Can and should you de-worm a pregnant bitch?

The answer is simply yes. Essentially all bitches are infected with roundworm larvae that can lie hidden and dormant within the body. These become active during pregnancy and transfer to the pups while they are still in the womb as well as after birth at suckling. There are different de-worming protocols available. At present it is recommended to start de-worming pregnant bitches daily from day 40 of pregnancy until 2 days after whelping. The puppies should be dewormed at 2, 5, 8 and 12 weeks of age and then monthly until they are 6 months old. The mother should be treated at the same time as the puppies. Only certain wormers affect dormant larvae and the aforementioned protocol is not applicable to all worming products available. Consult a veterinarian for precise details regarding dosing and which products to use.