Last Updated on 06/12/2025 by Denise Leo. Post first published on October 10, 2016.
Written by Denise Leo, Pomeranian breeder with 50 years’ experience, in consultation with Dr. Muqeet Mushtaq (DVM, MSc), this guide explains dog eclampsia (milk fever) in Pomeranians, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
What is Milk Fever in Dogs?
Discover essential insights into dog eclampsia (milk fever) in Pomeranian mothers. Learn to spot early signs like restlessness and stiff movements, why small breeds are especially vulnerable, when it typically strikes (1–3 weeks post‑birth or during late pregnancy), and how prompt veterinary care with calcium treatment and prevention strategies can save lives.
Also known as “puerperal tetany” or “milk fever,” eclampsia is an acute, potentially life-threatening disease that commonly affects lactating canines. Some Pomeranian mothers can’t supply enough calcium to meet the increased needs of their puppies. When calcium goes into the milk, her body quickly gets drained.
The risk is equally high for nursing and pregnant dogs. This disease usually occurs during the 1st – 3rd week after birth, but it may also occur when the dam is pregnant.
Pomeranians and other toy breeds have the greatest risk of contracting this disease. Puppies aren’t affected because the dam’s milk seems normal in this period.
What Are The Symptoms of Milk Fever in Dogs?
Eclampsia is extremely serious, but the good news is that it’s easy to identify the signals, particularly when she’s late in her pregnancy and/or the supply of milk.
What are The Signs of Eclampsia in Dogs?
The first signs of eclampsia in dogs are nervousness and restlessness. Then she’ll start walking stiffly and wobbily and appear to be disoriented.
If ignored, she’ll have limbs that become rigid, and she won’t be able to walk. Her respiration rate will rise, and a fever of more than 105°C may occur. If she doesn’t receive immediate treatment, she will likely die.
Treatment for Milk Fever in Dogs
If you even suspect that your dam has eclampsia, get her to a vet straightaway and stop her puppies nursing for at least 24 hours. They can be fed with a commercial milk replacer. The vet can verify eclampsia with a simple blood test that measures calcium levels.
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Then he can put her on a calcium IV drip. After she recovers, the vet may suggest oral calcium supplements. Providing that your Pom responds to her treatment, you may slowly start to let her puppies nurse. However, consult your vet before going ahead.
How to Prevent Eclampsia in Dogs
Feeding a high-quality puppy food throughout pregnancy and lactation is key to preventing eclampsia in Pomeranians. Don’t assume that giving calcium supplements will solve the problem—over-supplementation can make it worse, as the dog’s body may become reliant on the extra calcium and require even more after whelping.
If your Pom has excessive amounts of calcium supplements while pregnant, the risks of eclampsia increase greatly. The parathyroid hormone regulates calcium levels.
Calcium levels drop, and that increases the risk of eclampsia. If your Pom contracts eclampsia once, her risk of getting it again is increased when birthing more litters down the track.
Fortunately, certain measures can reduce the risk of recurrence. Collaborate with your vet to create a carefully tailored feeding plan for the entire pregnancy and post-whelping period.
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Conclusion
Eclampsia in dogs, particularly small breeds like Pomeranians, is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent veterinary attention. Early recognition of symptoms such as restlessness, muscle tremors, and difficulty walking can make all the difference in a successful recovery.
By ensuring proper nutrition during pregnancy and lactation, monitoring calcium levels, and seeking immediate veterinary care at the first sign of trouble, you can help protect your dog and her puppies.
With the right knowledge and prompt action, eclampsia is preventable and treatable—keeping both mother and litter safe and healthy.
Please note: while I do discuss health, care, and behavioral issues, you should never use this information as a replacement for advice from qualified veterinarians, diagnoses, or recommended treatment regimes. If you have any worries about the health of your Pomeranian, your first contact should be your regular vet or, if you don’t yet have one, a vet that works locally. Never ignore or avoid treatment and advice from your vet because of a piece of information you have read on any website.
Disclaimer: The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your dog. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on ANY website.
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References and Further Reading:
[1] Denise Leo, “The Pomeranian Handbook”.
The Pomeranian Handbook
