What is eclampsia in dogs?
Eclampsia is a medical emergency caused by a sharp drop in the blood calcium levels in lactating or pregnant dogs. It commonly occurs in small breed female dogs when they are nursing puppies.
Eclampsia is also known as hypocalcemia. Veterinarians may also refer to it as puerperal tetany.
New mother dogs can develop eclampsia while giving birth, immediately afterwards, 1-4 weeks after lactating or even before giving birth.
A sudden drop in the blood calcium levels can be life threatening for the mother dog. While it is not very common among indoor dogs or pet dogs who have been receiving nutritious meals, eclampsia accounts for 25% of all emergency cases in breeding female dogs.
What are the signs of eclampsia in dogs?
Common signs of eclampsia in dogs include –
- Stiff gait
- Weakness
- Muscle spasm or twitching
- Shaking/trembling
- High heart rate
- Panting
- Fever
- Seizure
In most pregnant or nursing dogs, eclampsia begins with mild signs including changes in behaviour, restlessness, pacing and stiffness in gait.
What causes eclampsia in dogs?
- A large litter size increases the risk of eclampsia in first time mothers belonging to small breeds.
- Eclampsia is more common during the first to fourth week of lactation, since the mother’s body produces the most milk during this time.
- High milk production takes too much calcium from the mother’s body.
- It can happen during pregnancy during which the pups’ bones take up the calcium from the mother’s body.
- Eclampsia is also seen in dogs who have been given too much calcium in the form of supplements during their pregnancy. High calcium levels suppress the hormonal pathway necessary for the availability of enough calcium in the mother’s blood.
- Diseases of the parathyroid gland in dogs can also cause a drop in the blood calcium levels.
- Inadequate nutrition during pregnancy can also cause eclampsia in pregnant female dogs and lactating mothers.
Who is at risk of eclampsia?
Some small breeds are more predisposed to eclampsia during pregnancy and lactation. Breeds predisposed to eclampsia include Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Chihuahua and Toy Poodles.
A pregnant dog shivering and panting is more common with first time mothers who have a larger than normal-sized litter.
How to prevent eclampsia in dogs?
If you are the parent of a small breed female dog who is pregnant for the first time, then you need to coordinate with your veterinarian regularly to prevent any health complications including eclampsia.
However, here are a few ways you can reduce your dog’s risk of developing eclampsia –
- Feed them commercial diets labelled for pregnant and lactating mothers.
- Do not give them vitamin and nutritional supplements without consulting your veterinarian.
- Do not arrange for a home birth without any emergency veterinary care centre on standby.
- Opt for blood tests right before whelping (birthing) and 1 week after the birth of the pups.
If your dog shows behavioural changes after giving birth, separate her from their pups and take her to the veterinarian immediately.
How is eclampsia diagnosed in dogs?
The presumptive diagnosis of eclampsia in dogs is based on the signs that include tremors, whining, fever, stiffness while walking and behavioural changes.
The diagnosis of eclampsia requires the determination of the serum calcium levels of the mother dog.
The veterinarian will also need to rule out other possible causes of seizures including epilepsy, toxicity, and hypoglycemia.
What is the treatment for eclampsia in dogs?
Eclampsia is an emergency for female dogs of any age.
If you suspect your pregnant or nursing dog is acting strangely, do not waste time. Behavioural changes can be a sign of eclampsia and it should be treated promptly by a veterinarian.
If your dog has eclampsia, or your 4-week pregnant dog is shaking, you will not be able to do anything about it at home.
The veterinarian will need to administer fluids and an easily absorbable form of calcium to your dog intravenously.
Low calcium levels may also have adverse effects on the heart health of a dog. So, the veterinarian will monitor your dog’s heart rate during the intravenous fluid administration process.
Once the veterinarian declares the dog with eclampsia becomes stable, she can begin receiving oral medication. Oral medication may consist of calcium supplements along with Vitamin D3.
What Does Recovery and Prognosis Look Like for Dogs With Eclampsia?
Most dogs begin improving within minutes of receiving intravenous calcium, with full stabilisation typically achieved within 24–48 hours. Once the tremors and stiffness subside, the mother regains her appetite and normal behaviour.
However, dog eclampsia recovery doesn’t end when symptoms disappear. Regular monitoring, follow-up blood tests, and continued veterinary guidance help ensure that calcium levels remain stable during lactation. In many cases, the vet may advise limiting nursing temporarily or gradually reintroducing pups based on the severity of the episode.
Vets also often recommend dog calcium supplements after pregnancy, especially for high-risk mothers or those with large litters, to prevent calcium drops during nursing. This should always be done under veterinary supervision to avoid over-supplementation.
With proper care, most mothers make a complete recovery, though the risk of recurrence remains for future pregnancies.
When to See a Vet for Eclampsia in Dogs?
You should contact a veterinarian immediately if your nursing or pregnant dog shows any of the following signs:
- Restlessness, pacing, or whining shortly after whelping
- Tremors or twitching while feeding puppies
- Stiff walking or difficulty standing
- Panting excessively during nursing sessions
- Disinterest in her puppies or refusing to nurse
- Sudden high fever or warm ears/body
- Rapid heartbeat, fast breathing, or visible anxiety
- Rigid or extended legs while walking or lying down
- Drooling, lip smacking, or clenching of the jaw
- Inability to settle, constant moving as if “uncomfortable”
- Uncoordinated movements, stumbling, or falling over
- Pale gums or signs of shock
- Any episode of collapse or seizure activity
Eclampsia progresses quickly; every minute counts. If you notice even mild symptoms, book a same-day appointment at Vetic for emergency maternal care.
What Should Dog Parents Know About Eclampsia?
Early detection and balanced nutrition are the strongest protections against eclampsia. If your dog has experienced eclampsia once, she is much more likely to face the same issue during future pregnancies, especially in the first few weeks of nursing. Close monitoring, prompt veterinary care, and well-planned feeding during pregnancy and early motherhood make a significant difference. Never start calcium supplements on your own—too much calcium can be just as harmful as too little.
Spaying is often the safest long-term option for mothers who have previously suffered from eclampsia, helping protect their overall health and preventing recurrence.
Download the Vetic App to schedule your dog’s post-pregnancy checkup and get personalised guidance for safe recovery and long-term wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can eclampsia happen before the puppies are born?
Yes. Although less common, eclampsia can develop during late pregnancy because the developing puppies draw large amounts of calcium from the mother for bone formation. Early monitoring of calcium levels in the final weeks of pregnancy helps reduce this risk.
How fast does eclampsia progress?
Very quickly. Mild pacing and stiffness can escalate into tremors or seizures within hours. Immediate veterinary care is essential. Delays of even a few hours can lead to severe neurological symptoms.
Is eclampsia painful for dogs?
Yes. The muscle spasms, tremors, and fever cause significant discomfort, and seizures can be life-threatening without eclampsia treatment in a dog. Prompt treatment is crucial to relieve pain and prevent complications.
Can puppies continue nursing after the mother recovers?
Depending on severity, puppies may need temporary hand-feeding. After stabilisation, your vet will advise how and when to reintroduce nursing safely. Controlled nursing prevents another sudden calcium drop in the mother.
What should I feed my dog after an eclampsia episode?
A complete, balanced lactation diet recommended by your veterinarian—never calcium supplements unless prescribed. The goal is to maintain steady, safe calcium levels throughout recovery.
How can I prevent eclampsia in dogs in future pregnancies?
Proper prenatal nutrition, professional monitoring, and avoiding unnecessary supplements are key. Discuss spaying if future pregnancies are risky. Pre-pregnancy planning with your vet can significantly lower recurrence.
Are some dog breeds more prone to eclampsia?
Yes. Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas, and other small breeds have a higher risk due to their smaller calcium reserves. These breeds require closer monitoring during late pregnancy and nursing.
What should I do if my dog starts trembling while nursing?
Separate her from the puppies and seek urgent veterinary care. Trembling is usually one of the earliest warning signs of hypocalcemia. Do not wait to see if the symptoms improve on their own.
Can eclampsia recur?
Yes. Dogs that experience it once have a high likelihood of recurrence during future lactation cycles. Long-term prevention plans are essential for mothers with a previous episode.
Is eclampsia fatal?
If untreated, yes. With rapid veterinary intervention, recovery is excellent, and most dogs stabilise within 24–48 hours. Survival outcomes depend heavily on how quickly treatment is initiated.
