Praziquantel paste is an oral treatment (dewormer) used to rid dogs of tapeworms and some other rare flukes. Even though tapeworms generally don't make dogs feel ill, they may nevertheless be infected. A combination of praziquantel and pyrantel pamoate and febantel -- also dewormers -- is often used to kill other types of parasites.
Praziquantel Paste
Praziquantel, an effective anti-tapeworm medicine, can be given orally or by injection. Often veterinarians prefer to inject the drug so dogs won't vomit or spit it out later. The drug should be given to healthy dogs only; it should not be given to puppies younger than 4 weeks of age and chronically ill or debilitated dogs of any age, according to Ron Hines, DVM, PhD. Praziquantel is marketed by the drug names Droncit and Biltricide.
Efficacy and Side Effects
Usually a single dose of praziquantel is effective at killing intestinal tapeworms. While considered relatively safe, some dogs may experience the following side effects: anorexia, vomiting, lethargy or diarrhea. It is unknown whether the drug is safe for pregnant dogs. If you believe your dog may be suffering from tapeworms, seek professional veterinary care. Do not try to treat tapeworms by yourself.
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Writer Bio
Debra Levy has been writing for more than 30 years. She has had fiction and nonfiction published in various literary journals. Levy holds an M.A. in English from Indiana University and an M.F.A. in creative writing/fiction from the Bennington Writing Seminars.