Can you deworm a pregnant dog?
If you’re a proud pet parent to a pregnant pooch, you might be wondering whether deworming is something that should be done or not. Well, there’s no denying the fact that worms are pesky and unpleasant for any dog, let alone one who happens to be expecting little pups soon. However, deworming while pregnant needs special consideration due to the delicate state of your furry friend.
Understanding Worms in Dogs
Before we delve into whether it is safe or advisable to deworm your pregnant pup, let’s take a look at what kind of worms can affect our furry friends:
Roundworms
Roundworms are long white-like noodles that live in the gut and intestines of dogs. They penetrate through the intestinal wall using their sharp teeth-like structures.
Hookworms
The hook-shaped worms primarily enter through four different ways; ingestion (through mouth), skin penetration (barefoot), transplacental spread from mother <> puppy/ fetus <> fetus transmission;
Tapeworm
Known as Dipylidium Caninum scientifically associated with fleas! Yes, when good puppies chase after small creatures like rodents they ingest the fleas which could infect them with tapeworm.
Well… Those were quite intriguing but how will know if my dog has been wormed? Once examined by vet these parasites can be detected by analyzing stool samples under high-powered magnification.
Pregnancy
Let’s now look at pregnancy and its implications on canine health generally;
Signs Of Pregnancy In A Dog
- Enlargement of mammaries: This occurs rapidly within some weeks after mating.
- Developing appetite: Due to metabolic changes during pregnancy.
- Possible Vomiting And Nausea: As seen in human pregnancies also!
Once these signs have been confirmed , make an appointment with veterinary care ASAP because this is the time to decide if you want to deworm before any pups are born or hold off until a later date.
Of course, it’s always best to make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible when dealing with pregnant dogs.
Risks of Deworming a Pregnant Dog
Possible risks involved in dewoming include miscarriage, but these risks must be balanced against the dangers posed by a worm infestation. If left untreated, worms can pose serious health problems for both mother and her puppies during and after birth.
Considerations For Administration Of Dewormers in Pregnant Dogs
While some medications may not be safe under pregnancy for your canine friend, there are still safeguards that could still used;
Caution Levels
Different drug regiments have caution levels ranging from NO well known issues experienced through studies right up to HIGH risk protocols.
Dosage
The dosage requirements vary accordingt o species body weight/mass/size!
Doctor Supervision
Administering or determining effective therapy might warrant supervisory guidance from veterinary personnel; so self medication maybe harmful!.
Overall, deworming whilst pregnant poses certain risks which must be cautiously weighed against potential benefits. Your vet is in the best position to advise you about treatment options for optimum maternal and fetal health.