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Every once in awhile, your veterinarian gives you unpleasant news. Sometimes, that news sounds like this: “Your dog has worms.”
Nobody wants to hear that her dog has internal parasites, but worms in dogs are more common than you might think. They are also usually treatable. One of the medications veterinarians frequently prescribe for dogs with worms is Panacur, a deworming medication used to treat several species of canine parasites.
Panacur is the brand name of an oral deworming medication with the active ingredient fenbendazole. It is used to treat internal parasites in domestic animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and livestock. In dogs, Panacur is most often used to treat hookworm, roundworm, tapeworm (Taenia), and whipworm infections, although it is important to note that Panacur is not effective against Dipylidium tapeworms.
In addition to these worms, Panacur (fenbendazole) is approved in Europe to treat Giardia in dogs and is sometimes used off-label in the U.S. to deal with Giardia infections. It is also occasionally used off-label to combat lungworm infections.
Deworming medications work in different ways to eliminate parasites. Some target specific life stages, while others attack the biological processes of the parasite. Fenbendazole kills parasites by binding to tubulin (a type of protein), which interferes with the parasites’ ability to form microtubules, which combine to form the structure of the worm cells.
So how do you introduce this parasite eliminator into your dog’s system? Panacur is given orally, either in granules, a suspension, or a paste. Talk to your veterinarian about the best formulation for your dog and for tips about how to properly administer a dewormer.
Are there any potential side effects?
At regular doses, fenbendazole does not usually cause any side effects. Sometimes, substances released by the dying parasites may cause an allergic reaction, especially if fenbendazole is given at higher than regular doses. If your pet shows signs of an allergic reaction (facial swelling, itchiness, hives, diarrhea, seizures, or shock) seek veterinary care immediately.
Salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur in dogs or cats receiving this medication.
This moderate-acting medication should stop working in a few days, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.
Prevention and Treatment
An annual fecal check for every dog is recommended, and your veterinarian will likely reiterate this. The fecal check can be done as part of your pet’s wellness check (annual exam). To prevent parasitic infestation, it is a good idea to keep dogs away from other pets’ waste and dispose of your dog’s own waste quickly. Waste that sits around, in bags, containers or litter boxes is an invitation for parasitic disease. Parasite eggs become infectious within hours after being shed in pet feces and can contaminate soil. Washing hands after handling your pets waste or an infected animal is essential, since some parasitic infections can be transmitted to humans.
Adult dogs should be wormed every 3 months, weighing the dog prior in order to administer the correct dose of dewormer. Children and adults should wash their hands after playing with the family dog. While this is an age-old adage that is seldom followed, it really is a good idea. Similarly, washing hands after playing and working in the yard frequented by your dog is a good practice. Avoid letting dogs lick family members (including you) about the face, clean kennels and sleeping areas regularly and make sure that fleas are controlled on all pets in the home. Finally, refrain from feeding your dog raw meat.