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As the warmer weather arrives, so does the season of flowers blooming, BBQs grilling, outdoor adventures, and the presence of fleas and ticks. Breeders often face the dilemma of choosing safe products for pregnant/breeding dogs and puppies. Many preventatives, including new 3-in-1 flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives, state that they have not been tested in pregnant/breeding dogs, complicating the decision-making process.

Dr. Lisa McKinney Sponsler, DVM, an associate veterinarian at Broad Ripple Animal Clinic in Indianapolis, Ind., and a breeder of Schapendoes, emphasizes the importance of balancing risks and benefits when selecting preventatives. She advises all pet owners and breeders to strictly follow the label instructions for flea and tick products, ensuring they are used for the appropriate species and age group. Puppies should ideally start on a combination of flea/tick/heartworm prevention as early as 6 to 8 weeks, following the product guidelines.

In Indiana, Dr. Sponsler uses a monthly preventative with selamectin year-round on her breeding girls, supplementing with a topical treatment containing fipronil and methoprene during the warmer months. Dr. Kate Bremser DVM, the veterinarian/owner of Quail Roost Animal Hospital in Rougemont, N.C., also opts for a topical treatment with fipronil and a monthly ivermectin-based heartworm preventative for her breeding and nursing dogs, prioritizing the prevention of heartworms and flea/tick infestations in neonatal puppies.

With growing concerns about parasite resistance to traditional preventatives, veterinarians recommend exploring newer products with enhanced efficacy. The decision on which product to use should also consider the safety of pregnancy, as some active ingredients may pose risks to unborn puppies. Consulting with a reproductive veterinarian specialist can provide valuable insights for breeders.

While some individuals advocate for natural remedies as an alternative to commercial preventatives, caution is advised as their safety for pregnant or breeding dogs is not well-established. Dr. Sponsler highlights the lack of convincing evidence for the effectiveness of natural options and advocates for the use of FDA-approved products.

Dr. Sponsler, who owns Dream Star Schapendoes, has extensive experience in breeding and training various dog breeds for agility, conformation, and Fast CAT competitions. Dr. Bremser, the owner of Sweetpea Springers and Quail Roost Animal Hospital, resides in central North Carolina with her English Springer Spaniels and horses, actively participating in dog sports.