Could anyone tell me what they supplement for calcium when the bitch is at peak lactation, or if they supplement at all to help prevent eclampsia?

Would appreciate any help with this, there are so many on hyperdrug that I'm lost in which to choose. I didn't use it last time but this time I want to be on the safe side, hind-sight and all that. x

In over 35 years, it is something that I have never used.  Relying on the food providing all that is needed.

I also have never used a calcium supplement in 8 litters.

We use Collo-Cal D, I'm sure you can get it from Hyperdrug. It's also the one our vet sells (but his is more expensive!) I start them on it as soon as they've whelped. If you read the data sheet (probably online) it will advise.

I've never supplemented with Collo-Cal D or the like - but I do add milk and eggs to my girls' diets. Mine have all been able to take cows' milk but I do use sheep milk powder nowadays

I've only given Collo-cal D as a treatment for eclampsia, not as a preventative.

I have a bottle Calciboost on hand and give it and vet/nutrodrops during labour on the advice of my mentor, post whelping I give calcium rich foods, goats milk, cottage cheese, yoghurt etc. but the Calciboost is there if needed.

My litters have only been small, 3 or 4 pups which is average for the breed, I would be more concerned with litters of 6 or more as I have seen with some breeders.

Thanks everyone, it's so useful to have this resource. So should I just supplement with a little dairy when she's lactating and not bother with an actual supplement?
Rhodach, I have nutridrops on my list and still have glucose from last time, currently my spread sheet is growing! Also buying some aloe vera plant to make some gel for her nipples when the puppies teeth come in... x

waggamama
I agree with ridgielover, and buy goats milk at the supermarket as it's easily sourced.  I had to rely on too many other people when I got it fresh. 

I've only ever given it slightly diluted with my breeds, but I am thinking that, with large breeds, and larger litters, that you would give it "neat".

Shaken, not stirred!!  :-)  :-)  :-)

I've given Collo-Cal D as a preventative measure (after whelping, never before) and have never had a problem with Eclampsia. We raw feed and also give extra rations while our bitches are feeding their pups, but I guess I don't know if that would be fine on its own.

In case anyone wants to research Collo-Cal D, there's some info here. I must say, it sounds more versatile than I thought.

Haha I also buy it at the supermarket when weaning the puppies, perhaps that would make a good gentle supplement then when she's whelped. My bitch had six in her last litter but two of them stillborn, so I expect six in this litter too so not a small litter, which was why I thought she might need a bit of help when she hits 3 weeks as that's when she really had to work hard last time.

Thanks for the supplement link, will take a look! x

Goats milk is also available as long life these days so no need to keep in the fridge till it has been opened.