Dog Breeding Essentials: My 5 Steps to Perfect Deworming in Breeding Females

“Is there truly such a thing as a ‘parasite-free dog’ when you’re deep in the world of dog breeding?”

The idea of a completely parasite-free canine might be a comforting one, especially when we think about breeding kennels and the overall health of breeding females.

However, as is often the case with seemingly perfect scenarios, the truth is somewhat more complex. Especially when we discuss the nuances of deworming and parasite prevention.

In case you missed it, I’ve debunked this myth in a previous blog (linked here), diving deep into why this seemingly ideal state is far from the truth in the realm of dog breeding.

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Deworming isn’t just a task we perform out of routine in dog breeding; it’s an integral part of what is called medical prophylaxis. Parasite prevention plays a pivotal role in maintaining the health of breeding females.

For those unfamiliar with the term, think of medical prophylaxis as a protective shield, a preemptive measure we take to guard our pets, especially breeding females, against potential health threats.

Now, here’s a somewhat unsettling revelation: When you’re breeding dogs, you’re inadvertently creating a cozy environment for parasites too.

It’s a fact of life and an unavoidable aspect of the breeding world, making deworming non-negotiable.

The modern era presents a plethora of products, each promising efficient deworming solutions. 

And I admit, even for a seasoned professional like me, the vast array can sometimes feel… dizzying. 

Amidst this extensive landscape, determining the right path can seem like navigating a labyrinth. 

But fear not, that’s the essence of today’s discussion 🙂 

Our mission? To shed light on and pinpoint the optimal deworming protocol for breeding female dogs.

Step 1: Seeking Knowledge from CAPC

In my early years of delivering lectures, I relied heavily on what I learned in veterinary school and what was penned down in textbooks. 

But, like any passionate professional, there’s this itch, this niggling sense of curiosity that drives us to continually re-evaluate and reassess our knowledge. 

As I contemplated writing this blog, I questioned myself:

“Is what I’ve been teaching still the gold standard? Is there newer, perhaps more nuanced information out there?”

It was with this mindset that I decided my first logical step should be consulting the CAPC website. 

The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) has been my trusty companion in the past, offering the most current guidelines and insights on parasitic control. 

If there were any recent advancements or shifts in understanding, this would be the place to find them for sure!

The moment I opened the CAPC website, I was immediately greeted by a prevalence map. For those unfamiliar, this map visually showcases the frequency of specific parasites across various regions. 

It’s a stark reminder of the geographical variations in parasitic prevalence. Such tools drive home the point that while we have overarching guidelines, the specifics can vary significantly based on location. 

Which underscores the importance of localized veterinary collaboration. 

While general protocols and guidelines provide a foundational approach, adapting them to the unique threats of a particular region ensures a more effective deworming strategy. 

For dog breeders, it’s a clear signal: always work closely with your local attending veterinarian to fine-tune deworming protocols to your specific environment. 

My search on the CAPC website was fruitful;  I finally located the guideline I had been seeking for breeding females:

Maintain pregnant and nursing dams on broad-spectrum control products.

A broad-spectrum control product is a type of deworming solution that doesn’t just target one or two parasites — it casts a much wider net. Its efficacy stretches across multiple types of worms, including but not limited to roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. The “broad-spectrum” label signifies its capability to counteract a diverse array of internal parasites that might threaten our dogs. 

Going back to their guidelines for breeding female dogs, I found it… pretty succinct, right?

But given the depth of information this website is known for, there had to be more beneath the surface.

So, I persisted in my search, and interestingly, my exploration led me right back… to the prevalence map.

Step 2: Identifying the Top 3 Parasites

Upon closer inspection of the intestinal parasite prevalence map on the CAPC website, an intriguing detail stood out: the map predominantly showcased data for just three worms — roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm. 

This piqued my curiosity. With the myriad of parasites known to afflict dogs, why focus predominantly on these three?

CAPC, being a comprehensive resource, offers detailed guidelines for each parasite (there are 113 of them listed there – and yes, I counted!).

So naturally, my next move was to sift through the guidelines dedicated to these three prominently featured parasites on their map.

And here is what I found:
– Roundworms: Toxocara spp. are extremely common parasites of dogs and cats throughout the world. Surveys using samples collected from across the United States show that more than 30% of dogs younger than 6 months of age are shedding T. canis eggs, and some studies have shown that virtually all pups are born infected with T. canis.

– Hookworms: Ancylostoma caninum  is a common parasite of dogs throughout the United States. In a survey conducted in 1996 using fecal samples collected from dogs across the United States, 19% of the fecal samples contained Ancylostoma  spp. eggs and 1.02% contained  Uncinaria  spp.  Ancylostoma  prevalence ranged from less than 5% in the west to 36% in the southeastern United States.

– Whipworms: Whipworms are found in as many as 14.3% of shelter dogs sampled in the U.S. and 10% of dogs presented to veterinary teaching hospitals.

Upon examining the data, a thought immediately crossed my mind: the percentages associated with these three parasites are alarmingly high. 

Could it be possible that roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm are the trifecta of intestinal worms most commonly found in dogs? 

To validate this inkling, I sought further research and stumbled upon a 2020 paper that echoed my suspicions. The study examined dogs from parks across the USA and found that 1 in 5 dogs had intestinal parasites.

And it underscored that the prime culprits in the realm of intestinal worms in dogs were, without a doubt, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. 

This revelation underscores a vital point: in formulating our deworming protocols, these three parasites should be the non-negotiables, the primary targets.

However, a word of caution based on what I mentioned before: geographic variations play a critical role. 

While these three might be the main adversaries on a broad scale, your specific location could house additional threats. 

This is where the expertise of your local veterinarian becomes indispensable. 

They’re the ones with the finger on the pulse of regional parasitic concerns. 

Engaging in a dialogue with them might expand your focus from the “Top 3” to possibly the “Top 5” or even more, depending on local prevalences. 

Yet, as a foundational step, these three worms highlighted by prevalence data should always be front and center in our deworming strategies.

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Step 3: Identifying the Right Treatment for Breeding Female Dogs

Having pinpointed my “Top 3” parasites, my next logical step was to dive deep into formulating the most effective deworming strategies tailored for these specific threats, especially in breeding female dogs.

With renewed determination, I revisited the dedicated CAPC pages for each of these parasites. 

And, lo and behold, here’s the invaluable insight I uncovered:

Pregnant bitches may be treated during pregnancy with fenbendazole or 2 to 4 times with a high dose of ivermectin to prevent transplacental and transmammary transmission of T. canis larvae and hookworm larvae to the pups. Both protocols involve the off-label use of anthelmintics. High dose, off-label ivermectin should not be used in any dog with the MDR1 gene mutation.

Step 4: Crafting the Optimal Deworming Protocol for Breeding Female Dogs

Now, having collected and dissected all this knowledge, I melded it into the ensuing blueprint.

Optimal Deworming Protocol for Breeding Female Dogs

1. Pre-Mating:

   – Deworm the females as soon as they are observed in season.

2. During Gestation:

   – Deworm the pregnant dams at day 42 of gestation. This timing is crucial, as it is when most parasites may begin to be transmitted to the growing fetus.

   – Consider treating pregnant bitches during pregnancy with fenbendazole or 2 to 4 times with a high dose of ivermectin to prevent transplacental and transmammary transmission of T. canis larvae and hookworm larvae to the pups. However, be cautious and consult a vet as these protocols involve the off-label use of anthelmintics.

   – Note: High dose, off-label ivermectin should not be used in any dog with the MDR1 gene mutation. It’s crucial to know your dog’s genetics before opting for this.

3. Lactation:

   – Deworm the nursing dams every 15 days. This helps to decrease the number of parasites she might transmit through her milk.

4. Year Round:

– Maintain the female on broad-spectrum control products.

5. Consultation:

   – Always establish a deworming protocol in collaboration with your attending veterinarian. Regional differences mean the prevalence of certain parasitic diseases varies depending on geography. A local vet can provide insights into specific threats in your area, and this fine-tuning ensures the health of the breeding females and their litters.

Step 5: Identifying the Right Deworming Product

Having refined my protocol, I felt an impulse to delve a layer deeper. 

Yes, the foundation was set, but  which specific products could I recommend to fellow dog breeders for their breeding female dogs?

My research once again led me to a marvelous tool on the CAPC website: the “Quick Product Reference Guide.”

Utilizing this guide, you can select the species (in our case, dogs) and specifically target the parasites in focus. 

Remember – for breeding females, our primary concerns are Roundworms (Toxocara Canis), Hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum), and Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis). 

And following this selection, the guide conveniently lists the suitable products for addressing these parasites.

While a myriad of options could potentially serve our purpose for year-round prevention, it’s essential to circle back to our earlier findings from CAPC. 

Specifically, the mention of fenbendazole and ivermectin (though remember, this is off-label, so a veterinarian’s counsel is crucial). 

With the guide, you have the facility to discern the active compound in each product, granting you the power of an informed choice.

A Crucial Advisory: Before committing to a product, especially during breeding, scrutinize the product’s label. It’s a simple task—type the product name followed by “label” on an internet search, and peruse the results for its usage recommendations during gestation and lactation. A cautionary note: some labels distinctly advise against usage in pregnant dogs, flagging concerns like heightened risks of abortion and congenital anomalies.

More typically, labels may state that the product’s effects haven’t been gauged in breeding or lactating dogs. This veiled uncertainty underscores CAPC’s emphasis on off-label use, and consequently, the indispensable role of your veterinarian in this decision-making process.

In essence, while the foundational protocol for deworming and parasite prevention is clear-cut, perfecting it mandates dialogue with your veterinary expert.

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For all those involved in dog breeding, I hope that this blog has equipped you with clarity, direction, and valuable resources. 

Deworming isn’t merely a routine; it’s an indispensable component of your kennel’s health prophylaxis. The objective is never to bypass it but to execute it with informed precision. 

Your journey towards optimal kennel health starts with knowledge, and now, you’re better prepared than ever.