Eclampsia in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Very low blood calcium is a problem that plagues some females around the time of whelping, usually a few weeks after their puppies have been born.

The high calcium demands placed on the body while nursing her litter trigger this life-threatening condition.

While eclampsia is highly treatable, it can quickly have serious health implications if not addressed.

All owners of whelping bitches should make themselves aware of the potential symptoms and learn about how they can be prevented.

What is Eclampsia in Dogs?

Eclampsia in dogs (also called puerperal tetany or milk fever) is a life-threatening drop in blood calcium that most often happens in nursing mothers, usually within the first few weeks after giving birth.

Low calcium can cause restlessness, panting, tremors, stiff walking, weakness, fever, and seizures.

It needs urgent veterinary treatment (typically calcium given under medical supervision) to protect both the mother and her puppies.

When It Usually Occurs (Postpartum Timing)

Most females are affected in the first two to three weeks after birth, when they are producing a great deal of milk for their hungry litter, which is growing at a rapid rate and has not yet started to wean. Rarely, it can occur just before birth.

Which Dogs and Breeds Are Most at Risk

It is well-known that smaller dogs, such as Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, and Yorkshire Terriers, are usually the ones affected.

What Are the Causes of Eclampsia in Dogs?

It is not abundantly clear why some bitches develop milk fever, and others do not, but there are factors which we know will increase the risk.

Low Blood Calcium (Hypocalcaemia)

The trigger is low blood calcium levels, as the calcium that the mother needs is diverted to her milk production. She does not have enough to carry out her normal bodily functions.

Large or Demanding Litters

The more milk the mother needs to produce, the higher the risk of eclampsia.

A mother nursing 12 hungry puppies is going to need far more calcium than one with a singleton.

Diet, Nutrition and Calcium Imbalance

A diet that does not have enough calcium will hugely predispose the bitch to eclampsia. It is generally recommended that she be fed puppy food from about 6 weeks of gestation until she has stopped nursing, as these diets have plenty of calcium.

Supplementing with calcium during pregnancy can actually increase the risk of eclampsia, and it is never recommended.

It suppresses the natural production of parathyroid hormone, meaning the bitch is less capable of accessing her stored calcium.

Other Risk Factors

If a bitch has never had a litter before, this makes eclampsia a little more likely.

Similarly, those who are in poor health, who are underweight or who are stressed or dehydrated are more likely to develop it. Finally, if a female has experienced eclampsia in the past, she is at an increased risk.

What Are the Symptoms of Eclampsia in Dogs?

Symptoms develop rapidly and progress until the bitch is treated.

Early Behaviour Changes

Initially, you will notice that your dog is acting differently. She may be a bit lethargic, unsettled, panting, or restless. You may also feel that she is anxious or worried about something.

Physical Signs

After this, neurological symptoms begin. The bitch becomes weak and starts to experience tremors, stiffness, disorientation, a high fever, and trouble walking.

Neurological Symptoms

As things progress, the bitch can collapse, experience convulsions, and even fall into a coma. Very sadly, death can shortly follow.

When Should You Call an Emergency Vet?

Eclampsia is, without a doubt, an urgent medical issue. Contact an emergency vet immediately if your bitch is experiencing any of the early symptoms- especially if they are a small dog in the first few weeks after giving birth.

Red-Flag Symptoms That Need Immediate Care

Very concerning signs include any neurological symptoms, such as persistent trembling, unexplained panting, or balance issues.

How Quickly Eclampsia Can Progress

Within just a few hours, eclampsia can progress to life-threatening symptoms. The body is not well-equipped to cope with reduced calcium levels, which have a significant impact on the brain, muscles, and heart.

What Information Should You Give to Your Vet?

Your veterinarian will need to know when your bitch gave birth and how many are in her litter.

Let them know what you have been feeding her, including any supplements you may be using.

You should also inform your vet of any relevant medical history, such as previous bouts of milk fever.

How Do Vets Diagnose Eclampsia?

While you might be convinced your bitch is experiencing eclampsia, the diagnosis should be confirmed.

Clinical Examination and History

The diagnosis is often assumed based on the bitch’s signs and when she gave birth. Your vet will check your bitch over, ruling out any other issues.

Blood Tests and Calcium Levels

Although suspicions will already be high, the condition will be confirmed with a blood test. The blood test reveals abnormally low calcium levels.

As well as checking calcium levels, your vet will also want to assess other parameters, including organ function, glucose levels, and other electrolyte levels.

Ruling Out Other Causes

Conditions like ketoacidosis, toxicities, low blood sugar levels, and advanced uterine infections can all mimic low blood calcium.

Thankfully, the blood test to check calcium levels is readily available.

Treatment for Eclampsia in Dogs

The sooner these bitches can be treated, the better their prognosis.

Emergency Stabilisation at the Clinic

The bitch will be admitted to the clinic to receive intravenous fluids containing calcium.

She will need to be closely monitored and may require oxygen and help to regulate her temperature.

Intravenous Calcium Therapy

The calcium gluconate must be given very slowly while the heart is monitored, to prevent causing a slow or irregular heartbeat. The calcium is given over a period of about 15-20 minutes.

Hospital Monitoring and Nursing Care

Patients need very close monitoring, particularly during the time that the calcium is being administered.

Vets and nurses will keep a very close eye on the bitch, to ensure she rapidly improves.

Managing the Litter During Treatment

It is widely accepted that the puppies should not nurse from the mother for at least 24 hours after an event.

They will need puppy formula to be given via bottles. If at an appropriate age, it is best to wean them fully.

Home Care After Treatment

When your bitch comes home, you will want to monitor her very closely for re-development of any neurological signs.

Monitoring for Relapse and Side Effects

It is possible for low blood calcium to occur again, especially if the puppies are not immediately weaned.

Medications and Supplements

At home, females are usually provided with both calcium and Vitamin D supplements.

Vitamin D helps the dog absorb calcium from her intestines. These supplements continue until nursing has ceased.

Caring for Puppies When the Mother Has Eclampsia

The puppies won’t understand that they cannot nurse for 24 hours, so they must be kept separate from mum.

Ensuring Adequate Milk or Formula Intake

They will be bottle-fed, and the amount of milk each puppy drinks should be recorded to ensure they are consuming an adequate amount.

How Regularly To Feed and Weigh Puppies

At the age of 2-3 weeks old, they will need to be fed every few hours, including through the night.

Weigh them daily using accurate kitchen scales, ensuring they are gaining a little each day.

When Can Puppies Be Safe to Nurse Again?

Generally, the safest solution is to wean or hand-rear the puppies after an episode of eclampsia.

However, if nursing resumes, the litter must wait a minimum of 24 hours post-recovery.

Possible Complications of Eclampsia

Unfortunately, eclampsia can have very serious consequences if not quickly addressed.

Risks If Treatment is Delayed

Delaying treatment can lead to permanent organ damage, including heart damage and brain damage.

The mother can develop status epilepticus (an ongoing seizure), may fall into a coma, and can die.

How Can You Prevent Eclampsia in Dogs?

There are several well-known strategies which can help ensure eclampsia does not develop.

Pre-Breeding Health Checks and Body Condition

It is paramount that any breeding bitch is an appropriate age (at least 2 years old) and in excellent health before breeding.

This includes being an adequate weight, at least a body condition score of 4 out of 9.

Safe Nutrition During Pregnancy and Lactation

The pregnant bitch can be fed normally until 5 or 6 weeks of gestation, when she should be transitioned onto a good-quality puppy food.

Puppy food should continue until all puppies have weaned. Calcium supplements should not be routinely given.

The mother should have free access to food in the final weeks of pregnancy and while nursing. Her calorie intake should not be restricted. Similarly, her water bowl must always be accessible and topped up.

Managing Large Litters and High-Risk Dogs

If your female is a high-risk dog who has had a large litter, you’ll need to be monitoring her like a hawk in the weeks after birth.

At the first sign of anything unusual, she should be seen for a check-up and have her blood calcium levels checked.

When to Reduce Nursing

Start weaning from about 3.5 weeks of age, onto a soft puppy food. Weaning before this is not advised, as the puppies are not developmentally ready.

Spaying to Prevent Future Risk

A bitch who has experienced eclampsia will always be at high risk of developing it, and as it can be life-threatening, you should consider whether or not she should be neutered.

Get Vet Care for Eclampsia in Dogs

Please contact us at any time if you want advice about preventing eclampsia, or if you have any concerns for your bitch or her litter.

Eclampsia in Dogs FAQs

What are the common symptoms of eclampsia in dogs?

Common signs to be on the lookout for include panting, muscle twitching, and restlessness.

What should I do if I suspect my dog has eclampsia?

If you have any suspicion of eclampsia, contact your local vet immediately. If the clinic is closed, contact your out-of-hours vet.

What should I do if I suspect my dog has eclampsia?

Treat it as an emergency and contact a vet or emergency clinic immediately. Keep your dog calm and prevent her from overheating, seizures, or falling (dim room, minimal handling, no stairs).

Do not give calcium supplements at home unless a veterinarian tells you to, as dosing and the underlying cause are important considerations. If she’s nursing, your vet may advise temporarily separating the puppies until she’s stabilised.

How can eclampsia be prevented in dogs?

Prevention is mostly about proper nutrition and monitoring, especially in small breeds or large litters. Feed a complete, life-stage-appropriate diet for pregnancy/lactation, avoid routine calcium supplementation during pregnancy unless your vet prescribes it (it can disrupt natural calcium regulation), and schedule vet check-ins around whelping and early lactation.

Watch closely for early signs (restlessness, panting, tremors, stiff gait) in the first 2–4 weeks after birth and seek help early, fast treatment prevents escalation.