Alben for dogs

Alben is an anthelmintic drug used for dogs for preventative and therapeutic purposes. This effective, gentle medication was developed by specialists at Agrovetzashchita, a major Russian manufacturer of veterinary drugs.

General description

The anthelmintic is available in several dosage forms:

• pills;
• granules;
• suspension (Alben Forte).

The company produces antiparasitic drugs in several versions:

• Alben (tablets, granules) is intended for farm animals (cows, horses, pigs, etc.) and birds;
• Alben C is specially designed for dogs (can also be used for cats).

The drug in the form of a suspension is also created for use in agriculture.

Please note! Alben can be given to dogs, but it's best to use a product specifically designed for these animals. The main difference is the two active ingredients, resulting in a broader spectrum of action.

This medication for dogs is available as small tablets. They are packaged in special blisters of 6 tablets. Store the medication at room temperature (no higher than 25˚C) and away from direct sunlight. Because this medication contains toxic substances, store it away from food and animal feed.

Composition and action

The main feature of this antiparasitic drug is its broad spectrum of action. It is capable of killing roundworms and tapeworms, regardless of their stage of development. Its effectiveness is due to the combination of two active ingredients: albendazole and praziquantel. The composition also includes potato starch and lactose. These ingredients serve a purely auxiliary function.

The combination of active ingredients works by disrupting the parasites' metabolic processes. Furthermore, praziquantel and albendazole increase the permeability of helminth cell membranes, which inevitably leads to their death.

The active ingredients are readily absorbed into the bloodstream, yet their concentration in the intestines remains quite high. This makes the drug effective in killing not only intestinal worms but also worms infesting the lungs and other organs. The components are largely eliminated from the animal's body through feces and urine.

Price

The price of regular Alben ranges from 400-500 rubles for 100 tablets, while Alben S, designed for dogs, costs 150-180 rubles (6 tablets). The medication is produced by a domestic company, so there is no shortage of it in veterinary pharmacies. This anthelmintic is generally readily available in both the capital and smaller cities. It is also sold in many online pet pharmacies.

Indications for use

The medicine for dogs is used for the following pathologies:

• ascariasis;
• echinococcosis;
• dipylidiosis;
• Uncinaria blight;
• coenurosis;
• hookworm;
• toxocariasis;
• mesocestoidosis;
• other helminthic infestations caused by roundworms and tapeworms.

The drug can be used for therapeutic purposes regardless of the severity of the infestation or the stage of the disease. The anthelmintic can also be used to prevent endoparasite infestations that can "settle" in the intestines, liver, lungs, heart, and other organs.

This medication is suitable for deworming before vaccinations and mating. Deworming before vaccinations or mating is essential, as parasites can have a negative impact on overall health. Furthermore, the breakdown of their waste products can cause toxicity.

How to apply

According to the instructions, Alben S tablets are given to dogs once, regardless of whether they are used for preventative or therapeutic purposes. Since the active ingredients target adult parasites and their larvae, one dose is sufficient to rid your pet of helminths.

The drug can be administered in two ways:

• Forced. The procedure is unpleasant for animals, but effective. The tablet should be placed only on the back of the tongue to prevent the pet from spitting it out. To simplify this procedure, it's worth purchasing it from a pharmacy. pill dispenser. Especially if you have a large dog.
• With food. Mix the rolled-up tablet with a small amount of food. It's best to choose your pet's favorite treats for feeding the medication. Canned food, ready-made pouches, and ground meat are good options. Some owners hide the tablets in a piece of meat or sausage.

The anthelmintic medication should be administered in the morning. It's best to administer the medication half an hour before feeding. There's no need to follow a special diet or perform a bowel lavage the day before.

According to the instructions, the Alben C dosage for dogs is calculated simply: 1 tablet per 5 kg of body weight. To calculate the exact dosage for puppies weighing less than 2.5 kg, follow these steps:

1. Crush one tablet as finely as possible.
2. Add 10 ml of water to the resulting powder.
3. Mix thoroughly to obtain a homogeneous suspension.
4. Draw the required amount of medicine into a syringe without a needle at a rate of 1 ml of the resulting suspension per 0.5 kg of weight.
5. Feed the puppy with a syringe.

Using this approach will help prevent overdose. Splitting a tablet into more than two equal parts is very difficult.

If for some reason you're using Alben, a product designed for farm animals, to deworm dogs, the dosage is calculated differently: 1 tablet per 7 kg of body weight. When using the suspension, you'll need 1 ml of liquid per 5 kg of body weight, but it's better to buy a product designed for dogs.

Please note! For preventative purposes, the drug should be administered to the animal every quarter.

Limitations and side effects

Anthelmintic medication should not be given to dogs in the following cases:

• during the period of gestation;
• during lactation;
• in case of intolerance to the components.

Do not use anthelmintic medication on puppies under 3 weeks of age. Extreme caution should be exercised before using the medication on weakened or emaciated animals, as well as on pets with infectious diseases. Consulting a doctor is a good idea. In some cases, it may be wiser to postpone the use. deworminguntil the animal's health stabilizes. Although Alben C is considered safe for dogs, it contains toxic components.

The drug typically causes no side effects due to its gentle action on the body. Due to the bitter taste, some animals experience increased salivation, although this problem is more common in cats than in dogs. The following symptoms may indicate an intolerance to the ingredients:

• nausea and vomiting;
• itching;
• skin rashes;
• apathy;
• poor appetite, etc.

If any of the above health issues occur, your pet should be given an antihistamine. If necessary, additional symptomatic medications should be used. Subsequently, a medication with a different composition should be selected.

Owner reviews

Andrey, volunteer and owner of a pinscher:

"I have a handsome Pinscher named Jet, and two cats, who live in my house full-time. But I volunteer, so we occasionally have stray puppies and adult dogs come into the house. I always treat the adopted pets for fleas and ticks, deworm them, and vaccinate them. I've been using Alben S for deworming for a long time. It's inexpensive, but it's excellent at killing worms. I use it not only for the "temporary residents" of my house, but also for my dog ​​and cats. I've never had any negative consequences."

Alice, the Labrador's owner:

"We first used Alben S on our puppy after we adopted him from the breeder. After the first dose, we saw dead worms. Now I give it every six months for prevention. No parasites were detected. We even had him tested a couple of times. Although it's inexpensive, it works great. Incidentally, my mom gave her dog the pills and was also pleased."

Veterinarian Reviews

Yulia, a veterinarian with 8 years of experience:

"Alben S is a good domestic product. I've never had any client complaints about it. Pets tolerate deworming without problems. But if I prescribe the medication for treatment, I recommend administering it twice, two weeks apart. This way, the worms have no chance of survival."

Anton, a veterinarian with 10 years of experience:

"A good alternative to foreign anthelmintics. It's just as effective, but much cheaper. It's often used in animal shelters and breeders. Among domestic anthelmintic medications, it's one of the best options. Side effects only occur in cases of intolerance, but such cases are rare in my experience. For those looking for an affordable, accessible, and effective treatment, Alben S is the best choice."

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