Oral Suspension Fenbendazole for Dogs
Fenbendazole is a broad spectrum anthelmintic used against roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and the taenia species of tapeworms in dogs. Administration of the oral suspension (10 percent) is normally at a dosage of 50mg per kilogram of body weight per day for three days. Administration of fenbendazole granules 22.2 percent (222 mg/g) is per daily dose packets of 1 to 4 grams, depending upon the weight of the dog, for three consecutive days.
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Interactions
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According to an April 1979 "American Journal of Veterinary Research" article, "Fenbendazole oral suspension (10 percent) at the 50 mg/kg dosage is easily administered and is an effective drug for reducing nematode burdens" in affected dogs. The drug has no known drug interactions. As a result, you can deworm your dog by using fenbendazole (10 percent) oral suspension even if he is on a monthly heartworm preventive that also controls and/or prevents adult hookworm, roundworm and whipworm infestations.
Puppies and Females
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Use fenbendazole to deworm puppies, pregnant females and newly acquired dogs. Deworm your puppy after weaning, usually at six, eight, 10 and 12 weeks of age. Deworm your females just before breeding and before whelping. Continuous deworming at two, four and six weeks after whelping will also help reduce the transmission of parasites from mother to puppies. Veterinarians often recommend fenbendazole for deworming newly acquired dogs as well.
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Adult Dogs
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Although worms are more common in puppies than in adult dogs, adult dogs still need dewormed on a regular basis. Have your veterinarian check your dog for worms at least once per year. Or, you can proactively deworm your dog with fenbendazole anywhere from twice per year to every other month, depending on his exposure to infected areas, dogs and other animals. Dogs that spend a lot of time outside, such as hunting dogs, are particularly prone to infestation.
Pharmacokinetics
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According to the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, fenbendazole "binds to the tubulin subunit and interferes with mircrotubule formation." It is poorly absorbed by the gut, and most of the medication is eliminated in the dog's feces within 48 hours. Side effects are rare. In fact, University of Pennsylvania studies report that neither a single dose of 500 mg/kg nor a a 250 mg/kg daily dose for 30 days is toxic.
Considerations
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Fenbendazole is safe for deworming puppies 6 weeks or older, adult dogs and pregnant females. Depending on how infected your dog is, you may see dead worms in your dog's feces on more than one occasion. Although worms infect dogs all year round, the peak time for exposure to parasites is spring, summer and fall. Effective elimination of your dog's parasites must also include proper sanitation measures, such as picking up your dog's feces every day. Before beginning any parasitic control regime, discuss treatment options with your veterinarian.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit little dogs playing in nature image by dinostock from Fotolia.com Black puppies image by diter from Fotolia.com
