Not long ago, someone walked into my clinic with a very sweet pregnant dog. First-time pregnancy, clearly well cared for, but the owner was anxious. She asked, “I’ve been told worms can be passed to the puppies. Can I still worm her now that she’s pregnant?”
That’s not the first time I’ve heard that question. And if you’ve got a pregnant dog at home or you’re thinking of breeding, it’s something you’ll want clear answers to.
So, Can You Worm a Pregnant Dog?
Yes, you can. In fact, for most pregnant dogs, it’s not just safe but necessary. The trick is knowing how and when to do it. It’s not about tossing just any wormer in their food and calling it a day.
There’s a method to doing this properly, and it starts with understanding the risks of not deworming at all.
Why It Actually Matters
Worms don’t just affect the pregnant dog. They can also sneak their way into the puppies before they’re even born. Some pass through the placenta. Others show up in the milk once the pups start nursing.
That’s how you end up with a litter full of pot-bellied puppies dealing with gut issues before their eyes even open. It’s heartbreaking to watch and easily preventable if caught early.
What Worms Are We Dealing With?
The usual suspects are roundworms and hookworms. These ones are especially tricky because they can lie dormant in the mother’s body.
As soon as pregnancy hormones kick in, those worms start moving again, like someone flipped on a switch.
They travel through the bloodstream and set up shop in the developing puppies. That’s why worming isn’t just about the mother. It’s about stopping a cycle that starts before birth.
When Should You Deworm a Pregnant Dog?
Timing is key here. Most vets will suggest starting around day 40 of the pregnancy and continuing at specific intervals right up until delivery. This helps reduce the number of worms passed on to the pups.
There’s also a routine that continues after the puppies are born. But for the mother, getting it right during pregnancy is one of the best ways to protect the whole litter.
What Dewormers Are Actually Safe?
Not all medications are created equal, especially during pregnancy. Some wormers are safe. Some aren’t. And this is where guessing can really mess things up.
Fenbendazole is one that’s commonly used because it’s considered safe during pregnancy. But even with that, the dosage and timing need to be precise. You should never decide that on your own. Always check with your vet before using anything at all.
What Happens If You Don’t Deworm?
You might think, “She looks fine. Why bother?” But the problem is, worms don’t always make the mother look sick.
She could carry them quietly and pass them to her puppies without anyone noticing until it’s too late.
Newborns with worms can struggle with growth. Some get so weak they can’t nurse properly. And in severe cases, it can be life-threatening. It’s one of those things you don’t want to find out the hard way.
Side Effects to Watch Out For
Most dogs handle deworming really well when it’s done correctly. Occasionally, you might notice some loose stool or tiredness. But if anything more serious shows up, like vomiting, weakness, or refusal to eat, don’t wait. Call your vet immediately.
It’s rare for a properly prescribed dewormer to cause big problems. But it’s always smart to keep an eye on things, especially during pregnancy.
What Happens After the Puppies Arrive?
The job isn’t done once the puppies are born. They’ll need their own deworming schedule starting around two weeks of age. Usually every two weeks until they’re weaned.
The mother should also continue on a safe worming plan, especially while she’s still nursing. This way, you keep everyone covered and avoid a round of infections spreading through the litter.
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For Breeders and Rescue Folks
If you’re managing more than one dog or dealing with rescues, things can get a bit more complicated. But the basics still apply. Prevent early. Worm safely. Work with a vet who understands breeding care.
If you’re bringing in pregnant rescues, assume there’s a high chance of worms. Deworming them carefully could mean the difference between healthy puppies and sickly ones fighting to survive.
Prevention Still Beats Treatment
Whether your dog is already pregnant or you’re planning a litter, it pays to keep her in good shape before she ever mates.
That means regular vet checkups, fecal tests, and preventive worming long before pregnancy even starts.
A healthy dog going into pregnancy will always have a better shot at raising a healthy litter. And honestly, prevention saves you a ton of stress (and money) down the line.
So, What’s the Takeaway?
Yes, you can worm a pregnant dog. And most of the time, you really should. But don’t go it alone. Talk to your vet. Pick the right medication. Use the right dose. Follow a safe timeline.
Worming during pregnancy isn’t about panic. It’s about protecting both Mum and the pups from a problem you might not even see until it’s too late.
There’s a lot that goes into caring for a pregnant dog, but this part? It’s simple when you get good guidance and stick to a plan.
Raising healthy puppies starts way before they’re born. And it often starts with doing the boring stuff like deworming properly.
Have you ever had to deworm a pregnant dog or deal with worms in newborn puppies? What did you learn from the experience?