Pregnancy and Whelping

If following a natural worming programme, it is important that you check with the company / manufacturer that you are following their recommended guidance for pregnancy and whelping. This is because Roundworm and Hookworm can be passed from the bitch to the unborn pups.

• Pharmaceutical wormers are often given from 40 days of pregnancy.
• We recommend carrying out a Faecal Egg Count between 40 – 45 days of pregnancy.
• Due to the changes in hormones another Faecal Egg Count should be carried out again at 2 weeks post whelping. This should also include a Pooled Puppy Litter test (please see information below).

Due to changes in hormones, Dormant worms can be stimulated by this, therefore it is important that regular Faecal Egg Testing is carried out for both the bitch and the pups. For those following natural worming programmes, this is essential.

As a guide we recommend the following for Puppies:

 

Pooled litter Puppy Worm Kit

• 2 – 3 weeks old
• From 4 weeks old, individual samples should be collected rather than a pooled test of the litter.
• 8 weeks / pre movement

 

Worm count

• 12 weeks

 

Wormcount and Lungworm (if funds allow)

• 16 weeks
• 20 weeks
• 26 weeks
• Followed by every 3 months (on the basis that if they have any concerns prior to the 3 monthly retest date, they test earlier).

 

Lungworm – for those not following a natural prevention programme

We recommend testing for Lungworm every 6 weeks, for those not following a natural prevention programme. This is due to the lifecycle of lungworm. For those with a compromised immune system testing times should be adapted to accommodate this and risk factors. More frequent faecal analysis may be required.