Drontal for dogs: how and when to take it?

Drontal is an effective, gentle anthelmintic used to prevent or eliminate internal parasites in dogs. It was developed by the German company Bayer, which has earned the trust of consumers worldwide.

Composition and release form

One of the key advantages of this anthelmintic is that it is available in several forms with varying concentrations of active ingredients. This allows you to choose the right product for pets of various breeds and sizes, including puppies.

The medicine is available in two forms:

• pills;
• suspension.

Drontal Plus tablets are available in two different sizes, depending on the concentration of active ingredients: for small breeds and puppies (per 10 kg of body weight) and for medium and large pets (per 35 kg of body weight). They range in color from light brown to brown, and are oval or bone-shaped.

Rapid destruction of parasites is ensured by:

• praziquantel;
• febantel;
• pyrantel embonate.

The medicinal product contains the following excipients:

• cornstarch;
• lactose monohydrate;
• magnesium stearate;
• colloidal silicon, etc.

One of the excipients is a food additive. It imparts a meaty aroma and flavor to the medication, which encourages many dogs to voluntarily consume it directly from your hand.

Drontal Junior suspension does not contain praziquantel. It has a milder effect because it is intended for puppies. The pinkish and sweet-smelling suspension (according to the manufacturer) is packaged in polymer bottles with a dosing syringe.

How it works

The medication has a broad spectrum of action. It is effective against various types of roundworms, tapeworms, and giardia. This effectiveness is achieved through the combination of three components:

1. Praziquantel It has a detrimental effect on cestodes. It disrupts metabolic processes, particularly the absorption of glucose, which is essential for life, and affects the nervous system. This results in paralysis and, subsequently, the death of the parasites.
2. Febantel has a similar effect, as it also complicates glucose transport. Furthermore, the substance increases the permeability of cell membranes, leading to muscle spasms and paralysis, and then inevitable death.
3. Pyrantel embonate It affects nematodes. Increased cell permeability leads to rapid death. Furthermore, the substance promotes the natural elimination of parasites from the animal's body (along with feces).

All components are rapidly absorbed in the intestines and are eventually eliminated in feces and urine. When taken at the recommended dose, the product is safe, as it does not cause embryotoxic or mutagenic effects. It is non-addictive and can be used in pets of all breeds and ages.

Indications for use

Drontal Plus for dogs is used for treatment of roundworm, tapeworm, and giardia infestations. It can also be used for mixed infestations. The medication is also used to prevent worms. Preventative deworming is performed:

• once every 3 months (for animals that spend little time outside, less often is possible);
• before mating;
• before vaccination.

It is important to remember that animals that spend most of their time indoors can also become infected with endoparasites, so prevention should be carried out without fail, regardless of the method of keeping them.

Drontal Junior suspension is used only for the treatment and prevention of nematode infections. Due to the low concentration of active ingredients, it is only suitable for puppies aged 2 weeks to 6 months.

How to apply

Drontal is administered to dogs according to the instructions, with the dosage calculated based on weight. The dosage depends on the dosage form.

Pills

A bone-shaped tablet is designed for a 10 kg (22 lb) animal weight. When using this form of medication, follow these dosages:

• 2-5 kg ​​of animal – 0.5 pcs.;
• 6-10 kg – 1 pc.;
• 11-20 kg – 2 pcs.;
• 21-30 kg – 3 pcs.;
• 31-40 kg – 4 pcs.;
• 41-50 kg – 5 pcs.

If the animal's weight exceeds 50 kg, the dosage is calculated based on the principle of one tablet per 10 kg, but you should consult a doctor.

When using a drug intended for large dogs, it is necessary to adhere to the following dosages:

1. If your pet's weight is between 10 and 17.5 kg, take half a tablet.
2. If the dog weighs from 17.5 to 35 kg, 1 tablet will be required.
3. For an animal weighing between 35 and 52.5 kg, take 1.5 tablets.
4. For large breeds weighing from 52.5 to 70, you will need 2 tablets.

The antiparasitic medication should be administered before or during the morning feeding. A fasting diet or other preparatory measures are not necessary. The dosage is the same for treatment and prophylaxis. In both cases, the medication is administered once.

There are several ways to take Drontal Plus:

1. Feed the tablets to your pet by hand. Thanks to the meaty flavor, many animals eat them with great pleasure.
2. Crumble or add whole to a small amount of food. Any pet's favorite treat will do, such as ground meat, a piece of chicken, or canned food.
3. Force the anthelmintic onto the root of the tongue and hold the head up until the dog swallows it.
4. Crush the tablet and dissolve it in a small amount of water, then administer it to your pet using a syringe without a needle. This method is only suitable for puppies and small dogs.

If the medication is used to treat a dog, it is important to disinfect the bedding and household items in the dog's habitat to prevent re-infection.

Suspension

Drontal Junior is administered to puppies at a dose of 1 ml of suspension per 1 kg of body weight. The medication can be mixed with a small amount of food or administered orally. No preparation is required, and the procedure is best performed in the morning.

If the drug is used for prophylactic purposes, it is given at the age of 2 weeks, and then monthly from 1 to 6 months. After deworming carried out once a quarter, using a different form of the drug.

Contraindications and side effects

Drontal Plus is not recommended for use:

• puppies up to 2 weeks of age;
• weighing less than 2 kg;
• during the recovery period after infectious diseases or operations;
• for weakened animals.

Pregnant female dogs should not be given this medication during the first two-thirds of pregnancy. While it is permitted to use the medication during lactation, consult your doctor. Contraindicated in cases of individual intolerance.

According to the instructions for use, Drontal Plus does not cause side effects in dogs, but in practice, negative reactions sometimes occur, manifested by the following symptoms:

• vomit;
• nausea;
• diarrhea;
• anxiety;
• lethargy;
• lack of appetite;
• skin reactions (redness, rashes), etc.

If they do not go away on their own within 1-2 days, you should seek help from a veterinarian.

The suspension contains active components in small quantities, so it is well tolerated by puppies.

What is the price

When purchasing Drontal for dogs, please note that the price depends on the dosage form and the content of active ingredients:

• suspension 50 ml – 800-1100 rub.;
• tablets for 10 kg 2 pcs. - 450-450 rub.;
• tablets for 35 kg 2 pcs. - 650-800 rubles.

You can purchase the medicine at your nearest veterinary pharmacy or online.

Owner reviews

Nikita, the owner of the shepherd dog:

"I once had a big problem. My pregnant dog developed worms. The vet recommended Drontal Plus, explaining that it was the only medication safe to use during pregnancy. The dog ate the pills on her own. The worms didn't return after that. The puppies were born healthy. Since then, we've been using this medication exclusively."

Larisa, the Labrador's owner:

"We deworm our dog regularly because we have a child in the house. We use Drontal, which the breeder recommended. In four years of use, we haven't had a single side effect. There are no worms. We've had several tests, and everything is fine. I add the medication to his food, and he has no problems with taking it."

Julia, owner of a Maltese lapdog:

"We used this medication to treat worms in our lapdog. Importantly, it's safe even for small dogs. Most other medications we've tried cause vomiting or diarrhea in our little one. Drontal didn't cause any side effects, but after just a couple of hours, dead worms were found in her stool. We now regularly use it as a preventative measure."

Veterinarian Reviews

Alla, a veterinarian with 6 years of experience:

"Drontal is an effective anthelmintic medication from a German manufacturer. Its main advantage is its gentle action. In my personal experience, it rarely causes side effects, especially if all instructions for use are followed. It is one of the few antiparasitic medications that can be used on pregnant bitches."

Vadim, a veterinarian with 10 years of experience:

"A good deworming product. I consider its broad spectrum of action a major advantage. It's generally well-tolerated by pets and can be used on various breeds. It's a safe product, although quite expensive compared to domestic alternatives. In my opinion, pet health is more important."

Read also:

• Worms in dogs: symptoms and treatment
• Pratel for dogs
• Prazitel for dogs