Do Human Birth Control Pills Prevent Pregnancy In Dogs?

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Don’t want your dog to have puppies?

Are you wondering if birth control medications work for furry friends too?

Can I Give My Dog Birth Control?Here’s the deal…

Human birth control cannot be used to prevent a pet dog from getting pregnant.

You have to get the right kind of contraception for a canine. Your vet can prescribe “The Pill” to your pooch!

Mibolerone is an option. It effectively suppresses estrus (the heat cycle) in female dogs.

There are many other options for your animal. Keep reading…

You Can Get Your Dog Birth Control

Obviously preventing sexual activity is much preferred to potentially harmful pharmaceuticals.

But a lot of times that just isn’t possible. Besides abstinence, spaying and neutering are viable and routine procedures rather than temporary chemical birth control.

Make no mistake:

Side effects are a possibility whenever a dog is put on birth control. Any synthetic drug that disrupts a heat cycle can cause harm.

Be sure to discuss pros and cons with your vet, and ask questions before ultimately making a decision.

Androgenic Steroids

A veterinarian may recommend the following oral birth control for your dog:

Dimethylnortestosterone (DMNT)

This is an anabolic steroid that goes by various brand names including Mibolerone, Matenon and Cheque Drops.

FYI: Treatment typically needs to begin at least 30 days prior to the dog’s heat cycle for these drugs to be effective.

Common Side Effects

Closely watch your dog for side effects when they are on anabolic–androgenic birth control.

Here are some of the known reactions:

  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Yellow gums
  • Poor appetite
  • Lethargy 
  • Aggression
  • Increased tearing
  • Muscle pain
  • Bad odors
  • Vaginal infections
  • Incontinence
  • Vomiting

Contact your vet ASAP if your dog shows these signs.

Warning: Pets with kidney or liver diseases are not candidates for steroidal birth control. Some breeds, such as Bedlington Terriers, are especially prone to such medical conditions.

Spaying and Neutering

Having a dog spayed (for females) or neutered (for males) are 100% guaranteed methods for avoiding pregnancies.

And by contrast…

Birth control meds will never have a perfect track record. And sometimes owners either forget or neglect to administer them properly which, in turn, further reduces effectiveness.

A Removable Implant

But castrating a canine seems so harsh.

Well, there is an interesting alternative that mimics neutering!

Male dogs can receive a subcutaneous implant called Suprelorin® It prevents fertility by stopping production of sperm.

Deslorelin, which is also used for horses, is the active ingredient in this birth control.

These hormone capsules will have testosterone under control in less than 6 weeks after being placed under your dog’s skin.

The No Sex Solution

Last, but not least…

Keeping your dog from making close physical contact is the ultimate birth control technique. Admittedly, that can be difficult.

The Bottom Line

Human contraceptives are neither safe or effective for canines.

The good news is there are birth control medications that are specifically designed for dogs.

But pregnancy prevention can be achieved in other ways. Consider alternatives including castration, implants and abstinence before turning to anabolic–androgenic steroids.

Speak with your vet about the best way to achieve birth control for your dog.

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4 thoughts on “Do Human Birth Control Pills Prevent Pregnancy In Dogs?”

  1. Are one-time emergency birth control pills safe to be used to prevent pregnancy in dogs if given within 72 hours?

  2. Male dogs go crazy to reach the female. They can copulate through fences and break through glass windows. You never walk a female dog who is in heat since you won’t be able to physically push away a male who is attracted to her.

  3. What type of contraceptive I can give my dog to prevent pregnancy?

    1. Hi Lisa. You have to see your vet for contraception that’s formulated for dogs.

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