancy and nursing.