Fenbendazole is a potent anthelmintic drug that can be used to treat and prevent intestinal parasites in dogs. It works by interrupting the parasite’s energy metabolism, causing it to die.
SAFE-GUARD is a medicated dewormer that can be fed to beef cattle, nonlactating dairy cattle, and goats. It is effective against lungworms, stomach worms, and intestinal worms.
What is fenbendazole?
Fenbendazole is a broad spectrum methylcarbamate benzimidazole anthelmintic used to treat nematode and protozoal parasites in a variety of species. In dogs, fenbendazole can remove roundworms (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina), hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala), whipworms (Trichuris vulpis), and tapeworms (Taenia pisiformis).
It is also effective against the intestinal protozoan Giardia lamblia. In humans, fenbendazole is known to have significant anti-cancer activity in lab experiments.
Panacur is an oral formulation of fenbendazole for cattle, small ruminants (sheep, goat), and horses infested with gastrointestinal nematodes, lungworms, or tapeworms such as Haemonchus contortus, Ostertagia ostertagi, Trichostrongylus axei, Bunostomum phlebotomum, Cooperia ferdinandi, and Nematodirus helvetianus. It is given as a 1.5 g bolus or 150 mg tablet per animal per day. It is best administered with food for optimal absorption into the system.
How is fenbendazole used?
Fenbendazole is an anthelmintic medication that is highly effective at eliminating gastrointestinal parasites. It belongs to the benzimidazole carbamate group and works by binding to beta-tubulin in microtubules and disrupting cell division. This halts the ability of the parasite to produce energy, starving it until it dies. Ideally, the medication should be delivered with your pet’s food as this enhances its absorption.
In beef cattle, fenbendazole is often used in conjunction with other medications as part of a deworming regimen to remove lungworms (Haemonchus contortus), stomach worms (Strongylus edentatus, Strongylus vulgaris, and Trichostrongylus axei) and intestinal worms (Helicobacterium bovis, Helicobacterium marron). It is also used in nonlactating dairy goats to control large strongyles, small strongyles, and ascarids. If your animal exhibits signs of an infestation, such as weight loss, diarrhea, bloating, scratching of the perianal area, anemia or bad breath, it is a good idea to see a veterinarian immediately. They may recommend a treatment plan that involves fenbendazole as part of preventive care.
What are the side effects of fenbendazole?
Fenbendazole has the capability of treating several internal parasites including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and some tapeworms (Taenia species). It is not effective against the common intestinal parasite Dipylidium caninum, which requires a different dewormer. It is also not effective against coccidian parasites like Isospora, which can be seen in feces samples and cause gastrointestinal disease.
At regular doses, fenbendazole is well tolerated by most animals. Occasionally, vomiting or diarrhea may occur from the release of substances by dead parasites during treatment.
In cancer research, fenbendazole has been shown to interfere with the ability of cancer cells to absorb glucose, which can starve them and cause them to die. It has also been shown to have antitumor effects in animal models, especially for tumors that contain a KRAS mutation.
The medication is available in a variety of forms and formulations to suit your pet’s needs. Your veterinarian will recommend the most appropriate product for your pet. Your vet may also prescribe a compounded fenbendazole formulation if there is a specific reason that your pet can’t be treated with an FDA-approved drug, such as a sensitivity to an ingredient in the FDA-approved medication or a dosage strength not commercially available.
Can I give fenbendazole to my dog?
Fenbendazole (also known by the brand names Panacur(r) and Safe-Guard(r)) is a potent anthelmintic medication that can be used to treat and prevent parasites in dogs. It works by interrupting the energy metabolism of parasites so that they die off. It is also effective against roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, lungworms and certain types of tapeworms in dogs.
Despite being relatively safe and well tolerated, it is important to follow your veterinarian’s directions carefully when giving your dog fenbendazole. If your dog experiences side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea or loss of appetite, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Giardia is a difficult and stubborn intestinal parasite that can be very hard on your pet’s digestive system. Luckily, a number of different deworming treatments are available that can help get rid of this parasite. One of the most popular is fenbendazole, which is often prescribed to puppies as part of their routine deworming regimen. Fetch by The Dodo spoke with Emily Singler, VMD, a Fetch by The Dodo on-staff veterinarian, to learn more about fenbendazole for dogs and how it can help them stay healthy.fenbendazole powder
