Calcium Tablets

[jules77]

opinions please, to settle an argument - would it be a good idea to give a five year old bitch calcium tablets. (she is not in whelp, nor is she going to be bred from). I wont give my thoughts yet!!

[lankeela]

Not necessary unless a vet tells you she is suffering from a calcium deficiency, and in which case they would probably give it in an injection. Usually bitches with puppies are given extra calcium in case the puppies are taking too much from her and to prevent eclampsia, but it is not recommended to give it to them until after they have whelped.

Young pups of large breeds may benefit too, although most complete feeds include a small amount.

[jules77]

Thanks, a friend of mine who has a bearded collie has been told to give her calcium tablets, amongst other things by someone who he met at a dog show, they also manipulated the dogs back as it was out of place?!. The dog is quite thin and he says she is a fussy eater, I told him two years ago to try her on different food or fresh meat, and now this 'witch doctor' has told him basically what I did. But I was horrified he let her mess around with her back, and couldnt understand how she can come to the conclusion she needs calcium.

[Annlinda]

Don t be too horrified at dog being manipulated at show. A friend was showing her dog at a championship show his conformation was not as good as she expected. A lady who is a chiropractor was watching and offered to take a look at him, she manipulated his back and said he had bones out of place, anyway to cut a long story short his conformation improved after treatment and he qualified for Cruft this year.
Calcium tablets(given correct dose) in themselves wont hurt the dog and may even help.Anything after this length of time is worth a try?

[jules77]

Annlinda, but I have read some horror stories about these animal chiropractors who have paralysed dogs, and he didnt know this lady from Adam, it was the annual bearded collie club fun day somewhere. She told him to change the dogs food, so he did just that, but not gradually, it was like the next day and he gave her all raw food and a tin of pilchards. The poor dog had been limping for over a week, he said he was worried as his last dog had bone cancer, but he still took her to the show, whereas he should have taken her to the vet. I have lost my patience with him over the years as he asks me for advice, but then doesnt do anything, yet her lets a stranger manipulate his dog, and he is giving her four calcium tablets a day and a complete change of diet overnight.

[leelapops]

jules77, I got the feeling you disagreed with the idea from your initial posting!

Not sure on the calcium front, but certainly in terms of common sense it seems your friend is lacking. Did this lady show him certification of her qualification (what a mouthful!)? Or proof of her ability? I could push an animal's spine around, but I don't think I'd do it much good! As for changing diet overnight, I think this is one of the basics that even non-pet owners know! You know yourself, and you have said as much to him, that it has to be a gradual process.
Is he consciously trying to do his dog more harm than good?
*Sigh* A nation of animal-lovers, indeed...I hope he sees sense soon (or that the dog can be posted to me for some proper care and attention)!

Lisa x