Fenbendazole powder is a potent anthelmintic medication used to treat and prevent various intestinal parasites including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms in dogs. It is also sometimes prescribed to help control giardia in dogs. It kills these worms by interrupting the cell cycle. Your veterinarian may recommend a fecal test 2-4 weeks after treatment to confirm that the worms are dead.
Benzimidazole-class medications like fenbendazole have been utilized for decades to treat and control parasitic infections in pets and livestock. The drug works by destroying the microtubules inside digestive cells, causing them to lose function. It also blocks the ability of worms to make energy and ultimately starves them. It also damages or destroys the shell of worm eggs, making it difficult for them to develop into mature worms.
Fenbendazole is available as a granule, liquid, chew and capsule for a wide variety of animals (including cattle, small ruminants, horses, sheep, goats, fur animals, rabbits and poultry) under the brand name Panacur(r), Safe-Guard(r) and other brands. It is usually mixed with the pet’s food and given during morning feeding.
It is a moderate-acting medication, meaning it should start to work within a few days but its effects can last longer in animals with liver or kidney disease. In some cases, a high dose of this medication can cause an allergic reaction in animals. Signs of this can include hives, facial swelling, difficulty breathing and collapse. The risk of this is greater if the drug is taken at the same time as other trematocidal drugs like ivermectin.