Deworming Dogs and Pups: A Comprehensive Guide for Responsible Breeding

Introduction

Deworming is an essential part of responsible pet ownership, particularly for breeders. Intestinal parasites can cause a myriad of health issues in dogs and puppies, including poor nutrition, weight loss, diarrhea, and in severe cases, death. Regular deworming ensures the health and vitality of your breeding stock and their offspring, and prevents the spread of parasites to other pets and occasionally to human caretakers.

The Importance of Deworming

Parasitic worms can be transmitted in a variety of ways - from mother to pup during gestation or nursing, through the feces of an infected dog, or by ingesting contaminated soil, water, or food. Common types of worms that infect dogs include roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms - each posing different threats and requiring specific treatment.

Deworming Schedule

A deworming schedule should start when the pups are two to three weeks old, as this is the most common time for infection. After the initial deworming, pups should be dewormed every two weeks until they are three months old, and then once a month until they are six months old. After six months, dogs should be dewormed at least twice a year, but this may vary based on their lifestyle and risk factors.

Choosing the right Dewormer

Choosing the right dewormer for your dog depends on a variety of factors including the age, breed, health status of your dog, and the type of worms they are infected with. It is always recommended to consult with a veterinarian who can provide a suitable dewormer and advise on the correct dosage.

Remember, deworming is an essential part of keeping your dogs healthy and happy. By following a regular deworming schedule, you can ensure that your dogs are free of parasites and able to live long, healthy lives. Please consult with a veterinarian for any questions or concerns regarding deworming your dogs.

Deworming is a crucial aspect of responsible dog breeding to ensure the health and well-being of both breeding stock and their offspring. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of deworming protocols for breeding dogs, covering different scenarios and protocols for new dogs, pregnant dogs, and puppies.

Routine Deworming for Breeding Stock

Factors Influencing Routine Deworming

The decision to routinely deworm breeding dogs depends on various factors such as geographic location, the dog's activities, and observable symptoms like weight loss and poor hair coat. The guide recommends annual treatment with fenbendazole and more frequent treatments (every 6 months) for dogs exposed to higher risks, such as those roaming in wooded areas.

Deworming New Dogs

Ensuring Parasite-Free Environment

For new dogs entering the breeding property, the guide emphasizes the importance of ensuring they are parasite-free. This involves obtaining a negative fecal result, isolating the dog during deworming with toltrazuril and fenbendazole, and thorough disinfection of the designated area.

New Dog Deworming Protocol

• Require a negative fecal for dogs in proximity to puppies.

• Isolate the dog and treat with toltrazuril for 3 days, followed by a day's break, and then treat with fenbendazole for 3 days.

Pregnancy Deworming Protocol

Criteria for Pregnancy Deworming

The guide provides specific criteria for implementing a pregnancy deworming protocol, emphasizing the importance of treating pregnant dogs that haven't received regular heartworm preventatives or have a history of roundworms.

Pregnancy Deworming Protocol

• Treat with fenbendazole daily from Day 40 after ovulation until the pups are 14 days old.

Puppy Deworming Protocols

Protocol 1: Pups Show No Signs of Parasites

• Deworm at 3 and 6 weeks with pyrantel pamoate or fenbendazole.

• Conduct a fecal examination at 8 weeks.

Protocol 2: Pups Show Signs of Roundworms

• Deworm at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks with pyrantel pamoate and fenbendazole.

• Run a fecal examination before sending pups home.

Protocols 3 and 4: Coccidiosis or Giardia

The guide provides detailed protocols for addressing coccidiosis and giardia in puppies, considering past history and symptoms.

How to Use Deworming Medications

The guide offers practical steps and emphasizes safety when administering deworming medications, including proper dosage, administration, and disposal.

Treating Deworming Reactions and Diarrhea

Addressing potential reactions and diarrhea, the guide recommends treatments like probiotics, baby gas drops, and kaolin pectin.

More About Intestinal Parasites in Puppies

The guide concludes by providing insights into common intestinal parasites like roundworms, coccidia, and giardia, offering a comprehensive overview of their characteristics, challenges, and treatments.

Conclusion

Responsible breeding involves meticulous deworming practices to safeguard the health of breeding dogs and their puppies. By following these protocols, breeders can contribute to creating parasite-free generations and ensure the well-being of their canine companions.