Deworming Pregnant Dogs: An Effective Protocol
Deworming pregnant and breeding dogs is crucial to protect the health of newborn puppies. However, not all dewormers are safe for use during pregnancy. Here’s an effective protocol to ensure the safety and health of both the mother and her pups.
Deworming a Pregnant Dog
Is it Safe to Deworm a Pregnant Dog? Yes, it is safe to deworm a pregnant dog with certain medications. One of the safest and most effective dewormers for pregnant dogs is Fenbendazole. This medication, when used as directed, can prevent parasites from passing through the placenta or milk to the puppies. By treating the mother during pregnancy, you can prevent the puppies from suffering from weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort caused by parasites.
Preventive Deworming Protocol:
Timing: Start deworming the pregnant dog with Fenbendazole during the last three weeks of pregnancy and continue through the first 14 days of lactation.
Dosage: Administer 50 mg/kg of Fenbendazole once every 24 hours.
Weighing the Dog: Use the pre-pregnancy weight of the dog to calculate the correct dosage. The gastrointestinal tract size remains the same during pregnancy, so the pre-pregnancy weight is the most accurate measure for dosing.
Example: If a dog weighed 80 pounds before pregnancy, administer the dewormer based on this weight, regardless of any weight gain during pregnancy.
Deworming Newborn Puppies
Protocol for Puppies:
Schedule: Unless the mother was treated with Fenbendazole during pregnancy and lactation, puppies should be dewormed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age.
Medication: Use Pyrantel Pamoate, a safe and effective non-prescription dewormer.
Follow-Up: Starting at 8 weeks of age, puppies should begin a monthly heartworm preventative that also controls intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.
Deworming Stud Dogs
Importance of Deworming Male Dogs: Properly deworming stud dogs is essential to prevent the spread of parasites to females and puppies within the kennel.
Protocol for Stud Dogs:
Medications: Use Pyrantel Pamoate, Fenbendazole, and most oral heartworm/intestinal deworming medications. Avoid using Trifexis, as it is not labeled for breeding dogs.
Dosage: Follow the label instructions for the best efficacy.
By following this comprehensive deworming protocol, you can ensure the health and safety of both the mother and her puppies. For any questions or further guidance, contact our Pet Care Pros at 800-658-5308.
For more detailed information and to purchase deworming products, visit K9reproduction.com. We are committed to helping you keep your dogs and puppies healthy and thriving.
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