Fenbendazole Dosage Chart for Dogs: Risks, Side Effects, Dosage, and More

Has your veterinarian prescribed Fenbendazole to your dog with intestinal worms? If so, you likely have questions about how this medication can help your pet feel better. We break down everything you need to know below, discussing common uses, side effects, and dosing. Let’s dive in!

What Is Fenbendazole?

Fenbendazole is a medication used to treat a variety of intestinal parasites in animals. It has been used to treat both humans and animals for years. It is often found under the brand name ‘Panacur‘ in the veterinary setting. Panacur is a form of fenbendazole that has been formulated for use in dogs, cats, and livestock. Fenbendazole can treat roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, lungworms, giardia, and some forms of tapeworm.

This drug works by attacking the internal structure within parasites, making it impossible for the parasites to feed or reproduce. This results in the ultimate death of the parasites within one to two days. However, it can take up to 10 days to see significant improvements.

Is Fenbendazole Safe for Dogs?

Fenbendazole is safe for use in dogs when following your vet’s dosing guidance. Fenbendazole can be purchased over the counter in some feed stores and pet stores. We highly recommend reaching out to your vet before offering fenbendazole to your dog at home. Your dog requires a specific dosing range based on their weight and parasite burden. Additionally, your dog may have a form of parasite that the medication cannot treat. Your vet will know the exact medication and dosing your dog needs.

Dr. Amy Nicole Lewis, a veterinarian with Worldwide Veterinary Services, told A-Z Animals that it’s important for your vet to test your dog’s stool before treatment. This will determine the exact parasites afflicting your pup to ensure your pet gets the treatment they need. For example, coccidia is a common parasite that fenbendazole cannot treat, so the medication would be ineffective.

Why Do Dogs Take Fenbendazole?

Dogs are prescribed fenbendazole to treat a variety of intestinal parasite infections. The intestinal parasites that can be treated with fenbendazole include:

• Hookworms
• Roundworms
• Whipworms
• Some species of tapeworms
• Giardia (often prescribed alongside a medication called metronidazole)

How Is Fenbendazole Given to Dogs?

Fenbendazole is a common medication that can be found over the counter. It can be purchased in a variety of different forms. Your vet will likely prescribe either a granule form or liquid form of Panacur, the veterinary formulation of fenbendazole. The granule form is sprinkled on top of your dog’s food, while the liquid form is given orally by syringe. Panacur will typically be given once daily for at least three days. However, dogs with a heavy worm burden may need to take it for up to seven days.

Fenbendazole must be given on consecutive days until it is completed, or it may not work properly. Skipping days may result in insufficient treatment of the intestinal parasites. We always suggest giving your dog their dose of fenbendazole with a small meal to prevent an upset stomach.

What Is the Dose of Fenbendazole for Dogs?

Before we offer the standard dose of fenbendazole for dogs, we should state again that you should not give your dog fenbendazole without veterinary approval. With that in mind, there is a standard fenbendazole dose that most veterinarians follow.

The standard dose of fenbendazole for dogs is 22.7 mg per pound of body weight. It should be given once daily for anywhere from three to seven days consecutively. A second round of treatment may be prescribed to be given again two weeks later to ensure that all stages of the parasite are treated. It is important to avoid skipping days, missing doses, or ending treatment without speaking to your vet first.

Are There Any Side Effects with Fenbendazole Use in Dogs?

Fenbendazole is a safe medication that has very few side effects, but some canine friends have developed mild symptoms of GI upset when taking the medication. However, it’s important to note that most dogs taking fenbendazole have an active case of intestinal parasites, so this could simply be side effects related to their parasitic infection.

Pet owners should be aware that their dog’s diarrhea could worsen in the first 48 hours after taking fenbendazole due to the irritation of the intestinal parasites dying. Their diarrhea should improve within 72 hours of starting the fenbendazole, and it should completely resolve within five to seven days.

How Do I Get Fenbendazole for My Dog?

Fenbendazole can be found at your vet’s office, as well as at local pet stores and feed stores. We always suggest reaching out to your vet for dosing guidance before offering this medication to your pet.

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