Medications and Supplements to Avoid With a Pregnant Dog
Aspirin:
Why it's bad: Aspirin can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers, which can be dangerous for both the pregnant dog and her developing puppies.
Ciprofloxacin:
Why it's bad: This antibiotic can interfere with cartilage development in the puppies, leading to joint and skeletal issues.
Steroids (including topicals in ear, eye, and shampoo medications):
Why it's bad: Steroids can cause developmental issues in the puppies and may lead to birth defects or pregnancy complications.
Diethylstilbestrol:
Why it's bad: This synthetic estrogen can cause reproductive tract abnormalities in the puppies and potential hormonal imbalances in the mother.
Doxycycline:
Why it's bad: This antibiotic can affect the development of the puppies' bones and teeth, leading to staining and structural issues.
Enrofloxacin:
Why it's bad: Similar to ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin can cause joint and cartilage issues in developing puppies.
Estradiol:
Why it's bad: This hormone can disrupt the normal hormonal balance during pregnancy, leading to developmental problems in the puppies.
Excess Vitamin A:
Why it's bad: Too much vitamin A can cause birth defects and developmental abnormalities, including skeletal issues.
Excess Vitamin D:
Why it's bad: High levels of vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia, which can cause skeletal malformations and developmental issues in the puppies.
Progesterones (before day 45):
Why it's bad: Progesterones can cause developmental defects and hormonal imbalances if administered before day 45 of pregnancy.
Prostaglandins:
Why it's bad: These can induce labor or cause abortion in pregnant dogs, leading to premature birth or loss of the litter.
Gold:
Why it's bad: Gold compounds can be toxic and cause developmental abnormalities in the puppies.
Griseofulvin:
Why it's bad: This antifungal medication can cause birth defects and is particularly harmful to the developing nervous system of the puppies.
Metronidazole:
Why it's bad: This antibiotic can cross the placenta and may cause neurological defects and other developmental issues in the puppies.
Oxytetracycline:
Why it's bad: Similar to doxycycline, oxytetracycline can affect bone and teeth development, leading to discoloration and structural problems.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as Rimadyl and Metacam:
Why it's bad: NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney damage, and interfere with blood clotting, posing risks to both the mother and the puppies.
Pentobarbital:
Why it's bad: This barbiturate is used for euthanasia and sedation, and its use can be fatal to both the mother and her developing puppies.
Streptomycin:
Why it's bad: This antibiotic can cause hearing loss and kidney damage in the developing puppies.
Sulfa drugs (such as Bactrim, Albon, Trimethoprim/Sulfa):
Why it's bad: These antibiotics can cause birth defects, including skeletal abnormalities and organ malformations.
Tetracycline:
Why it's bad: Similar to doxycycline and oxytetracycline, tetracycline can affect bone and teeth development, leading to discoloration and structural issues.
Testosterone:
Why it's bad: This hormone can cause developmental abnormalities and hormonal imbalances in the developing puppies.
Warfarin:
Why it's bad: This anticoagulant can cause bleeding disorders in both the mother and the puppies, leading to potential fatal hemorrhaging.
Topical Products to Avoid:
Carbaryl:
Why it's bad: This insecticide can be toxic and cause neurological defects and developmental issues in the puppies.
Dexamethasone Ophthalmic:
Why it's bad: This steroid can cause developmental issues and birth defects when absorbed through the eyes.
Gentocin sprays:
Why it's bad: These sprays contain antibiotics and steroids that can be absorbed through the skin, potentially causing developmental defects.
Mometamax:
Why it's bad: This ear medication contains steroids and antibiotics that can be harmful when absorbed, leading to developmental issues.
Ophthalmic products with steroids:
Why it's bad: Steroids can be absorbed through the eyes and cause developmental defects and hormonal imbalances.
Pennyroyal:
Why it's bad: This herb is toxic and can cause liver failure and developmental defects in the puppies.
Rotenone:
Why it's bad: This pesticide can be toxic and cause neurological defects and developmental issues in the puppies.
St. John’s Wort:
Why it's bad: This herb can cause hormonal imbalances and developmental issues in the puppies.
TriTop ointment:
Why it's bad: This topical ointment contains steroids and antibiotics that can be absorbed through the skin, potentially causing developmental defects.
General Advice With Pregnant Dog:
Avoid Steroids: Hydrocortisone is generally considered safe, but other steroids should be avoided as they can cause developmental issues and birth defects.
Consult Your Vet: Always consult with your veterinarian before administering any medication or supplement to your pregnant dog.
For more information and guidance on caring for pregnant dogs, visit k9reproduction.com.
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