Yes, you absolutely can and often should deworm your pregnant dog, but this must always be done under the direct guidance of your veterinarian. Using the wrong dewormer or deworming at the wrong time can be dangerous for both mom and her unborn puppies, so working with your vet is essential for safe deworming during pregnancy.
As a dog breeder for over 15 years I’ve learned that deworming pregnant dogs is actually a crucial step in ensuring the health of both the mother and her future puppies. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about safely deworming your pregnant dog.
Why Deworming a Pregnant Dog is So Important
Worms aren’t just gross – they’re actually dangerous for both the mother dog and her developing puppies Here’s why deworming during pregnancy matters
How Worms Harm Mom and Puppies
Parasites can cause serious problems during pregnancy:
- Nutrient theft: Worms steal vital nutrients the mother needs to grow healthy puppies
- Weakness in mom: Heavy worm loads can cause weight loss, poor coat, and low energy
- Transmission to puppies: Worms can pass from mother to puppies in two main ways:
- Before birth: Some worm larvae can travel across the placenta into unborn puppies (especially roundworms)
- Through milk: Worm larvae can get into the mother’s milk, infecting puppies during nursing
Risks of Not Deworming Your Pregnant Dog
Skipping deworming can lead to:
- Poor maternal health when she needs strength most
- Puppies born already infected with worms
- Sick puppies with symptoms like poor growth, pot-bellies, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Severe anemia in puppies (especially with hookworms), which can be quickly fatal
- Reduced milk production in the mother
- Possible spread of some parasites to humans (especially children)
When to Deworm Your Pregnant Dog
The timing of deworming is super important for pregnant dogs.
Before Breeding is Ideal
Honestly, the best time to start thinking about deworming is before your dog even gets pregnant. Your vet will likely recommend:
- A complete fecal exam to check for existing parasites
- A thorough deworming treatment before breeding
- This gives mom a clean start before pregnancy begins
During Pregnancy: A Careful Schedule
Deworming during pregnancy requires a specific plan:
- Early pregnancy: Most vets avoid deworming in early pregnancy unless absolutely necessary
- Late pregnancy: This is when targeted deworming typically begins
- A common protocol is using Fenbendazole (Panacur) daily from day 40 of pregnancy through 14 days after birth
Dr. Marty Greer, DVM with 40+ years experience, recommends: “Give mom 50 mg/kg of Fenbendazole once every 24 hours for the last three weeks of pregnancy through day 14 of lactation – that’s five straight weeks total.”
Safe Dewormers for Pregnant Dogs
Not all dewormers are safe during pregnancy! Some can harm developing puppies, which is why you should never grab an over-the-counter product without veterinary guidance.
Veterinarian-Approved Dewormers
These are generally considered safe for pregnant dogs when prescribed by your vet:
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Fenbendazole (Panacur): Often the top choice for pregnant dogs. Effective against roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and some tapeworms.
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Pyrantel Pamoate: Generally safe for pregnant and nursing dogs. Works well on roundworms and hookworms.
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Certain topical products: Some containing selamectin or moxidectin might be appropriate in specific cases.
Dewormers to Avoid
Some dewormers can be harmful during pregnancy, including:
- Certain broad-spectrum dewormers not tested for pregnancy
- Products meant for other animals
- Dewormers with ingredients known to cause problems in pregnancy
Never use any dewormer without consulting your vet first!
The Deworming Process: What to Expect
Giving your pregnant dog deworming medication is usually straightforward:
Forms and Administration
Dewormers come in several forms:
- Pills
- Liquid suspensions
- Granules to mix with food
Your vet will determine the best type for your dog and provide specific dosing instructions.
Proper Dosing is Critical
Dr. Greer advises: “Make sure to weigh your female to ensure correct dosing. Use her pre-pregnant weight because her intestinal tract is still the same size as before pregnancy. Just because she’s pregnant doesn’t mean her GI tract got bigger.”
For example, if she weighed 80 pounds pre-pregnancy, you’d give the 80-pound dose even if she now weighs 100 pounds during late pregnancy.
Possible Side Effects
Most pregnant dogs tolerate deworming well when using vet-approved medications. Potential mild side effects might include:
- Mild stomach upset
- Temporary vomiting
- Short-term diarrhea
- Brief loss of appetite
These symptoms typically resolve within a day or two. The benefits of deworming far outweigh these minor risks.
When to Call Your Vet
Contact your vet immediately if you notice:
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Bloody diarrhea
- Weakness or collapse
- Tremors or unusual behavior
While rare with approved medications, it’s always better to be safe.
Preventing Worms: A Broader Approach
While deworming treats existing infections, prevention is also key:
Cleanliness Matters
- Pick up poop promptly – worm eggs live in feces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Clean bedding and kennels regularly
- Keep pregnant dogs away from heavily contaminated areas
Pest Control
Some worms use intermediate hosts:
- Fleas can transmit tapeworms
- Rodents can carry various parasites
Ask your vet about safe flea control during pregnancy, and prevent your dog from hunting small animals.
Regular Testing
Even with prevention, dogs can still acquire parasites:
- Schedule regular fecal exams with your vet
- Consider testing before breeding
- Follow up during pregnancy as recommended
Sample Deworming Schedule
Here’s a general example of what your vet might recommend (but always follow your vet’s specific protocol for your dog):
| Time Period | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Before Breeding | Fecal test and broad-spectrum deworming | Clear existing parasites |
| Early to Mid-Pregnancy | Routine care, potential fecal test | Monitor for parasites |
| Late Pregnancy (day 40-birth) | Daily Fenbendazole (Panacur) | Prevent transmission to puppies |
| Birth through 14 days after | Continue daily Fenbendazole | Control transmission through milk |
| When puppies are 2, 4, 6, 8 weeks | Deworm puppies with appropriate product | Manage any parasites in puppies |
After Birth: Ongoing Care
Even if you perfectly deworm the mother, the puppies will still need their own deworming schedule:
- Typically starting at 2 weeks of age
- Repeated at 4, 6, and 8 weeks
- Pyrantel pamoate is often used for initial puppy deworming
- From 8 weeks, puppies should transition to monthly heartworm preventatives that also control intestinal parasites
Remember: the stud dog needs proper parasite control too! He can spread parasites throughout your kennel and to females.
FAQs About Deworming Pregnant Dogs
Q: Can I use over-the-counter dewormers for my pregnant dog?
A: No, only use dewormers specifically prescribed by your veterinarian for pregnant dogs. Many OTC products aren’t safe during pregnancy.
Q: If I deworm my pregnant dog, will her puppies be completely worm-free?
A: Deworming mom greatly reduces parasite loads, but doesn’t guarantee 100% worm-free puppies. They’ll still need their own deworming schedule after birth.
Q: What if my dog is accidentally pregnant and I didn’t deworm her beforehand?
A: Don’t panic! Contact your vet as soon as you know she’s pregnant. They can create a safe deworming plan for her current stage of pregnancy.
Q: Are there any natural dewormers that are safe for pregnant dogs?
A: Vets generally don’t recommend relying on natural methods for deworming pregnant dogs. The risks of parasites are too serious to experiment with unproven remedies.
Q: How soon after deworming will the worms be gone?
A: It depends on the product used. Some kill worms quickly, while others work over several days. You might see dead worms in your dog’s stool after treatment.
The Bottom Line: Always Work With Your Vet
I can’t stress this enough – never attempt to deworm your pregnant dog without veterinary guidance. Your vet will:
- Confirm the pregnancy
- Assess your dog’s overall health
- Choose the safest and most effective dewormer
- Create the correct dosing schedule
- Explain potential side effects
- Help plan for puppy deworming after birth
By following your vet’s recommendations, you’ll give both mama dog and her puppies the best possible start, free from the burden of parasites. And trust me, healthy puppies make the whole breeding experience so much more rewarding!
Have you had experience deworming pregnant dogs? Share your stories in the comments below!
WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW?
The first thing to do is to take 4-5 days to wean your bitch onto a high-quality puppy food. This will provide the specific nutrient requirements of a pregnant bitch, and her developing pups, and avoid life-threatening conditions such as Pregnancy Toxaemia and Milk Fever.
Please Note: Raw meat is not an appropriate food source for a pregnant bitch.
- Raw meat is low in calcium which is essential for foetal development.
- It poses an infectious disease risk.
- It is mostly water-based – the bitch cannot eat enough to obtain the calories needed to maintain a healthy pregnancy.
Your bitch will need to eat significantly more food during pregnancy and lactation than she would normally require (often 2 x normal amount during the second half of pregnancy and 3 x normal amount while feeding her pups).
This means she will need to be fed multiple times during the day; and will need to be on this diet until 4-6 weeks after birth. Ensure a constant supply of fresh water is available to her at all times.
Feel free to contact the clinic for further advice on diet during your dog’s pregnancy.
Worming tablets should be given to a pregnant bitch at approximately days 40 and 65 after mating, using Drontal worm tablets (allwormer).
The bitch and the pups should be wormed from 2 weeks of age, every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old. Drontal or Milpro worm tablets are suitable for mother and pups.
There are three stages of labour:
- Getting ready for the delivery: restlessness, panting, abdominal contractions.
- Delivery of the puppy (15 mins – 2 hours between puppies can be normal).
- Afterbirth/placenta expelled.
Is your bitch pregnant or due to whelp shortly?
We’ve compiled some information below to help you prepare for the months ahead. The normal gestation (pregnancy length) in a dog is 58-68 days, but is normally about 63 days.