Fenbendazole Dosage For Dogs: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

The ideal fenbendazole dosage for dogs is 50 mg/kg (22.7 mg/lb) for the treatment of lungworms, giardia, roundworms, and certain species of tapeworms. This medication attacks the internal structure of these parasites, rendering them incapable of feeding or reproducing.

Ensuring the health and happiness of our canine companions involves making informed choices about their care, especially when it comes to dewormer medications. One commonly used treatment for a variety of parasitic infections is fenbendazole dosage for dogs.

Understanding the proper fenbendazole dosage for dogs for your furry friend is crucial for its effectiveness and safety.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about fenbendazole for canines, from its uses and benefits to potential side effects and precautions, ensuring you have the knowledge to keep your furry friend healthy and parasite-free.

What is Fenbendazole For Dogs?

Fenbendazole is an anthelmintic, which means it’s a drug used to treat infections caused by worms and other parasites. Fenbendazole is an antiparasitic medication commonly used in veterinary medicine, particularly for dogs. It is effective against a range of gastrointestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and certain types of tapeworms.

Initially developed in the 1970s, it belongs to the benzimidazole class of medications, which are known for their effectiveness in treating a variety of parasitic infections in canines.

Fenbendazole Dosage For Dogs

The correct fenbendazole dosage for dogs depends on several factors, including your dog’s weight, age, and overall health. Generally, the dosage is about 50 mg per kg of the dog’s body weight, administered once daily for three consecutive days. However, always consult your vet for precise dosing.

Fenbendazole 2.5% liquid suspension Dosage For Dogs:

• 1.9 ml/kg (0.9 ml/lb) for puppies under 6 months.
• 3.9 ml/kg (1.8 ml/lb) for dogs 6 months or older.

Fenbendazole 10% liquid suspension Dosage For Dogs:

• 0.5 ml/kg (0.23 ml/lb) for dogs under 6 months.
• 0.9 ml/kg (0.45 ml/lb) for dogs 6 months and older.

Fenbendazole Granules Dosage for Dogs:

0.2 grams per kilogram (0.1 grams per pound) means 1 gram per 10 pounds of body weight.

Fenbendazole Oral Paste Dosage for Dogs:

2 syringe graduations per kg (2.2 lbs)

Panacur® Dosage For Dogs:

• 50 mg/kg (22.7 mg/lb)
• Panacur liquid 10%, 1 ml/kg

Safe-Guard® Dosage For Dogs:

50 mg/kg (22 mg/lb)

Fenbendazole Dosage Chart for Dogs by Weight

Dog Weight (lbs)	Dog Weight (kg)	Fenbendazole 2.5% Liquid (Puppies < 6 months)	Fenbendazole 2.5% Liquid (Dogs ≥ 6 months)	Fenbendazole 10% Liquid (Dogs < 6 months)	Fenbendazole 10% Liquid (Dogs ≥ 6 months)	Fenbendazole Granules	Fenbendazole Oral Paste	Panacur®	Panacur® 10% Liquid	Safe-Guard®
1	0.45	0.9 ml	1.8 ml	0.23 ml	0.45 ml	0.1 grams	1 graduation	22.7 mg	0.45 ml	22 mg
5	2.3	4.5 ml	9 ml	1.15 ml	2.25 ml	0.5 grams	4.5 graduations	113.5 mg	2.3 ml	110 mg
10	4.5	9 ml	18 ml	2.3 ml	4.5 ml	1 gram	9 graduations	227 mg	4.5 ml	220 mg
20	9.1	18 ml	36 ml	4.6 ml	9 ml	2 grams	18 graduations	454 mg	9 ml	440 mg
30	13.6	27 ml	54 ml	6.9 ml	13.5 ml	3 grams	27 graduations	681 mg	13.6 ml	660 mg
40	18.2	36 ml	72 ml	9.1 ml	18 ml	4 grams	36 graduations	908 mg	18.2 ml	880 mg
50	22.7	45 ml	90 ml	11.35 ml	22.5 ml	5 grams	45 graduations	1135 mg	22.7 ml	1100 mg
60	27.3	54 ml	108 ml	13.65 ml	27 ml	6 grams	54 graduations	1362 mg	27.3 ml	1320 mg
70	31.8	63 ml	126 ml	15.9 ml	31.5 ml	7 grams	63 graduations	1589 mg	31.8 ml	1540 mg
80	36.4	72 ml	144 ml	18.2 ml	36 ml	8 grams	72 graduations	1816 mg	36.4 ml	1760 mg
90	40.9	81 ml	162 ml	20.45 ml	40.5 ml	9 grams	81 graduations	2043 mg	40.9 ml	1980 mg
100	45.5	90 ml	180 ml	22.75 ml	45 ml	10 grams	90 graduations	2270 mg	45.5 ml	2200 mg

The above Fenbendazole dosage chart for dogs by weight is provided for educational purposes only and should not substitute for veterinary advice.

Always start with the minimum dose for your canine until your vet prescribes an increase in dosage.

Fenbendazole Canine Formulation Variants

Several formulation variants of fenbendazole are available for canine use, each designed to suit different preferences and needs. The primary formulations include:

Granules: These are small, easy-to-mix granules that can be added to the dog’s food. They are convenient for dogs that may resist taking pills or liquid medications. The granules are typically packaged in pre-measured sachets for accurate dosing based on the dog’s weight.

Tablets: Fenbendazole tablets are a versatile administration option. They are often scored, allowing for easy splitting to achieve the correct dosage for dogs of various sizes.

Tablets can be given directly or discreetly hidden in food or treats, giving you the flexibility to choose the best method for your dog. 

Suspension: This liquid form of fenbendazole can be precisely measured and administered using a dosing syringe. The suspension is particularly beneficial for accurate dosing, especially in small or large dogs.

It can be mixed with food or given directly by mouth, ensuring your dog gets the proper medication every time.

Paste: Fenbendazole paste is another oral form often used for horses but can be adapted for dogs under veterinary guidance.

The paste allows for a precise dose to be administered directly into the dog’s mouth, which can be helpful for dogs that are difficult to medicate.

Fenbendazole Liquid Suspension Dosage Chart (ml) for Dogs

Dog’s Weight	2.5% Suspension (Puppies < 6 months)	2.5% Suspension (Dogs ≥ 6 months)	10% Suspension (Puppies < 6 months)	10% Suspension (Dogs ≥ 6 months)
1 kg	1.9 ml	3.9 ml	0.5 ml	0.9 ml
2 kg	3.8 ml	7.8 ml	1 ml	1.8 ml
3 kg	5.7 ml	11.7 ml	1.5 ml	2.7 ml
4 kg	7.6 ml	15.6 ml	2 ml	3.6 ml
5 kg	9.5 ml	19.5 ml	2.5 ml	4.5 ml
10 kg	19 ml	39 ml	5 ml	9 ml
20 kg	38 ml	78 ml	10 ml	18 ml
30 kg	57 ml	117 ml	15 ml	27 ml
40 kg	76 ml	156 ml	20 ml	36 ml
50 kg	95 ml	195 ml	25 ml	45 ml

Fenbendazole Oral Paste Dosage Chart for Dogs

Dog’s Weight	Dosage (2 syringe graduations/kg)
1 kg (2.2 lbs)	2 syringe graduations
2 kg (4.4 lbs)	4 syringe graduations
3 kg (6.6 lbs)	6 syringe graduations
4 kg (8.8 lbs)	8 syringe graduations
5 kg (11 lbs)	10 syringe graduations
10 kg (22 lbs)	20 syringe graduations
20 kg (44 lbs)	40 syringe graduations
30 kg (66 lbs)	60 syringe graduations
40 kg (88 lbs)	80 syringe graduations
50 kg (110 lbs)	100 syringe graduations

How Does Fenbendazole Work?

Fenbendazole works by inhibiting the parasites’ ability to produce energy, leading to their death. It disrupts explicitly the function of microtubules in the cells of the parasites.

This disruption prevents the parasites from absorbing glucose, ultimately starving them to death. Compared to other dewormers, fenbendazole is considered broad-spectrum, meaning it targets a wide range of parasites.

Fenbendazole Uses in Canines

Treats roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, and sometimes tapeworm infections in dogs.
May be used off-label for giardiasis and other protozoal infections.
Occasionally employed preventively in high-risk environments like kennels.
Dosage and duration should be determined by a veterinarian.

Side Effects

Gastrointestinal disturbances like vomiting and diarrhea
Lethargy or decreased activity levels
Loss of appetite
Rare allergic reactions such as itching or swelling
Uncommon neurological symptoms like tremors or seizures
Potential for liver or kidney effects, particularly with prolonged or high-dose use

Which Dogs Should Not Take Fenbendazole.

Canines with the following health issues should not take Fenbendazole without veterinary recommendations.

Pregnant or nursing canines.
Puppies, especially those under six weeks of age.
Dogs with known allergies to fenbendazole.
Underweight or debilitated puppies.
Dogs with pre-existing liver or kidney disease.
Dogs taking certain medications, especially those metabolized by the liver.

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