AdminKnown under the brand name Panacur, fenbendazole powder is an anthelmintic medication that is used to treat and prevent intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, Taenia tapeworms and whipworms in dogs. It is also commonly prescribed off-label to protect against lungworms and giardia. Fenbendazole works by interrupting the energy metabolism of helminths, which then causes them to die. It is often combined with praziquantel to effectively kill parasites that are resistant to fenbendazole on its own.
Aside from being a very effective antiparasitic, fenbendazole is also safe to use. At regular doses, it typically does not cause any side effects at all in dogs or cats. However, if your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, such as facial swelling, itching or hives, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Fenbendazole is a member of the benzimidazole family and acts by interfering with the microtubules that make up the parasite’s digestive system cells. It also disrupts the integrity of helminth eggs, making them unable to develop further. This kills both adult and larval worms and helps eliminate worm infestations within the gut. It is not recommended to use fenbendazole for dogs with high worm burdens due to the possibility of severe diarrhea.
Giardia is a microscopic parasite that can live in the digestive tracts of dogs, humans and other animals. Symptoms of the infection include abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Giardia can be spread between pets and people, so it is important to treat affected animals quickly. Your veterinarian will prescribe a short course of fenbendazole for giardia, which can be administered orally or by injection. Your vet will likely recommend testing a fecal sample 2-4 weeks after treatment to ensure the infection is fully eradicated.
The fenbendazole powder is a convenient form of the drug that can be mixed into your dog’s usual meals, whether they are wet or dry. It should be fed daily, and a complete course of treatment usually lasts 3-5 days. Your veterinarian will likely recommend testing a fecal worm count 2-4 weeks after the treatment to ensure the fenbendazole has eradicated the problem.
This medication is available by prescription only from your veterinarian. Follow your veterinarian’s instructions for administration, including the number of doses and how long to feed it. It is not recommended to use fenbendazole in conjunction with other flukicides such as dibromsalan, as this can lead to abortions in cattle and deaths in sheep. If your animal suffers an adverse reaction to this medication, contact your veterinarian or local poison control center. The veterinarian will likely reassess your pet’s deworming schedule and may need to administer other medications. fenbendazole powder