Fenbendazole is a benzimidazole-based dewormer for dogs, cats, horses, and cows. This medication is a top pick among pet parents since it’s relatively inexpensive, available over-the-counter, and has a long shelf life when stored correctly. Fenbendazole kills many common parasitic nematodes that infect canines like whipworms, lungworms, giardia, roundworms, and certain species of tapeworms. This medication attacks the internal structure of these parasites, which renders them incapable of feeding or reproducing.
Many vets recommend this drug over other commercial dewormers since it’s not as harsh on the intestinal tract as some others on the market. Fenbendazole is the active ingredient of Panacur and Safe-Guard but it’s also found in many combination antiparasitics like Fentol Plus. Worms in dogs can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your dog has worms or is at risk, start searching for the right pet insurance plan today.
Description
Fenbendazole (brand names Panacur®, Safe-Guard®) is a medication used to treat a variety of parasites (e.g., roundworms, hookworms, lungworm, whipworm, and certain types of tapeworms) in dogs. Its use in cats for the treatment of parasites is ‘off label’ or ‘extra label’. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully.
Fenbendazole is a drug prescribed by veterinarians to treat intestinal parasites. It kills roundworms, whipworms, hookworms, and tapeworms in pets. It is only FDA-approved in dogs, but veterinarians often prescribe Fenbendazole to cats as well. Your veterinarian may perform a fecal floatation test if they suspect a parasite or as part of a routine check-up. It involves taking a small fecal sample from your dog using a lubricated fecal loop. The feces is then put in a small container with a solution that will allow most of the fecal matter to sink and the parasite eggs to float. A slide is then made of the floating material and examined under a microscope. The slide is then scanned for eggs.
How is fenbendazole given
Fenbendazole comes as oral granules or as a liquid suspension and is given by mouth. Liquid forms must be measured carefully. Fenbendazole should be given with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset. Give this medication as directed by your veterinarian. Fenbendazole is often given once daily for 3 consecutive days and then again in another round 2-3 weeks later. It is important that your pet receives all of the doses recommended by your veterinarian for best results. Do not stop early or skip doses unless recommended by your veterinarian. Retreatment may be necessary if doses are missed, the medication is stopped too soon, or if reinfection from the environment occurs. This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 days, but visible effects will take the entire duration of treatment to be recognized.
Dosage
A dosage of 22.7 mg per lb of bodyweight is usually recommended for 3 consecutive days for dogs with an active parasitic infection. This medication comes in several strengths and formulations for dogs from 5 lbs and up.
2.5% fenbendazole liquid suspension:
- 0.9 ml per lb for dogs under 6 months
- 1.82 ml per lb for dogs 6 months or older
10% fenbendazole liquid suspension:
- 0.23 ml per lb for dogs under 6 months
- 0.45 ml per lb for dogs 6 months and older
Granules:
- 1 gram per 10 lbs of body weight
Oral paste:
- 2 syringe graduations per 2.2 lbs/1kg
Panacur Favourites Tablets:
- 1 tablet per 10 lbs of weigh
Specification
- Drug Name: Fenbendazole
- Common Name: Panacur®
- Drug Type: Antihelmintic
- Used For: Eradication of intestinal parasites
- Species: Dogs
- Administered: Powder, Granules, Injectable
- How Dispensed: Over the counter
- FDA Approved: Yes, for dogs
Prices of Fenbendazole For Dogs
$22.90 – $109.99