Fenbendazole, also known as Panacur®, Safe-Guard®, is a medication used to treat a variety of parasites in domestic animals such as dogs, cats, horses, and livestock. Veterinarians prescribe this broad-spectrum anthelminthic (antiparasitic) drug used against gastrointestinal parasites. Fenbendazole is only FDA-approved for dogs, but veterinarians often prescribe it for cats as well.

Fenbendazole for dogs

Fenbendazole for dogs is used to kill the following parasites:

• Roundworms
• Hookworms
• Lungworms
• Whipworms
• Tapeworms
• Giardia
• Coccidia 

As part of a regular check-up or if there is reason to suspect a parasite, your veterinarian may perform a fecal flotation test. The test involves using a small, lubricated fecal loop to remove a small sample of feces from your dog. 

The feces are then placed into a special solution causing parasitic eggs to float while most of the other fecal matter sinks. The floating material is then placed on a slide, examined under a microscope, and scanned for eggs.      

Once confirmed, Fenbendazole for dogs is prescribed.

Fenbendazole (Panacur®) is an over-the-counter medication but should only be given as directed by your veterinarian. Fenbendazole for dogs comes as oral granules or as a liquid and is given by mouth. Mixing the medication with your dog's regular food is best and will avoid stomach upset. Adding a little water to dry food will moisten it and help blend in the medication. Make sure your dog eats all of the medicated food. 

Fenbendazole is typically given once daily for three consecutive days and then again in another round two to three weeks later.

Sick dogs or puppies younger than six weeks should not receive this medication. 

It is critical that your dog receives ALL doses recommended by your vet. Even if your dog is feeling or acting better, you should not stop giving the medication early or skip doses unless directed by the veterinarian. It is also essential to measure the liquid form of the medicine carefully and never give your dog extra does or two doses at once.

Dosing Information

Panacur® C comes in three sizes (1g, 2g, and 4g), and each box contains three packets. The daily dose for Panacur® C is 25 mg per pound or 50 mg/kg, so you should weigh your dog to ensure the dosing is accurate. If your dog is in between the suggested dosing sizes, it is safe to use the next higher size. For example, a dog weighing 15 pounds should receive a 2-gram packet.

Please follow the dosing chart below:

Retreatment may be necessary if doses are missed, medication is stopped too soon, or infection reoccurs.

This medication's effect usually stops working in a few days, but results can linger if your dog has any liver or kidney diseases. 

At regular doses, Fenbendazole doesn't usually cause any side effects. However, salivation, loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur. Also, sometimes, substances released by the dying parasite may cause an allergic reaction in your dog.

There are no known drug interactions with Fenbendazole for dogs but be sure to let your vet know about any medications, vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies your dog is taking.

Typically, there shouldn't be any monitoring with this medication, but your vet may request additional fecal tests to ensure the parasites are dead and may add extra dosing if needed.

The drug manufacturer recommends storing Fenbendazole granules in tightly sealed containers at room temperature and away from sunlight.

In case of an emergency such as an overdose or adverse reaction, call your vet, and if they are unavailable, follow their emergency protocols.

Adverse reaction signs and symptoms include:

• Facial swelling
• Itchiness
• Hives
• Diarrhea
• Seizures
• Shock

Parasites are a common and important cause of disease in dogs and can be inadvertently ingested. Although most people know about external parasites like fleas and ticks, many don't realize intestinal parasites can cause significant health problems for their dogs.

Intestinal parasites can cause your dog’s malnutrition resulting in weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and anemia. Furthermore, many of your dog's parasites can infect people. It is estimated that 20% of dogs pass parasitic eggs in their stool, causing toxocariasis, an illness in humans that can lead to vision loss, especially in children.