Once your female dog is pregnant, what to feed a pregnant dog in her diet is even more important to keep an eye on. Using certain substances during a canine pregnancy can result in defects to the puppies.
Revival’s Director of Veterinary services, Dr. Greer recommends avoiding these substances during pregnancy:
- Aspirin
- Ciprofloxacin
- Steroids including topicals in ear, eye and shampoo meds
- Diethylstilbestrol
- Doxycycline
- Enrofloxacin
- Estradiol
- Excess Vitamin A
- Excess Vitamin D
- Progesterones before day 45
- Prostaglandins
- Gold
- Griseofulvin
- Metronidazole
- Oxytetracycline
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as Rimadyl and Metacam
- Pentobarbital
- Streptomycin
- Sulfa’s such as Bactrim, Albon, Trimethoprim/Sulfa
- Tetracycline
- Testosterone
- Warfarin
Can Topical Products Hurt a Pregnant Dog?
Certain topical products used on a pregnant dog can also cause defects in puppies. Those are:
- Carbaryl
- Dexamethasone Ophthalmic
- Gentocin sprays
- Mometamax
- Ophthalmic with steroids
- Pennyroyal
- Rotenone
- St. John’s Wort
- TriTop ointment
Can a Pregnant Dog Have Steroids?
One additional thing to keep in mind is that there are many types of steroids and it’s impossible to list them all. Hydrocortisone is considered safe. Otherwise, always avoid any steroids when pregnant. This includes those that are applied topically and used on ears and eyes.
If you have additional questions on caring for a pregnant dog or what precautions should be taken for a pregnant dog, call us at 800.786.4751.
Will Your Dog Be Whelping Soon?
Revival’s Whelping Kit helps you easily shop for all your dog whelping supplies! We also have a wide variety of pregnancy supplies for dogs including prenatal vitamins, postnatal vitamins and calcium for whelping.
LEARN MORE:
Dog Whelping: The Complete Guide | Revival Animal Health
Revival Animal Health put together a complete guide on dog whelping to ensure you have the right information. Learn about how to prepare for whelping.
Deworming Pregnant Dogs: Dr. Greer’s Canine Deworming Protocol
Can you deworm a pregnant dog? What do breeders use to deworm puppies? Deworming pregnant dogs is essential to protect newborn pups. Learn which dewormers are safe for pregnancy, and the best dewormers for puppies and stud dogs.
3 Ways to Help Your Dog Prepare for Whelping
What three things should you do to help your dog prepare for whelping? Learn about prenatal vitamins for dogs, deworming, and calcium gel during whelping.
Calcium and Food for Pregnant Dogs: FAQs
Food and calcium supplements are critical to the health of both a pregnant dog and her pups. Learn what to feed a pregnant dog, and when to safely give calcium for pregnant dogs.
Written by: Marty Greer, DVM
Director of Veterinary Services
Marty Greer, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, has 40+ years’ experience in veterinary medicine, with special interests in canine reproduction and pediatrics. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 1981. She’s served as Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services since 2019. In 2023, Dr. Greer was named the Westminster Kennel Club Veterinarian of the Year.