Roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms are all disgusting. Worms are unpleasant for your pet, and you should cure them as soon as possible so that others do not become infected. You must do all possible to keep those parasites away from your dog. It is awful that you chose Drontal to eliminate the parasites only to have your beloved dog die as a result. In this article, I will discuss everything on Drontal medication, its side effects, dosage, and safer natural alternatives to Drontal.
What is Drontal
Drontal is a pill or tablet treatment for dogs that is an all-in-one dewormer, which means that you can rid your dog of tapeworms, roundworms, and whipworms with just one dose. Drontal® is designed for use in cats and kittens, whilst Drontal® Plus is designed for use in dogs and pups. Drontal® oral pills for cats and Drontal® Plus oral tablets or chews for dogs are available in a variety of formulations and dosages.
Drontal® Plus is prescribed for dogs and puppies above the age of three weeks and weighing more than two pounds.
How Drontal® and Drontal® Plus Works
Both Drontal® and Drontal® Plus include the active ingredients praziquantel and pyrantel. Praziquantel’s mechanism of action against intestinal parasites is unknown, however, it is thought to interfere with the worms’ muscular integrity and cause paralysis. The worms then separate and are either eliminated by the immune system of the pet’s digestive tract or passed through to be defecated.
Pyrantel works similarly in that it targets the nerves of the parasites, causing the worm to paralyze. The worms that have died will either be defecated or consumed within the pet’s digestive tract.
Drontal® Plus contains the extra component febantel. In the body of the dog, fenbendazole is changed from febantel. Fenbendazole prevents worms from producing energy, which finally causes the parasite to starve and die. This makes it possible to protect dogs from whipworms.
For pets that don’t like swallowing pills, Drontal® Plus is also available as Drontal® Plus Taste Tabs, which have the same active components but are an appealing alternative.
Drontal Killed My Dog
Drontal approved by the FDA, it is generally safe and effective for dogs when used according to the recommended dosage and instructions provided by a veterinarian or on the product label.
However, like with any medication, there are risks if it is misused or given incorrectly. Overdosing or using the incorrect type of dewormer for your dog’s individual needs might be harmful. Furthermore, if your dog is allergic to the primary ingredients, which is rare, the outcome could be fatal. It’s critical to carefully follow your veterinarian’s advice or the product label to ensure you’re using the correct dosage based on your dog’s weight and age.
If you suspect that your dog was killed by Drontal, you should do a necropsy to confirm the cause of death so you can take the necessary legal actions.
How fast does Drontal work?
Drontal dog tasty bone tablets have three ingredients that each work slightly differently to ensure that both roundworms and tapeworms are treated; one of these ingredients begins to act in as little as 30 minutes, but it may take up to 2-3 days for some types of worms to be killed.
Additionally, it depends on how your dog responds to the medication and how severe the infestation is.
How long is Drontal effective?
Drontal Dog Tasty Bone Tablets are intended to eliminate any susceptible worms that may be present in the dog at the time of treatment; they do not provide long-lasting immunity like other medications may. The type of worms that a pet is susceptible to and their lifestyle will determine when they should have their next dosage of worming medication, which should be discussed with their veterinarian.
Unfortunately, this is not a preventative measure. This treatment is only intended to deworm your dog, not to keep new worms from getting in. Vets frequently recommend that dogs who spend a lot of time outside be dewormed every month.
Drontal Side Effects
Drontal may cause the following adverse effects:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Drooling
- Decreased appetite
These symptoms may not occur, and if they do, they should go away after a few days of beginning Drontal medication.
Drontal should not be given to puppies younger than 3 weeks old.
Drontal Plus contraindications
If you are aware of or suspect that your dog is pregnant, do not deworm her using Drontal Plus tablets. The medication may result in fetal abnormalities or abortion. Drontal Plus should not be given to puppies younger than 3 weeks old or weighing less than 2 pounds.
How Often Do Dogs Need Drontal?
Drontal should be given to your dog every three months; however, if they already have fleas, the eggs can be swallowed and induce a tapeworm illness. If your dog is frequently exposed to children or scavenges for food, worming should be done every month.
Drontal Plus Dosage and Administration
Drontal should be administered as per the table below. However, your vet might prescribe another dosage as per your dog’s individual needs. Follow your vet’s advice to the latter.
| RONTAL® PLUS TASTE TABS® TABLETS DOSAGE CHARTS | ||||||
| * NOT FOR USE IN PUPPIES LESS THAN 3 WEEKS OF AGE OR DOGS WEIGHING LESS THAN 2 LBS. | ||||||
| for Puppies and Small Dogs* (2 – 25 lbs.) | for Medium Sized Dogs (26 – 60 lbs.) | for Large Dogs (45 lbs. and greater) | ||||
| Body Wt. (lbs.) | No. of Tablets | Body Wt. (lbs.) | No. of Tablets | Body Wt. (lbs.) | No. of Tablets | |
| 2 – 4 | 0.5 | 26 – 30 | 1.0 | 45 – 60 | 1.0 | |
| 5 – 7 | 1.0 | 31 – 44 | 1.5 | 61 – 90 | 1.5 | |
| 8 – 12 | 1.5 | 45 – 60 | 2.0 | 91 – 120 | 2.0 | |
| 13 – 18 | 2.0 | |||||
| 19 – 25 | 2.5 | |||||
Drontal Pros And Cons
Pros
1. One-Time Treatment
This is a significant benefit. Other dewormers call for multiple doses spread out over two to three days.
It is incredibly convenient for both you and your dog that Drontal is a tablet that you only need to give him once.
2. All-In-One Dewormer
Once again, this one succeeds due to its convenience.
Drontal might provide your dog with relief from the whip, round, and tapeworms. The majority of deworming drugs only work on one particular type of worm.
3. They’re Flavored
This benefit is more for your dog than for you, but wouldn’t you prefer a tasty medicine if you had to take one?
Drontal provides flavor alternatives, such as beef, to entice finicky eaters to try the tablet.
4. Effectively Quickly
Your dog undoubtedly wants to get well as soon as you do when you are ill. These medications work within 48 hours, so if your dog has lost appetite or has been ill from worms, they will probably be back to normal within a short time.
Cons
Surprisingly, this drug has a few disadvantages. Drontal is FDA-approved and widely recommended by veterinarians as the best deworming medicine available. If you’re looking for an effective worm medication, this is it.
However, this does not rule out the possibility of negative effects. Most dogs tolerate it well, however, there have been reports of dogs vomiting, losing their appetite, or having diarrhea while the medicine is in their system.
If your dog becomes ill after taking this medication, contact your veterinarian; however, mild symptoms usually go away within 48 hours. If your dog is allergic to any of the active ingredients, consult your veterinarian for alternatives.
Monitoring
This drug does not require any special monitoring. Most veterinarians, however, routinely screen for parasites during annual exams.
Other particular monitoring or routine tests may be suggested by your veterinarian while your pet is on this medicine, based on your pet’s individual needs.
Contact Your Vet If: Severe side effects are observed (as described above),
If your pet’s health worsens or does not improve despite care, you may have witnessed or suspected an overdose.
You have further questions or concerns about using Drontal® or Drontal® Plus.
Natural Dewormers for Dogs
Many natural diets can help your pet fight worms naturally. However, they are not as effective as vet-prescribed drugs. Here are easy-to-find foods and pantry products you could consider to try to eliminate worms in your pet:
1. Apple cider vinegar (ACV)
Worms will find it difficult to live in your pet’s intestines if you use ACV. Try putting some of this fermented vinegar in your pet’s water. Consult your veterinarian to determine the recommended dose for your dog’s size and weight. Aside from eradicating worms, apple cider vinegar may provide further health benefits for your dog, such as making his coat shine!
2. Chopped carrots
Several fruits and vegetables can help you get rid of worms in your dog. Carrots, when coarsely sliced, can help your pet get rid of worms by scraping the sides of the intestines.
3. Dried Coconut
Dried coconut can aid in the elimination of worms from the body. Unsweetened dry coconut can be sprinkled on your pet’s food.
One teaspoon is recommended for small dogs, two teaspoons for medium dogs, and one tablespoon for large types. Coconut oil may potentially be used as a therapy.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric is a superfood because of its anti-inflammatory qualities. It also contains components that can assist not only get rid of worms but also repair gut damage. This results in a healthier digestive tract for your dog!
5. Chamomile
Chamomile is effective against roundworms and whipworms. It works best as a tincture; check with your veterinarian for a recommended dose for your dog.
6. Pumpkin Seeds
Use raw organic pumpkin seeds when giving pumpkin seeds to your dog. Don’t give your dog salted seeds, which are harmful to him.
Grind the seeds and administer 14 teaspoons per 10 pounds of body weight once or twice a day until the parasites are gone. Pumpkin seeds are not harmful to pregnant dogs.
Pumpkin seeds are one of the most effective and safest ways to cure worms. This is due to the presence of an amino acid known as cucurbitin in pumpkin seeds. Cucurbitin paralyzes and kills worms in your dog’s digestive tract.
In addition to these foods, you can keep worms from infecting your pet in the first place. Pick up your dog’s feces, keep your dog flea-free (if your pet ingests fleas, he is more likely to have worms), and don’t let him eat dead birds or other wildlife because they can be infested.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drontal
1. Do I Require A Drontal® Prescription From My Veterinarian?
It is true that Drontal® and Drontal® Plus are only accessible with a prescription and cannot be purchased over-the-counter. Before prescribing Drontal® and Drontal® Plus, a veterinarian must do laboratory fecal tests to confirm the existence of sensitive intestinal parasites.
2. Can I give my cat Drontal® Plus for Dogs?
No, only dogs are supposed to use Drontal® Plus. Although Drontal® and Drontal® Plus include two of the same active components, they are dosed differently for dogs and cats based on weight, and as a result, it is crucial to use the right drug for your pet’s species and size. Likewise, Drontal® Plus for Dogs includes febantel as an extra-active ingredient. Using cat drugs in dogs or dog medications in cats can lead to serious complications, such as ineffectiveness or an overdose.