There are times in an animal’s life when calorie needs outweigh calorie intake. This is when they call on tissue reserves for needed energy, protein and vitamins. Moms giving birth, a low energy puppy or kitten, hunting dogs, athletes, and working dogs all require an increase in calories and vitamins.
Extra Calories for Dogs Giving Birth
Giving birth is hard work, and some dog moms, especially smaller dogs or cats, get worn out. With the nausea of labor and cramping, moms seldom eat during this time. We usually manage gestation well with prenatal vitamins for dogs and cats such as Breeder’s Edge Oxy Mate but fall short at birthing. The calorie demands of the babies are still pulling on mom’s stores, plus mom has doubled her need for energy and calcium because of labor and nursing.
Calcium and energy are her two biggest needs. Most manage calcium well, but some fall short on the easiest assistance to mom, which is energy. Large dogs have large stores of energy, but tiny moms and queens have to draw on reserves to get through birth. Getting energy into mom several times during labor keeps the process of breaking down fat for energy efficient and catches the glucose demand up between babies.
Doc Roy’s Forti Cal™ Gel is highly concentrated, ready-to-absorb energy. Mom can even absorb it through the membranes of the mouth; she does not even have to swallow but most will as it is soothing to the throat and stomach.
Forti Cal is highly concentrated, so mom doesn’t need to consume large amounts to obtain calories. Used several times in early labor and between babies will help her avoid the exhaustion of multiple births. Mom will also mother better after birth if she is not so tired.
Puppy Has Low Energy
Puppies and kittens come into a world with huge calorie demands. Most puppies and kittens double their weight weekly for the first four weeks. Mom’s milk is 10% fat and full of calories to fill the growth needs but the puppy has to nurse! Using Forti Cal Gel or drops on the babies tongue will boost energy, causing babies to nurse with more vigor. Cat and tiny dog breeders often use Forti Cal twice a day. Wipe a small amount in their mouth and get them attached to a nipple. The result is a healthy baby with a full tummy.
Weaned tiny breed puppies should go to their new home with Forti Cal Gel. Dose twice a day to keep calories and vitamins up and appetite high. The puppy will think it is a treat, but the goal is to avoid hypoglycemia before you have to treat low calorie issues.
Kittens are difficult to give vitamins to, but Forti Cal Gel is given with ease. The vitamins are a big help with effective growth and maturity, and the calories are a bonus here. Giving the gel once daily will help keep them healthy during the transition to a new home.
Extra Calories for Working Dogs – Hypoclycemia
Do working dogs need more calories? Hunting dogs are more excited than their owners to hunt and will exhaust all the glucose in their bloodstream if not controlled. They’ll start staggering or fall down, and in severe cases may have seizures. The cure is simple. Call them in several times an hour and give them a few Forti Cal™ Soft Chews for treats. This helps keep the glucose up, allowing the liver to maintain the dog’s glucose levels without over-taxing the system.
Joggers, sled dogs and herding dogs have huge endurance energy demands. Endurance takes calories and breaking down fat takes carbohydrates to be efficient. At breaks or checkpoints, offering Forti Cal Soft Chews as a treat will keep glucose levels up, allowing the liver to burn fat efficiently.
Extra Calories for Dogs That are Training
Trainers like to use the soft chews to get dogs to recall in the field. It keeps the calories up while giving them a reason to come in. Coming in when called is critical in an emergency when danger is near.
How to Help a Dog Recover from Surgery, Illness or Injury
When recovering from an injury or illness, there is an increase in demand for calories and vitamins. Giving a calorie supplement to your cat or dog will speed their recovery and improve their appetite for food. Cats can be especially challenging in recovery as they often lose their appetite and refuse to eat. Forti Cal Gel can be placed on the paw, and when the cat grooms, he will also take in needed calories and vitamins for weight gain, tissue repair and appetite stimulation.
If you need help finding the best calorie supplement for dogs and cats or have more questions on Forti Cal, call us at 800.786.4751.
LEARN MORE:
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Written by: Donald Bramlage, DVM
Donald Bramlage, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, practiced veterinary medicine for 30+ years and is known for his work in managing parvovirus. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University in 1985. He served as Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services from 2011 until his retirement in 2019.