Content
- What is Albendazol for Dogs
- Can I give Albendazole to a dog?
- Is Albendazol Good for Dogs?
- Dosage of Albendazol for Dogs
- How to give albendazole to a dog
- Side effects of Albendazole for puppies
- Albendazole contraindications for dogs
Albendazol is a product with antiparasitic effect active against various intestinal parasites that can infest dogs of any age. Currently, it is not widely used, as there are many other dewormers effective against parasites that have been replacing the use of albendazole for dogs in regular or occasional deworming.
In this article by PeritoAnimal, we will review the indications of this product, as well as its possible side effects. Keep reading to find the most appropriate dosage of Albendazole for dog and much more.
What is Albendazol for Dogs
Albendazole is an active ingredient belonging to the benzimidazole class. It shares a group with other better known antiparasitic products that are currently more used than albendazole for dogs, such as febantel or fenbendazole. These types of products have been administered as dewormers for decades. More specifically, its use has been registered since the 1960s, although albendazole started to be known a little later, around 1970.
Anyway, the time it has been on the market has led to its replacement by new drugs that are increasingly effective, safe and specific. Benzimidazole itself has evolved. The first to be introduced concentrated its action on adults and larvae of worms located in the gastrointestinal tract. Since then, they have evolved and managed to broaden their spectrum of use and move from the intestines to the blood, as is the case with albendazole. In this way, they can fight worms lodged outside the intestine, such as those that parasitize the lungs. Albendazole, in particular, works by preventing the parasites' digestive enzymes from working. As a result, they are unable to get the glucose they need to survive and eventually die.
Can I give Albendazole to a dog?
Albendazole is used to fight intestinal parasites such as nematodes, cestodes or tapeworms, trematodes and giardia. Therefore, it can be used for internal deworming, although albendazole is a dewormer that is currently prescribed much more for cattle than for dogs or cats.
Albendazole for dogs will act on the parasites that are currently found in the gastrointestinal tract, but it has no residual effect, ie. does not prevent new infestations, like any other internal dewormer.
Is Albendazol Good for Dogs?
Although adult dogs usually do not show symptoms of gastrointestinal parasites, in puppies, especially, we can enjoy vomiting and/or diarrhea with the presence of worms, growth retardation, malnutrition, anemia, etc. However, just because you suspect the presence of parasites does not mean that you can give the dog the albendazole on your own. In that case, it is essential to go to the vet. This professional will collect a stool sample with a thermometer and observe it under a microscope to detect the presence of parasites. Depending on which ones he identifies, he will prescribe the most suitable antiparasitic, which does not have to be albendazole.
As we mentioned, there are currently other drugs designed to fight the same parasites as albendazole, but with a higher success rate and better composition. For this reason, albendazole for dogs is not bad, but there are better products.
Dosage of Albendazol for Dogs
It is recommended that adult dogs be dewormed internally to every 3-4 months and always before applying any vaccine. In puppies, during the first months of life, internal deworming has to be more frequent. It is advisable to start at two weeks of age and repeat every 15 days until the end of the vaccination schedule. After that, they are dewormed as adults, every 3-4 months. For more details, don't miss the article where we explain how often to deworm a dog.
It is possible to give albendazole to a puppy, but the veterinarian must always prescribe the most suitable product. Also, for an effective and safe dose, you must first know the dog's weight. On the other hand, there is albendazole marketed specifically for dogs. It is administered orally and can be found both in liquid form and in tablets, so it is possible to choose the easiest presentation to administer according to the characteristics of our dog. It is advisable to give the medicine with food, as it favors its absorption.
Therefore, the dosage will vary depending on the presentation that the veterinarian prescribes and the dog's weight, hence the importance of weighing for the dose to be correct. Depending on the infestation, the veterinarian will indicate whether a single dose is needed or whether it is necessary to repeat it. Furthermore, we must also take into account the parasite we are trying to eliminate. As an example, we can point out that the dose of albendazole against toxocara kennels is 50 mg per kg of weight per day. It must be administered for three days in a row. On the other hand, albendazole treatment against Giardia spp. it will be 25 mg per kg of weight in two daily doses for four days. In view of these data, it is important to consult a veterinarian to give an effective dose of albendazole.
How to give albendazole to a dog
When administering this antiparasitic, its presentation must be taken into account. Albendazole in liquid form, that is, in syrup, should be administered directly into the dog's mouth. To do this, you will have to follow these instructions:
- Fill the syringe with the amount indicated for your puppy.
- Insert the syringe into the syringe sideways, just behind the canine, and slowly pour the liquid inside. You may need someone to help you hold your dog.
- Reward your dog when he has swallowed all of the product so that he associates this experience with a positive stimulus.
However, if your dog's albendazole is in tablet form, you will need to follow these steps:
- Place the tablet in some moist food (canned or homemade).
- Offer your dog the food with the pill inside and watch as he eats to make sure he doesn't expel the product.
- If you can't get him to swallow the tablet, crush it and mix it with food or dilute it with water.
Side effects of Albendazole for puppies
Although albendazole well used for dogs offers great safety in use, that is, it causes few side effects, there are always some precautions to be taken into account. Some of these adverse effects include a decreased appetite or even anemia, although this is rare.
On the other hand, as with most antiparasitic products, it is possible to observe adverse effects after administration, such as vomiting or diarrhea, as well as drowsiness and lethargy.
Albendazole contraindications for dogs
Albendazole should not be given to puppies under two weeks old Or the pregnant bitches, as it can harm the fetus or cause miscarriage.The veterinarian will have to value its use in specimens that have a liver problem.
On the other hand, some product allergy symptoms may be observed. In that case, it is necessary to go to the veterinarian immediately to confirm the reaction and to avoid re-administering Albendazole.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Albendazole for dogs - Dosage, uses and contraindications, we recommend that you enter our Medicines section.