How do you take care of a male dog used for breeding? In this Vet Minute, Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Marty Greer, talks about why healthy teeth and skin are especially important for a breeding male dog.
How Do You Prepare a Male Dog for a Stud
Why is dental and skincare so important for a breeding male dog? Proper dental health can help prevent against periodontal disease which can impact the dog’s heart. A strong heart is very important for the overall health of your dog, especially a breeding male.
When it comes to skincare, if his skin is healthy, he will feel better and do a better job. Make sure your males are clear of dermatitis, manage, hot spots, acne, and other skin problems. I recommend Vet Basics Sebo Plus to help relieve any bacterial skin infections. If your stud dog is dealing with ringworm, yeast, pyoderma or bacterial dermatitis, chlorhexidine shampoos such as EquiShield® CK Shampoo are a good option. You want to make sure nothing is transferred to the female during breeding, for example, things like mange mites and fleas. Look for small black specks, that may be a sign of fleas. If you see signs of fleas, use Capstar or another flea preventative.
Before breeding, I recommend to schedule a spa day for your male and perform a comprehensive routine physical exam. It will make you both feel better knowing he is healthy on the outside and inside. If you need help or have other stud dog and breeding questions, call us at 800.786.4751.
LEARN MORE:
Skin Care for Breeding Females and Stud Dogs
Breeding success starts with proper grooming. A dog skin care routine helps keep breeding dogs free of dermatitis, manage, parasites and other dog skin issues.
Treating Skin Conditions in Dogs and Cats
What can I put on my dogs irritated skin? How can I soothe my cat's itchy skin? Choosing the right product to treat your pet's skin conditions can be tricky. Learn cat and dog skin care tips and what products can easily treat common skin conditions.
Dog Dental Care in the Kennel
How can I improve my dogs dental health? Dog dental disease prevention is important for kennels. Learn about oral rinses, sprays and dental water for dogs and how to prevent tartar build up in dogs.
Vet Minute: Stud Dogs in Hot Weather
How does heat affect male dogs? Learn how heat and hot summer weather can impact a male breeding dog's fertility.
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.