Too much calcium??

Question
My 3 1/2 yr old shepard had pups a few months ago, while she was nursing she recieved a large laceration on her hide leg I had to take her to the vet, the vet had to knock her out to get it stitched up. When she awoke she had a BM a the vet was very concerned about her feces she said she had a lack of calcium and to feed her puppy chow and give her a couple of TUMS w/ calcium a day. I did so  and gave a few to my other shepard not knowing there was anything wrong with this. I gave her a couple a day till the bottle was gone. This was about a month ago. She seems fine. But did I do her long term harm? Is there anything I should watch out for?  

Answer
Too much calcium in a PUPPY is not a good thing but given to your adult should not harm her.

Calcium a concern for puppies

Breeders at one time used to give calcium to puppies thinking they were promoting strong bones but this caused the bones to grow too fast and they became brittle and caused many problems with hips and joints.

Large breed puppies have unique growth requirements and need to keep their growth rate under control.  Up to the age of 15 months large breed puppies will increase their birthweight by 70 times.  

Many breeders are feeding their Large Breed "Puppies" a specially formulated Large Breed Puppy food designed especially for their unique needs, with lower calcium levels in order that that joints develop appropriately but more slowly.

To ensure that your dog and pups are getting the nutrients they need feed her them premium dog food designed for their needs. There are many good premium dog foods on the market.

I feed Royal Canin Premium Dog food.  It comes in 40 pound bags and is a little more expensive than others, but my dogs absorb more of the food they eat thus eating less than many other brands. They offer the 40 lb bag rather than the 30 lb.  Royal Canin also offers buy nine bags get the 10th free at retail outlets.  In the end I find this dog food well worth it and a very good deal.

Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy Info (under 15 Months) http://www.royalcanin.ca/products/hn/maxi/puppy_en.php; and

The Adults (Over 15 Months) get Royal Canin Specially designed for Adult German Shepherd needs. http://www.royalcanin.ca/products/hn/breed/german_en.php

There is also a special dog food for Seniors and pups under 5 months.

The Key to a quality life and relationship with dogs is Education.  Thank you for showing such concern for your pet.  There are many good books on the market on K9 diet and nutrition, and many books written specifically for the german shepherd dog.  I carry them on my website at http://www.gallantshepherds.com/bookstore.htm

Wishing you and your pups a healthy and long life together.

Gallant Shepherds