Panacur for Dogs - Fenbendazole Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Panacur is the brand name of a drug whose active substance is fenbendazole. This active principle is part of the pharmacotherapeutic group of benzimidazoles. It is also sold under the brand name Safe-Guard in the United States.

Fenbendazole is an antiparasitic drug. Specifically, it is a broad spectrum anthelmintic which means it is used to destroy parasitic worms. The drug produces its antiparasitic effect by influencing the uptake and metabolism of nutrients in parasites. In particular, it inhibits the enzyme fumarate-reductase, which leads to a reduction in glycogen and results in the death of the parasite by starvation.

At present, Panacur for dogs can be found in two dosage forms, both for oral administration: tablets and oral paste. The tablets can be sold in 500 or 250 mg doses.

Panacur's versatility in formulation allows it to be administered in a way that best suits the preferences and needs of the dog, ensuring effective treatment. The drug’s ability to target multiple life stages of parasites makes it a comprehensive solution for infestations.

Panacur is an antiparasitic drug used to treat nematode (roundworms) and cestodes (tapeworms). These most usually infest the gastrointestinal and pulmonary systems. Its action works against the eggs, larvae and adults of the following species of parasites:

• Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina
• Ancylostoma caninum
• Hookworm stenocephala
• Trichuris vulpis
• Taenia spp.
• Strongyloides stercoralis and Angiostrongylus vasorum

Although it is not included in the Panacur technical data sheet, there are studies that demonstrate its efficacy against these last two species of parasites. It could be prescribed by a veterinarian in case there is no better alternative.

In pregnant bitches, Panacur is used as a preventive treatment to avoid infestation of puppies by Toxocara canis and Ancylostoma caninum. However, teratogenic effects (those that cause congenital malformations) associated with a metabolite of fenbendazole, oxfenbendazole, have been described. Therefore, treatment with fenbendazole in pregnant dogs should only be done when a veterinarian considers it appropriate after carrying out a risk/benefit assessment.

In addition to its effectiveness against the previously mentioned helminths, fenbendazole for dogs is also used as a treatment against giardiasis. This is an infection caused by the protozoan Giardia. Treatment with Panacur prevents the excretion of Giardia oocysts for 2-4 weeks.

It should be noted that the Panacur is particularly useful in places where large numbers of dogs stay together, such as the case in shelters, kennels and animal protection centers. This is because:

• It is a drug suitable for use in various animal species, including dogs and cats.
• It is a drug that has a wide spectrum of action, allowing animals to be protected against a large number of parasitic species with the use of a single active ingredient.

Panacur’s broad spectrum activity and safety profile make it an ideal choice in multi-dog environments where the risk of rapid parasite transmission is high. By ensuring the health of each individual dog, it also helps maintain overall population health in such settings.

If you want to know more about how fenbendazole can help protect your companion animal, take a look at our guide to hookworms in cats.

The dose of fenbendazole for dogs will be different depending on the degree of the infestation, type of infestation and administration schedule:

• In the case of a single dose: 100 mg of fenbendazole will be administered per kg of weight.
• In the case of 3-day treatments: 50 mg of fenbendazole per kg of body weight per day will be administered.
• In the case of 5-day treatments: 20 mg of fenbendazole per kg of weight per day will be administered.
• In the specific case of pregnant bitches: the dose will be 25 mg of fenbendazole per kg of body weight per day, from day 40 of gestation until 2 days after delivery.
• In the case of giardiasis: 3-day treatments may be insufficient to kill the infection. In these cases it is possible to extend the treatment up to 7 days. In addition, post-treatment controls may be carried out to verify its effectiveness. Find out more about Giardia in dogs, including its symptoms, contagion and treatment.

Consistency in following the prescribed dosage is crucial for successful treatment. Deviations can lead to incomplete eradication of parasites or contribute to drug resistance, which can complicate future treatments.

Panacur overdose

Fenbendazole is a drug with a wide margin of safety. In cases of most overdoses intoxication does not usually occur. However, cases of lymphoid hyperplasia in the gastric mucosa have been described when triple-dose treatments have been used when single-dose treatments were required. It is essential to adhere to the dosage prescribed by the veterinarian to avoid any unwanted effects of the drug.

In rare instances of overdose, veterinary intervention may be necessary to manage specific symptoms and provide supportive care. Always store medication out of reach of pets to prevent accidental ingestion.

How to administer Panacur for dogs

When administering fenbendazole for dogs in tablet form, you can deposit them directly whole or in pieces at the base of the tongue. It is usually preferable to break them up and mix them with a small amount of their usual food, since administration with food increases the bioavailability of fenbendazole.

If you use the oral paste instead of tablets, you can place it directly on the base of the tongue after the animal has eaten. Alternatively, you can mix the paste into the food.

Contraindications to fenbendazole for dogs are rare. The main cases when fenbendazole for dogs should be avoided are in:

• Pregnant bitches before day 40 of gestation.
• Animals with hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the drug.

Veterinarians may also exercise caution when prescribing Panacur to dogs with compromised immune systems or those undergoing other treatments, as interactions or heightened sensitivity may occur.

The administration of fenbendazole for dogs can cause the following adverse reactions:

• Gastrointestinal disorders, including vomiting and diarrhea. Find out more about vomiting in dogs and types of diarrhea in dogs with our related articles.
• Allergic reactions for dogs sensitive to certain ingredients.

It is important to remember that the underlying infestation of parasites will likely be causing symptoms, so ensure you do not confuse these with side effects of fenbendazole for dogs.

In cases where side effects are observed, consulting a veterinarian promptly can help determine whether the symptoms are due to the medication or the parasitic infection itself. Adjustments to the treatment plan may be necessary to ensure the well-being of the pet.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Panacur for Dogs - Fenbendazole Uses, Dosage and Side Effects, we recommend you visit our Medicine category.