# Fenbendazole: veterinary dose and monograph

> Fenbendazole is a veterinary antiparasitic. Benzimidazole anthelmintic. Indications include canine ascarids (Toxocara), hookworms (Ancylostoma, Uncinaria), whipworms (Trichuris), Taenia tapeworms; giardia (dogs and cats); lungworm (Filaroides, Aelurostrongylus, Crenosoma, Capillaria). This monograph lists 25 reference doses for dogs, cats, cattle, horses, goats and sheep and 12 more species, each with route, frequency and source, plus meat and milk withdrawal periods for food animals.

Source: https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/fenbendazole · Last reviewed: 2026-10-01

## At a glance

- **Drug class:** Antiparasitic
- **Also known as:** Panacur, Safeguard
- **Species with doses:** Dogs, Cats, Cattle, Horses, Goats, Sheep, Pigs, Birds, Rabbits, Guinea pigs, Reptiles, Camelids, Chinchillas, Hamsters, Rats, Mice, Gerbils and Hedgehogs
- **General dose range:** 5–50 mg/kg PO q24h — check the species tables for the indication
- **Routes:** PO
- **Last reviewed:** 1 October 2026

## Indications

- Canine ascarids (Toxocara), hookworms (Ancylostoma, Uncinaria), whipworms (Trichuris), Taenia tapeworms
- Giardia (dogs and cats)
- Lungworm (Filaroides, Aelurostrongylus, Crenosoma, Capillaria)
- Paragonimus (lung fluke)
- Bovine GI roundworms and lungworms
- Equine large/small strongyles, encysted cyathostomes, pinworms
- Swine ascarids, lungworms, whipworms, kidney worms
- Prevention of transplacental/transmammary T. canis in pregnant bitches

## Fenbendazole dose by species

Doses are per administration unless stated. mg/kg doses scale with body weight; per-animal, per-quarter and infusion-rate doses are shown as the reference writes them.

### Dogs

*Fenbendazole doses for dogs*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ascarids / hookworms / whipworms / Taenia | 50 mg/kg | PO | q24h | 3 days |
| Giardia | 50 mg/kg | PO | q24h | 3–7 days |
| Pregnant bitch — prevent T. canis / A. caninum transmission | 50 mg/kg | PO | q24h | gestation day 40 → lactation day 14 |

- Ascarids / hookworms / whipworms / Taenia: Papich 5e and Plumb’s p.510 (Panacur label): 50 mg/kg PO once daily for 3 days (extend to 5 days for severe infestations or Taenia). Lungworms: 50 mg/kg daily for 10–14 days (Papich).
- Giardia: Papich 5e: 50 mg/kg q24h for 3–5 days. Plumb’s p.510 (Tams 2007): 50 mg/kg once daily for 3 days, extending to 5–7 days if not cleared; may be combined with metronidazole.
- Pregnant bitch — prevent T. canis / A. caninum transmission: Plumb’s p.510 (Kazacos 2002): 50 mg/kg PO once daily from day 40 of gestation to day 14 of lactation to prevent transplacental and transmammary transmission.

### Cats

*Fenbendazole doses for cats*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ascarids / hookworms / Taenia | 50 mg/kg | PO | q24h | 5 days |
| Aelurostrongylus (lungworm) | 25–50 mg/kg | PO | q12h | 10–14 days |

- Ascarids / hookworms / Taenia: Plumb’s p.510 (Dimski 1989): 50 mg/kg PO for 5 days. Papich 5e: 50 mg/kg/day for 3 days, extended to 5 days for severe infestations. Giardia 50 mg/kg q24h for 3–5 days.
- Aelurostrongylus (lungworm): Plumb’s p.510: 25–50 mg/kg q12h for 10–14 days (Hawkins); 50 mg/kg daily for 10 days (Pechman); 20 mg/kg daily for 5 days, repeated after 5 days (Reinemeyer).

### Cattle

*Fenbendazole doses for cattle*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Withdrawal |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| GI roundworms / lungworms (label) | 5 mg/kg | PO | once | — | 8d slaughter |
| Moniezia / arrested Ostertagia L4 | 10 mg/kg | PO | once | — | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |
| Giardiasis in calves | 15 mg/kg | PO | q24h | 3 days | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |

- GI roundworms / lungworms (label): Papich 5e: 5 mg/kg PO, or 5 mg/kg/day in feed for 3–6 days. Plumb’s p.511: 5 mg/kg PO (Paul); 7.5 mg/kg (Roberson); paste label 4 mg/kg, retreat after 4–6 weeks under continuous exposure. Follow the product-label withdrawal.
- Moniezia / arrested Ostertagia L4: Plumb’s p.511 (Paul 1986; Roberson 1988): 10 mg/kg PO for Moniezia and arrested fourth-stage Ostertagia. Above the label dose — obtain a withdrawal (FARAD).
- Giardiasis in calves: Plumb’s p.511 (Claerebout 2006): 15 mg/kg PO for 3 successive days, then move calves to a cleaned, disinfected pen.

### Horses

*Fenbendazole doses for horses*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Large/small strongyles, pinworms | 5 mg/kg | PO | once | — |
| Encysted cyathostomes / migrating large strongyles | 10 mg/kg | PO | q24h | 5 days |
| Ascarids (Parascaris) in foals and weanlings | 10 mg/kg | PO | once | — |

- Large/small strongyles, pinworms: Papich 5e and Plumb’s p.511 (Panacur label): 5 mg/kg PO (granules 5.1 mg/kg); retreat in 6–8 weeks if needed. Check faecal egg-count reduction — cyathostomin benzimidazole resistance is common.
- Encysted cyathostomes / migrating large strongyles: Plumb’s p.511 (Panacur label): 10 mg/kg PO once daily for 5 consecutive days for encysted early L3, late L3 and L4 cyathostomes and L4 S. vulgaris; migrating large strongyles 50 mg/kg for 3 days or 10 mg/kg for 5 days (Herd); 7.5–10 mg/kg for 5 days (Lyons & Drudge).
- Ascarids (Parascaris) in foals and weanlings: Plumb’s p.511 (Panacur label) and Papich 5e: 10 mg/kg PO for foals/weanlings under 18 months where ascarids are a problem.

### Goats

*Fenbendazole doses for goats*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Withdrawal |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| GI nematodes (extra-label) | 5 mg/kg | PO | in feed x 3 days | — | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |

- GI nematodes (extra-label): Plumb's p.512: 5 mg/kg in feed for 3 days. Goats metabolise benzimidazoles faster — some references use higher/ repeated dosing. Papich 5e: sheep and goats 5 mg/kg PO.

### Sheep

*Fenbendazole doses for sheep*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Withdrawal |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Susceptible parasites | 5 mg/kg | PO | in feed x 3 days | — | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |

- Susceptible parasites: Plumb's p.512 (Roberson 1988): sheep & goats 5 mg/kg in feed for 3 days. Papich 5e: sheep and goats 5 mg/kg PO. Follow the product-label withdrawal.

### Pigs

*Fenbendazole doses for pigs*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Withdrawal |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Susceptible parasites | 3 mg/kg | PO | daily in feed x 3 days | — | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |

- Susceptible parasites: Plumb’s p.512 (Roberson 1988): 3 mg/kg/day in feed for 3 days (9 mg/kg total), or 5 mg/kg PO as a single dose; 10 mg/kg for ascarids. Potbellied pigs, whipworms: 9 mg/kg PO (Braun 1995).

### Buffalo

No buffalo-specific doses are on file, so buffalo are dosed as cattle.

*Fenbendazole doses for buffalo*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Withdrawal |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| GI roundworms / lungworms (label) | 5 mg/kg | PO | once | — | 8d slaughter |
| Moniezia / arrested Ostertagia L4 | 10 mg/kg | PO | once | — | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |
| Giardiasis in calves | 15 mg/kg | PO | q24h | 3 days | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |

- GI roundworms / lungworms (label): Papich 5e: 5 mg/kg PO, or 5 mg/kg/day in feed for 3–6 days. Plumb’s p.511: 5 mg/kg PO (Paul); 7.5 mg/kg (Roberson); paste label 4 mg/kg, retreat after 4–6 weeks under continuous exposure. Follow the product-label withdrawal.
- Moniezia / arrested Ostertagia L4: Plumb’s p.511 (Paul 1986; Roberson 1988): 10 mg/kg PO for Moniezia and arrested fourth-stage Ostertagia. Above the label dose — obtain a withdrawal (FARAD).
- Giardiasis in calves: Plumb’s p.511 (Claerebout 2006): 15 mg/kg PO for 3 successive days, then move calves to a cleaned, disinfected pen.

### Birds

*Fenbendazole doses for birds*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Nematodes / Capillaria / flukes | 10–50 mg/kg | PO | q24h | 3–5 days |

- Nematodes / Capillaria / flukes: Plumb's p.512: ascarids 10–50 mg/kg PO once, repeat in 10 d; Capillaria 10–50 mg/kg ×5 d; ratites 15 mg/kg ×3 d. Avoid during moult/breeding (feather stunting; marrow hypoplasia in pigeons/doves).

### Rabbits

*Fenbendazole doses for rabbits*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Pinworms; E. cuniculi | 20–50 mg/kg | PO | once (pinworm) | — |

- Pinworms; E. cuniculi: Plumb's p.511 (Burke 1999): pinworms in rabbits/rodents 50 mg/kg PO once. E. cuniculi protocols use 20 mg/kg PO q24h ×28 days (extra-label).

### Guinea pigs

*Fenbendazole doses for guinea pigs*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Nematodes / Giardia | 20–50 mg/kg | PO | q24h | 5 days |

- Nematodes / Giardia: Plumb's p.511: Mice/Rats/Gerbils/Hamsters/Guinea pigs/Chinchillas 20–50 mg/kg PO q24h ×5 days (higher for Giardia).

### Reptiles

*Fenbendazole doses for reptiles*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Nematodes / Strongyloides | 50–100 mg/kg | PO | once; repeat 2–3 weeks | — |

- Nematodes / Strongyloides: Plumb's p.512 (Gauvin 1993): most species 50–100 mg/kg PO once, repeat in 2–3 weeks; very effective against Strongyloides.

### Camelids

*Fenbendazole doses for camelids*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| GI nematodes; meningeal worm | 10–20 mg/kg | PO | q24h | 3–5 days |

- GI nematodes; meningeal worm: Plumb's p.512 (Wolff 2009): 10–20 mg/kg PO ×3–5 days. Meningeal worm (P. tenuis): 50 mg/kg PO ×5 days with ivermectin 0.3 mg/kg SC.

### Chinchillas

*Fenbendazole doses for chinchillas*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Giardia / nematodes | 20–50 mg/kg | PO | q24h | 3–5 days |

- Giardia / nematodes: Plumb's p.511 (Hayes 2000; Adamcak & Otten 2000): Giardia 25 mg/kg PO q24h ×3 d; general 20–50 mg/kg PO q24h ×5 d (higher end for Giardia).

### Hamsters

*Fenbendazole doses for hamsters*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Pinworms / nematodes | 20–50 mg/kg | PO | q24h | 5 days |

- Pinworms / nematodes: Plumb's p.511: 20–50 mg/kg PO q24h ×5 d; pinworms 50 mg/kg PO once.

### Rats

*Fenbendazole doses for rats*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Pinworms / nematodes | 20–50 mg/kg | PO | q24h | 5 days |

- Pinworms / nematodes: Plumb's p.511: 20–50 mg/kg PO q24h ×5 d; pinworms 50 mg/kg PO once.

### Mice

*Fenbendazole doses for mice*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Pinworms / nematodes | 20–50 mg/kg | PO | q24h | 5 days |

- Pinworms / nematodes: Plumb's p.511: 20–50 mg/kg PO q24h ×5 d; pinworms 50 mg/kg PO once.

### Gerbils

*Fenbendazole doses for gerbils*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Pinworms / nematodes | 20–50 mg/kg | PO | q24h | 5 days |

- Pinworms / nematodes: Plumb's p.511: 20–50 mg/kg PO q24h ×5 d; pinworms 50 mg/kg PO once.

### Hedgehogs

*Fenbendazole doses for hedgehogs*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Nematodes (Crenosoma, Capillaria) | 10–30 mg/kg | PO | q24h | 5 days |

- Nematodes (Crenosoma, Capillaria): Carpenter Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 8-3 (p.514): hedgehogs 10–30 mg/kg PO q24h ×5 days, or 25 mg/kg PO q14d ×3 treatments — for nematodes such as Crenosoma and Capillaria.

## Contraindications

Pigeons and doves may develop intestinal crypt necrosis and bone marrow hypoplasia. Alpaca crias (high doses, intolerant). Hypersensitivity reactions to dying parasites possible. Not approved in horses for food.

## Species-specific warnings

> **Caution:** Dogs: Generally very safe. Pregnant bitch protocol (50 mg/kg q24h from gestation day 40 to day 14 of lactation) is widely used.

> **Caution:** Cats: Safe at standard 50 mg/kg PO q24h × 3 days for ascarids and Giardia.

> **Caution:** Cattle: Milk withdrawal 0 d, meat 8 d (variations by jurisdiction — verify). Effective against Ostertagia, Cooperia, Haemonchus, Dictyocaulus.

> **Caution:** Horses: Encysted small strongyles: 10 mg/kg × 5 consecutive days. Single 5 mg/kg dose is insufficient and can SELECT for resistance.

> **Caution:** Reptiles: Use 50–100 mg/kg PO q14 d × 3 doses. Hepatotoxicity reported in some species at high cumulative doses — monitor.

> **Caution:** Birds: Some vulture / raptor species develop pancytopenia and hepatotoxicity even at standard doses — use cautiously and monitor CBC.

## Adverse effects

- Vomiting, salivation, diarrhoea (uncommon)
- Hypersensitivity reactions to dying parasites (high parasite burden)
- Pancytopenia (rare, single canine case report)
- Bone marrow hypoplasia in pigeons / doves

## Drug interactions

- Salicylanilides (rafoxanide, oxyclozanide): no clinically significant interaction at label doses
- Bromsalan flukicides: AVOID combination — fatal bovine reactions reported
- Phenothiazines (acepromazine): minor — no clinical impact
- Praziquantel: complementary spectrum — often co-formulated for broad antiparasitic coverage
- Levamisole / pyrantel: different mechanism — synergistic when combined for resistant nematodes (combination products)
- Corticosteroids: may reduce anti-Giardia efficacy through immune suppression

## Pregnancy and lactation

Safe in pregnant cattle, sheep, goats, mares, sows, dogs, cats at label doses. One of the few anthelmintics widely accepted as safe in pregnant breeding stock. Crosses placenta but no teratogenicity at label doses. Used in pregnant bitches as part of Toxocara canis prevention protocol (50 mg/kg PO q24h from day 40 of gestation to day 14 post-partum).

## Monitoring

- Faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) at 14 days post-treatment — resistance is widespread in sheep, goats, horses
- CBC if used at >50 mg/kg/day for >5 days (rare cytopenia)
- Giardia faecal antigen / cyst-trophozoite shedding at 7 days post-treatment
- Withdrawal periods: cattle 8 d meat / 0 d milk; sheep 7 d meat
- Birds (vultures, raptors): hepatic enzymes if repeated dosing — idiosyncratic toxicity reported

## Toxicity and overdose

Very wide therapeutic index — single dose 100× label generally tolerated. Acute toxicity: occasional GI upset, hypersalivation. Chronic high-dose (>50 mg/kg/day × weeks): bone marrow suppression (rare, reversible). Hepatotoxicity reported at very high cumulative doses in vultures and some reptiles. Idiosyncratic pancytopenia rarely reported in dogs.

Management: Supportive — most overdoses asymptomatic due to wide safety margin. Acute large ingestion: monitor CBC at 7–10 days for cytopenia. GI decontamination not typically needed. Hepatic / haematologic monitoring for 2–4 weeks if dose >10× label. Discontinue any other antiparasitic.

## Clinical pearls

- First-line for Giardia in dogs / cats: 50 mg/kg PO q24h × 3–5 days (often paired with metronidazole 25 mg/kg q12h × 5 d for refractory cases)
- Lungworms (Aelurostrongylus, Crenosoma): 50 mg/kg PO q24h × 5–14 days
- Aural Capillaria in cats: 50 mg/kg PO q24h × 10 days
- Cattle / sheep: 5 mg/kg PO single dose for GI nematodes; 10 mg/kg PO for adult Fasciola hepatica
- Horses: 5 mg/kg PO single dose for strongyles; 10 mg/kg × 5 days for encysted small strongyles (Panacur PowerPak)
- Reptiles: 50–100 mg/kg PO q14d × 3 — but caution in some species (fritillary butterflies, vultures)
- Pregnant bitch Toxocara prevention: 50 mg/kg PO q24h from day 40 gestation through day 14 lactation
- Repeat doses are essential for some parasites (Giardia, lungworms) — single dose often fails

## Mechanism of action

Benzimidazole anthelmintic. Binds beta-tubulin of nematode and trematode microtubules, blocking polymerisation — disrupts cell division, glucose uptake, and energy metabolism, leading to parasite starvation and death. Time-dependent killing; multi-day courses are more effective than single high doses for many species / parasite combinations. Also active against Giardia (especially in combination with metronidazole).

## Formulations and products

- Panacur granules 22.2% (222 mg/g; 1 / 2 / 4 g packets — Plumb’s p.512; Papich 5e p.359)
- Panacur/Safe-Guard suspension 100 mg/mL
- Panacur/Safe-Guard paste 10% (100 mg/g — Plumb’s p.512)
- Panacur VET bolus 1.5 g (MSD)
- Panacur VET tablet 150 mg (MSD)
- Panacur VET 2.5 % oral suspension 25 mg/mL (MSD)
- Panacur VET powder 250 mg/g (MSD)
- Panacur VET Bolus (MSD Animal Health) — 1.5 g, Oral bolus
- Panacur VET Tablet (MSD Animal Health) — 150 mg, Oral tablet
- Panacur VET Suspension (MSD Animal Health) — 25 mg/mL (2.5 %), Oral suspension
- Panacur VET Powder (MSD Animal Health) — 250 mg/g, Oral powder (mix with water)
- Fendikind-3 (Mankind Veticura) — 3 g, Oral bolus
- Fenmec Bolus (Assure Biotech, Jagadhri (HR)) — Fenbendazole 3 g + Ivermectin 100 mg, Uncoated oral bolus
- Fenorid Plus (Micro Animal Health Care (Micro Labs group), Bengaluru) — Fenbendazole 2.5 % w/v + Oxyclozanide 2.5 % w/v, Oral suspension

## Storage

Granules, paste, oral suspension: 15–25 °C, dry, protected from light. Multidose oral suspension: shake well, discard after 6 months from opening. Boluses: dry, ≤25 °C.

## Before you use this dose

> **Caution:** Reference doses for veterinary professionals. Confirm the dose against the product label, the patient’s condition, current guidance and local regulations before use; the attending veterinarian remains responsible for every clinical decision.

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## Frequently asked questions

### What is the dose of Fenbendazole for dogs?

Reference doses for Fenbendazole in dogs: 50 mg/kg PO q24h for 3 days (Ascarids / hookworms / whipworms / Taenia); 50 mg/kg PO q24h for 3–7 days (Giardia); 50 mg/kg PO q24h for gestation day 40 → lactation day 14 (Pregnant bitch — prevent T. canis / A. caninum transmission). Confirm against the label and the patient before use.

### What is the dose of Fenbendazole for cats?

Reference doses for Fenbendazole in cats: 50 mg/kg PO q24h for 5 days (Ascarids / hookworms / Taenia); 25–50 mg/kg PO q12h for 10–14 days (Aelurostrongylus (lungworm)). Confirm against the label and the patient before use.

### What is the dose of Fenbendazole for cattle?

Reference doses for Fenbendazole in cattle: 5 mg/kg PO once (GI roundworms / lungworms (label)); 10 mg/kg PO once (Moniezia / arrested Ostertagia L4); 15 mg/kg PO q24h for 3 days (Giardiasis in calves). Confirm against the label and the patient before use.

### What is the withdrawal period for Fenbendazole?

Cattle, PO (GI roundworms / lungworms (label)): 8d slaughter; Cattle, PO (Moniezia / arrested Ostertagia L4): Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label; Cattle, PO (Giardiasis in calves): Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label; Goats, PO (GI nematodes (extra-label)): Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label; Sheep, PO (Susceptible parasites): Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label; Pigs, PO (Susceptible parasites): Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label. Follow the product label and national regulations where they differ.

### When should Fenbendazole not be used?

Pigeons and doves may develop intestinal crypt necrosis and bone marrow hypoplasia. Alpaca crias (high doses, intolerant). Hypersensitivity reactions to dying parasites possible. Not approved in horses for food.

### What are the side effects of Fenbendazole in animals?

Vomiting, salivation, diarrhoea (uncommon); Hypersensitivity reactions to dying parasites (high parasite burden); Pancytopenia (rare, single canine case report); Bone marrow hypoplasia in pigeons / doves.

## Sources

- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Papich, Papich Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, 5th edition
- Carpenter, Exotic Animal Formulary

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VetMasterJi is a clinical decision-support and education platform for veterinary professionals and students. It does not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment for specific animals. All drug doses, calculators and differentials are references that must be independently verified before clinical use; the attending registered veterinarian remains solely responsible for every clinical decision.