I believe that my Chocolate Lab has Milk Fever. I have no vet near me that is within several hours that has an emergency service or 24-hour service. I talked to a vet several hours away and she suggested Tums. My lab's pre-pregnancy weight is about 55 pounds. First, I am wondering how many Tums to give my dog, and Second, I have no mild replacement for puppies, can they still nurse, or is this too dangerous for mom?
-
Need to see a vet? Find the best vets near you
No, the puppies cannot nurse on her. You will have to hand raise them at this point.
( https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feeding-orphaned-puppies )
You should get them puppy milk replacer but in a pinch you can use this homemade recipe (I don't suggest you use it long term).
( https://www.healthypawspetinsurance.com/blog/2017/09/11/newborn-puppy-diet-dos-and-donts )
I really suggest you find a way to get her to a vet as soon as you can arrange it. This is a serious problem and oral Tums is not likely to correct a serious calcium deficiency. Tums is what we use to send them home with after they have had in hospital treatment.
( https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/eclampsia-in-dogs )
She was just a growing puppy herself when she got pregnant so this is an even worse situation. This is one of the many reasons why we don't recommend breeding your dog until they are fully grown at 18-24 months of age.
The dose for Tums would be 1–4 g/day by mouth in divided doses. I don't know how serious her symptoms are so I guess you should go with 1 gram three times a day until you can get her to a vet.
Each Tums 500 mg calcium carbonate tablet supplies 200 mg calcium so you need 5 tablets to make up 1 gram. So, 5 tablets three times per day.
You marked this answer as helpful, we appreciate your feedback
You marked this answer as not helpful, we appreciate your feedback