This is not veterinary advice. Routine use of calcium in the absence of symptoms is not always needed. Breeders have found calcium to be anecdotally helpful in labor and to calm restless, anxious or agressive females in whelp or post natally. If symptoms of eclampsia appear (trembling, confusion, stumbling, seizure,etc) seek IMMEDIATE veterinary care. Oral supplements will not work fast enough for this life threatening condition causing low blood calcium levels. The calcium recommendations below represent the standard practice of many experienced breeders. Elemental calcium is NOT the same as mg of calcium as labeled on many supplements. Use the tool to calculate the daily elemental calcium dose for your females weight, then refer to the product section to know how much to give. During labor, divide the daily dose and give after each puppy. Begin AFTER the first puppy is born. After whelping, divide the dose over 24 hours.