Intestinal parasites, Giardia, and lungworms can all be controlled with the same medication – Panacur for dogs. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about Panacur for dogs – from uses and benefits to risks and considerations. Plus, we give some helpful Panacur usage instructions. 

Can I Give My Dog Panacur?

Yes, you can give your dog Panacur for the control of parasitism. The official brand name of this FDA-approved drug is Panacur C Canine Dewormer (active ingredient – Fenbendazole), a medication made by Merck Animal Health, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. 

Fenbendazole works by binding with the parasitic proteins, thus damaging their structures and inhibiting cellular function. As a broad-spectrum antiparasitic, in veterinary medicine, Panacur can be used to prevent and treat various parasite species. 

When to Use Panacur for Dogs

Can I Give My Dog Panacur

Panacur should be used when there is a need for control of parasitism. However, the exact deworming schedule varies based on various factors:

  • Environment-related factors – geographic region and climate 
  • Dog-related factors – age, lifestyle, and activity of your dog. 

Dogs living in warm climates with dense vector populations (fleas transmit worms) need more frequent deworming than dogs living in cold and harsh climates. Similarly, puppies less than six months of age need frequent deworming, while adult dogs require two rounds per year. 

The following schedule is not general guidance, but it gives you an insight into the age-related frequency variations – newly born pups need to be dewormed when at 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks of age. Plus, it is critical to treat the dam at the same time as the pups (she can transmit parasitic worms through the milk). 

Panacur for Dogs
  • Treat and control hookworms, roundworms, Taenia Tapeworms, whipworms and other parasites in your canine companion.
  • Comes in a convenient powder, which means it can be easily mixed into your dog's usual meals
  • Side effects are rare

Benefits and Uses of Panacur for Dogs

The benefit of Panacur for dogs is that it is FDA approved and a treatment of choice for intestinal worms. Below we list the different intestinal worms in dogs and the role of Panacur. 

Panacur for Roundworms in Dogs. Roundworms or ascarids cause vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, potbellied appearance, and coat quality decline. The two most common roundworms in dogs are Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. 

Panacur for Tapeworms in Dogs. Tapeworms (Taenia pisiformis) in dogs are transmitted via flea bites. In addition to the telltale stomach upset, a dog with tapeworms will scoot (they make the dog itchy when coming out). 

Panacur for Hookworms in Dogs. Hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala) lead to weight loss, bloody diarrhea bouts, and vomiting. In puppies, a hookworm infestation may result in poor growth and anemia. 

Panacur for Whipworms in Dogs. Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis) are very dangerous – they cause watery or bloody diarrhea, general debilitation, and weight loss. Heavy infestations in puppies may result in anemia. 

In addition to these mainstream uses, Panacur (Fenbendazole) can also be used extra-label for the treatment of Giardia and lungworms in dogs. 

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Panacur for Dogs

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Panacur for Dogs

Like all drugs, Panacur may cause side effects in some overly sensitive dogs. However, Panacur is a generally safe and well-tolerated medication for dogs. It is even safe for pregnant females.  The common side effects of Panacur are listed below:  

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Drooling

These side effects are Panacur-related. However, some adverse reactions are parasite-related. Namely, the dying worms release chemicals which in extra sensitive dogs may fuel an allergic reaction – hives, rashes, facial swelling, difficulty breathing. 

Same as all antiparasitic medications, Fenbendazole must not be used in:

  • Puppies less than six weeks of age
  • Debilitated and terminally ill dogs.  

Panacur Dosage for Dogs

panacur dosage for dogs

Get it on Chewy

Panacur comes in the form of oral Fenbendazole granules available as 1-gram packets, 2-gram packets, and 4-gram packets. Each dosage unit contains 22.2% (222 mg/g) of Fenbendazole. 

And the recommended dose of Panacur for dogs is 22.7 mg per pound of body weight (50 mg per kg) a day for three consecutive days. 

To find the usual dose for your dog’s weight, you need to use combinations of the right packet size and number of packets. If this is too much math, just stick to the following dosing table: 

  • Dogs weighing up to 10 lbs – 1 gram 
  • Dogs weighing 20 lbs – 2 grams  
  • Dogs weighing 30 lbs – 1 gram + 2 grams 
  • Dogs weighing 40 lbs – 4 gram
  • Dogs weighing 50 lbs – 1 gram + 4 gram
  • Dogs weighing 60 lbs – 2 gram + 4 gram
  • Dogs weighing 80 lbs – 4 gram + 4 gram
  • Dogs weighing over 80 lbs – use combinations. 

If there is no right size for your dog’s weight (your pet is between suggested dosing sizes), it is recommended to opt for the next higher size. For example, if you have a 15-pound dog, treat it with a 2-gram packet.

To reduce the risk of stomach upsets, mix the Panacur with a small amount of the usual food and make sure your dog consumes all of the medicated food. When using dry dog food, you need to moisten it before mixing. 

If you forgot to give your dog its daily dose of Panacur, give it as soon as you remember, or if close to the next dosing, skip the missed dose completely and continue with the schedule.  

Panacur for Dogs Usage Guidelines 

Keep in mind that each deworming cycle with Panacur requires three administrations. Do not cut the daily treatments short – the round needs to be completed to ensure efficacy and prevent reinfection. 

To avoid parasitic infections, you need to protect your dog from fleas (as they transmit worms) and never give your dog uncooked meat. Also, you need to clean up after your dog poops and keep them up-to-date on its deworming schedule. 

Finally, be mindful about the Panacur storage – keep the Fenbendazole granules in an air-tight container, at room temperature, away from sunlight, heat, and moisture. 

Our Final Thoughts on Panacur for Dogs

giving your dog panacur for parasitism

If you are going to give your dog Panacur for the control of parasitism, below are the article’s key messages you need to keep in mind: 

  1. Consult with your veterinarian before use; although safe, all dogs are different
  2. Read the product label and doublecheck calculations to give the right dose and avoid overdose 
  3. Loose stools are normal after administering the medication but if bloody or persistent, call the vet 
  4. Panacur is not a universal cure for all worms; different parasites can have different sensitivities 
  5. Keeping your dog up-to-date on its deworming schedule is critical for preventing re-infestations.