Pest Control in Breeding Stock - Page 1

Hello,

I was wondering what kind of pest control is used (flea, tick, heartworm preventative) by others who breed? I have used some that were recommended by the vet as safe for breeding females, but I've lost puppies in utero twice after using them. I waited until a few days before delivery in my latest litter and had one stillborn puppy.

Thanks in advance.

Reliya

FWIW, I've had good results against yeast based skin and ear problems by using a probiotics of Saccharomyces Boulardii to starve them out (of their yeast sustenance) and to death... No side effects for the dog...

I've not used any flea or tick preventives on either of my German shepherds or other long haired breeds I have owned, and they've all been outside dogs, primarily. At one point I found a tick on one German shepherd while it was still a pup, but never flea infestation or any other tick incidents. Considering my area is notorious for deer ticks, I've been lucky. I don't use topical or chewables (like Bravecto) ever, and have raised dogs for over 25 years. I DO keep them clean and and use essential oil dog shampoos that naturally deter fleas. So far, I've been really lucky, or the regimen works.

BUT, for heartworm I use Interceptor Plus - not necessarily for heartworm, but because it also fends of multiple types of worms, especially whipworms.  They can be expensive to treat and the dogs go thru bloody stools if they get infested.

NOT Bravecto. Neurological and other issues.

FrontLine Plus. I don't apply every month. Once every three months, unless going to be around other dogs, then every month. And unless boarding or around other dogs, not at all in the (very cold) winter.
HeartGard Plus. Monthly, except not in the (very cold) winter. Located near much water and wetlands, and heartworm is a problem.

I separate the two by at least two days, and avoid scheduling veterinarian visit within two days of dosing either if there may or will be vaccinations or medication. Intent is to avoid interactions or overloading the system.

Be careful of lawn treatments (fertilizers, weed control, flea/tick control, agricultural chemicals, etc., including what the neighbors use and what may have been used by a previous owner). Also make sure the water coming out of your tap is safe.

Your breeder may have recommendations.

Always check with your veterinarian.

YMMV. NOT veterinary advice.

Flea and tick control is a three pronged effort. You should treat the outdoors (I use a sprayed insecticide that is good for 3 months (but wildlife will bring fleas and some will make it onto the dogs. Then, the house and kennel must be sprayed, and finally the dog. This past summer, only a thermonuclear device would have been fully effective.

On my breeding females I prefer to use topical as it is less invasive/toxic than anything ingested, but I've used Bravecto and Symparica on males. I have also used Capstar. No complaints on any of them

There's an outfit that sells capsules of Lufenuron and Nitenpyram that may work for you. Not as toxic, or effective, but can be cobbled into a somewhat effective strategy.