Prenatal vitamins are highly discussed and recommended in human pregnancy. So, what about a pregnant dog? Should a pregnant dog receive prenatal vitamins? Although there are prenatal vitamins available on the market, they typically are not recommended and actually should be avoided. Continue reading below to learn more about prenatal care in dogs.
Prenatal Vitamins for Pregnant Dogs
Dogs can benefit from folic acid supplementation throughout pregnancy. Folic acid is beneficial to pregnant dogs and should be initiated prior to the dog coming into heat or estrus. In fact, proper folic acid supplementation has been associated with reduced risk of cleft palate formation, neural tube disorders, and spina bifida. Make sure to consult with your veterinarian on how much supplementation is needed for your pet.
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Diets with added fatty acids, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are beneficial. This can typically be found in high-quality dog foods. The AAFCO recommends that diets used during reproduction contain a combination of EPA and DHA at 0.05% dry matter basis. EPA and DHA are correlated with improved memory, vision, and intelligence.1
What About Calcium Supplementation?
Although breeders may feel like supplementing with calcium is supportive of milk production and fetal bone development, supplementation should be avoided. Why is this, you may ask? It is a complicated feedback system, but what occurs is this: Calcium supplementation regulates a hormone responsible for signaling calcium absorption. Eventually, what can occur is that the body becomes depleted of calcium and eclampsia can develop.
Eclampsia is the condition in which calcium levels drop too low, resulting in abnormal behavior, ranging from restlessness to seizures. Animals affected with eclampsia may appear stiff or unable to move appropriately. This condition is most often appreciated during pregnancy or right after birth as milk production occurs.2
Other Prenatal Care
1. Diet
Good prenatal care starts before breeding, with the dog being placed on a high-quality diet. Fortunately, a high-quality commercial diet designed for all life stages or puppies will be able to provide the nutrition needed during pregnancy. All-life stages or puppy food should be fed to all pregnant dogs during their last trimester. It is important that pregnant dogs not be fed puppy food designed for large breeds, as these may have lower levels of important nutrients.
2. Vaccination and Parasite Control
Vaccinations and parasite control should all be up to date prior to conception. Vaccination should be avoided during pregnancy, with a few exceptions. Monthly heartworm prevention and flea and tick prevention should be continued as long as approved by your veterinarian for use during pregnancy. During pregnancy, gastrointestinal parasite transmission can occur; therefore, fecal samples should be periodically checked.
3. Other Factors
Pregnant dogs should be maintained in a low-stress environment. The pregnant dog should keep a healthy body condition, which can be achieved through proper nutrition and routine low-intensity exercise. It is important to note that obesity is dangerous for pregnant dogs and their litters.
Conclusion
Prenatal care is very important in our canine companions and extends much further than prenatal vitamins. Dogs should not be given supplementation without discussion with their veterinarian. Over-supplementation can result in problems for pregnant dogs and should be avoided. A high-quality diet should provide the nutrients required during pregnancy, although some breeds may require supplementation of folic acid.
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