Drontal Plus Dosage Chart for Dogs: Risks, Side Effects, Dosage, and More

Has your veterinarian prescribed Drontal Plus to your dog with intestinal parasites? If so, you likely have questions about this medication and how it can help your dog feel better. We aim to breakdown everything you need to know about Drontal Plus for dogs below.

Let’s discuss ingredients, common side effects, and dosing!

What Is Drontal Plus?

Drontal Plus is a broad-spectrum deworming medication for puppies and adult dogs. It contains three active ingredients that work together to treat roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. Some state that this medication can even treat some cases of giardia.

The active ingredients in Drontal Plus are praziquantel, pyrantel, and febantel. Let’s breakdown how they work:

Praziquantel: Praziquantel works by paralyzing tapeworms and forcing them to detach from the intestinal walls. This causes them to break apart and be digested naturally. This is typically why you may not see any dead tapeworms in your dog’s stool once they are being treated.

Pyrantel: Pyrantel pamoate treats roundworms and hookworms in dogs. Pyrantel works similarly to praziquantel in the sense that it inhibits the parasite’s ability to attach to the digestive tract. This results in the hookworms and roundworms being naturally digested and flushed out of the body.

Febantel: Febantel treats whipworms in dogs. Febantel inhibits the whipworm’s ability to metabolize glucose, ultimately killing the parasites within 24-72 hours.

Is Drontal Plus Safe for Dogs?

Drontal Plus is a safe medication for puppies and dogs when following the dosing guidance that your vet offers. It offers a gentle treatment of intestinal parasites in puppies over two pounds, adult dogs, and senior dogs. However, unlike Drontal for cats, this medication is not safe for pregnant dogs.

Dr. Amy Nicole Lewis, a veterinarian with Worldwide Veterinary Services, told A-Z Animals that the combination of praziquantel and febantel in early pregnancy has been linked to birth defects in some pregnant dogs. It’s important to speak with your vet if you want to deworm your pregnant dog, as they will be able to prescribe a safe medication that does not put their pregnancy at risk.

Why Do Dogs Take Drontal Plus?

Drontal Plus treats roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms in puppies and adult dogs. Not only are intestinal parasites gross, but they can also have a significant impact on their overall health. A dog with intestinal parasites can experience severe diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, lethargy, weakness, dehydration, and even anemia. A severe case of intestinal parasites can be life-threatening to dogs, especially puppies.

How to Administer Drontal Plus to Dogs

Your veterinarian can prescribe Drontal Plus to your dog in tablet form. It is typically prescribed as a single dose that may be repeated two weeks later to ensure that all intestinal parasites have been treated effectively. Your dog can take this medication with or without food, but we recommend offering it with a small meal if your dog is prone to experiencing nausea after medications.

What Is the Dose of Drontal Plus for Dogs?

We highly suggest reaching out to your vet for dosing guidance before giving your dog Drontal Plus. However, there is a standard dosing range for Drontal Plus that most vets follow.

Drontal Plus comes in three concentrations for puppies and small dogs (two to 25 pounds), medium sized dogs (26 to 60 pounds), and large sized dogs (45 pounds and higher). The standard dosing is as follows:

Puppies and small dogs (two to 25 pounds):

• 2 to 4 pounds: 0.5 tablets
• 5 to 7 pounds: 1 tablet
• 8 to 12 pounds: 1.5 tablets
• 13 to 18 pounds: 2 tablets
• 19 to 25 pounds: 2.5 tablets

Medium sized dogs (26 to 60 pounds):

• 26 to 30 pounds: 1 tablet
• 31 to 44 pounds: 1.5 tablets
• 45 to 60 pounds: 2 tablets

Large sized dogs (45 pounds and higher):

• 45 to 60 pounds: 1 tablet
• 61 to 90 pounds: 1.5 tablets
• 91 to 120 pounds: 2 tablets

Are There Any Side Effects with Drontal Plus Use in Dogs?

Drontal Plus is generally safe and comes with few side effects when given to dogs in the appropriate dosing range. However, some canine companions may experience mild GI upset due to the breakdown process of the intestinal parasites, especially those with heavy worm burdens.

Some potential side effects of Drontal Plus for dogs include:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite

These side effects will often resolve within 48 hours of taking the medication. We suggest reaching out to your veterinary team if the side effects have not resolved within 48 hours, or if your dog’s GI upset is severe.

How Do I get Drontal Plus for My Dog?

You can purchase Drontal Plus at your vet’s office with a prescription. Be sure to reach out to your veterinary team if you are interested in purchasing this medication for your little one!