Prazitel for dogs is a controversial anthelmintic drug. On the one hand, it has an excellent complex composition. On the other hand, there are often reviews from animal owners and veterinarians about severe anthelmintic poisoning.
In this review, we will look at how Prazitel works, how and in what cases it is used, what possible side effects are possible, and whether the medication is really dangerous.
At the end of the article you will find a list of safer analogues, reviews from dog owners and my conclusion.
Our rating of the best anthelmintics for dogs.
Information and prices are current as of March 2021 and are constantly updated.
Release form and composition
The anthelmintic drug Prazitel is produced by the Russian company. It is produced in several forms and dosages:
| Release form | Content of active ingredients (per tablet or per ml) | average price | |||
| Praziquantel | Pyrantela pamoate | Fenbendazole | Milk thistle squeeze | ||
| Tablets "Plus" for medium and small breeds (2 tablets per pack) | 50 mg | 140 mg | 100 mg | — | 100 rub. |
| “Plus” for medium and large breeds (6 capsules per pack) | 50 mg | 140 mg | 100 mg | — | 190 rub. |
| Tablets for puppies | 5 mg | 50 ml | — | — | 80 rub. |
| Suspension “Plus” for medium and large breeds (10 ml) | 50 mg | 140 mg | 100 mg | — | 265 rub. |
| Suspension for puppies and small breed dogs (20 ml) | 3 mg | 30 mg | — | — | 195 rub. |
| “Special” suspension for dogs over 6 years old weighing up to 5 kg (10 ml) | 1.5 mg | 15.0 mg | — | 1.7 mg | 225 rub. |
| “Special” for weights from 5 to 25 kg (10 ml) | 7.5 mg | 100.0 mg | — | 8.7 mg | 285 rub. |
| “Special” for animals weighing from 25 to 50 kg (20 ml) | 7.5 mg | 100.0 mg | — | 8.7 mg | 345 rub. |
How it works
Prazitel is a complex anthelmintic drug. Its extensive effect on all phases of development of tapeworms and roundworms is achieved through a combination of several active ingredients: praziquantel, fenbendazole and pyrantel.
The active ingredients are absorbed in the intestines within 1-4 hours and distributed in the organs and tissues of dogs. They disrupt the processes of energy metabolism of parasites, which leads to their paralysis, subsequent death, and then to the removal of helminths from the body along with feces.
There is a separate suspension for dogs over 6 years old. Instead of regular praziquantel, it contains R-praziquantel: it is more effective, which made it possible to reduce the dosage of the active substance and reduce its negative impact on the pet’s body.
The second active component of the “Special” form – milk thistle extract – has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It reduces the negative effects of anthelmintic substances and normalizes liver function.
Effect of substances from the drug Prazitel for dogs
Pyrantel also affects the muscles of worms, but in a different way - by blocking neuromuscular transmission and depolarizing between specific muscle cell receptors and nerve connections. This substance also blocks the action of a specific enzyme, cholinesterase, which ensures nerve conduction. Pyrantel acts exclusively on nematode worms. At the same time, helminth larvae in the migration stage (mainly in the lungs), as well as their eggs, are not sensitive to this substance.
Fenbendazole has a very broad spectrum of action. It affects adult parasites, their eggs, and larvae, reaching the larvae even in the lungs. Fenbendazole acts on cestodes and nematodes, destroying microscopic channels located in the cells of their intestines and disrupting energy metabolism and ATP synthesis. This leads to the death of the worms and their excretion in the feces.
The complex action helped Prazitel to receive positive reviews from both veterinarians and dog owners, which made it possible to clearly answer questions like “Prasitel or Milbemax, which is better?” This drug affects different types of parasites from the groups of cestodes, nematodes and trematodes. At the same time, Prazitel Plus for dogs has almost no effect on the body, having no embryogenic or teratogenic effects, not affecting the immune system, and not irritating the digestive tract. The only contraindication is individual sensitivity.
Instructions for use and dosage
Any form of Prazitel is given in the morning on an empty stomach before feeding. Tablets or suspension are force-fed or disguised in a delicacy: a piece of cheese, minced meat, broth. There is no need to pre-give laxatives or go on a starvation diet.
Dosages depend on the release form:
| Type of drug | Dose |
| Tablets "Plus" | 1 tablet per 10 kg |
| Prazitel tablets for puppies | 1 tablet per 1 kg |
| Suspension for medium and large breeds | 1 ml per 10 kg |
| Suspension for puppies | 1 ml per 1 kg |
| “Special” for weight up to 5 kg | 1 ml per 1 kg |
| “Special” for weights from 5 to 25 kg and from 25 to 50 kg | 1 ml per 5 kg |
Please note that any suspension must be thoroughly shaken for 1-2 minutes before giving.
Contraindications and side effects
Prazitel belongs to moderately hazardous substances (class 3 according to GOST 12.1.007-76), and the “Special” form is classified as low-hazardous (class 4). As a rule, the anthelmintic is well tolerated by dogs of all ages and breeds.
But side effects are common:
- individual intolerance;
- short-term increased salivation;
- gastrointestinal disorders;
- depressed states;
- refusal to eat.
If these symptoms appear, give your pet adsorbents (Polysorb, Enterosgel) and contact your veterinarian to select symptomatic treatment.
It is forbidden to give the medicine:
- weakened and recovering animals;
- pregnant bitches;
- cutlets up to 2 weeks (forms for puppies) or up to 3 weeks (other types);
- dogs with severe liver and kidney dysfunction;
- in combination with anthelmintics containing piperazine and levamisole (possible increased toxicity).
Indications for use
Prazitel is prescribed to dogs for the treatment and prevention of the following helminths:
- Nematodes (toxascariasis, toxocariasis, uncinariasis, trichocephalosis, hookworm).
- Cestodoses (alveococcosis, echinococcosis, mesocestoidosis, taeniasis, diphyllobothriasis, dipylidiasis).
- Opisthorchiasis.
- Mixed helminthic infestations.
Prevention of helminthic diseases is necessary for dogs, since infection can occur in different ways. At the first stage, the problem sometimes does not manifest itself, and the first symptoms become noticeable when there is already significant damage to the organs.
The tablets should be given simultaneously with food during the morning meal. You can embed them in a piece of meat or crush them and mix them with minced meat or porridge. You can also try to force the dog to swallow the pill. Prazitel is used once for both treatment and prevention. Preventive deworming is indicated in the following cases:
- once every 3 months (scheduled);
- 10 days before vaccination;
- 14 days before mating;
- in case of pregnancy - 20 days before birth.
If the timing of repeated administration of Prazitel is violated, the dosage and schedule for resuming its administration remain unchanged. Tablets should be stored at a temperature no higher than +25, avoiding direct sunlight. Prazitel has the following contraindications:
- Individual intolerance.
- Infectious diseases.
- Exhaustion.
- Taking medications containing piperazine.
- Pregnancy in the first half of the term.
- 2 first weeks after birth.
- The puppy is less than 2 weeks old.
Taking Prazitel by lactating bitches requires consultation with a veterinarian for possible dose adjustment, since the components of the drug can be excreted in milk.
According to the degree of impact, this anthelmintic belongs to the 3rd hazard class. In the correct doses (corresponding to the instructions), it does not cause side effects, other than a possible increase in salivation for a short time. It will also be useful to know how to treat gastritis.
Drug overdose
The safety indices of fenbendazole and praziquantel are quite high. An overdose of pyrantel specifically, whose safety index is moderate, is possible. In case of severe overdose, the following symptoms are likely:
- Intestinal disorder.
- Depressed state.
- Severe drooling.
If there are significant signs of overdose, you should immediately consult a veterinarian.
Personal safety
The use of Prazitel requires compliance with safety regulations, as well as personal hygiene, standard for medicinal products. It is necessary to keep Prazitel out of the reach of children. If this drug enters the body or if allergic reactions occur, you should contact your veterinarian. In this case, it is better to take the instructions for the drug with you.
Analogues of the drug
You can replace Prazitel with one of the following drugs:
| Analogue | What is the difference | Price |
| Azinox | Contains praziquantel and pyrantel pamoate. Easier to tolerate by dogs and does not cause side effects. Use once every 2 months. | 100 rub. |
| Milbemax | Available in several forms for dogs of different ages and weights. It works due to milbemycin oxime and praziquantel. Collies, bobtails and shelties are prohibited. May cause allergies. | 350-650 rub. depending on the release form. |
| Prazicide | Produced in the form of tablets and sweet suspension. The active ingredients are praziquantel and pyrantel. Contraindications and side effects are the same as for Prazitel. | 100-200 rub. |
| Drontal | Available in the form of a suspension for puppies (contains febantel and pyrantel) and tablets for adults and large dogs (includes pyrantel, praziquantel, febantel). Side effects are not serious, occur rarely, and quickly go away on their own. | 350-1,000 rub. depending on the variety. |
| Kanikquantel | It acts not only on tapeworms and roundworms, but also on flatworms. It works due to praziquantel and fenbendazole. It is produced in the form of tablets and gel. Prohibited during pregnancy. | 70-150 rub. per tablet. |
Reviews about the drug
A handy thing for those who have pets and have wormed their cats several times. The product is cheap, convenient, there were no allergies. Suitable even for kittens, they gave it quietly from the first months.
Lida
We have three street cats, so they often bring the infection, they advised the clinics to use budget-friendly and effective Prazitel, thanks to the suspension in a syringe it is easy to give, there seemed to be no side effects.
Tatyana, 44 years old
When I had worms, the first time I suffered with tablets, and the second time I saw this suspension, which was much easier to give.
The cat is healthy, you can buy it at any veterinarian very cheaply, it works in two days. Nikolay, 51 years old
Owner reviews
Vlada: “The other day I wormed a litter of Yorkshire terriers: the puppies are 1.5 months old. She gave it strictly according to the dosage. Everything was well tolerated, except for one little kitten: after a couple of hours the baby became weak and stopped playing. Then he began to fall over on his side, groan and tuck his paws. The vet diagnosed anthelmintic poisoning, put him on an IV and told him to give him sweetened water. Soon diarrhea, vomiting, convulsions and foam at the mouth with blood were added. A day later the baby died.”
Alexandra: “I have 12 dogs: that’s 250 kg of live weight) Therefore, I was looking for an inexpensive and effective drug for worms. I chose Prazitel. I feed him regularly, 4 times a year. All dogs tolerate it perfectly: no changes. The only thing is, on the doctor’s recommendation, the next day I give some hepatoprotectors and immunomodulators.”
Victoria: “I gave Prazitel to two dogs: Busya and Sonya. Buska tolerated it well, but Sonya started vomiting 6 hours later. She gave me Phosphalugel and gave her a chamomile decoction. In the evening it became better, but at night the condition worsened. They called a veterinarian to the house: he gave injections, put on IVs, and told me to give him rehydron and activated charcoal. For a while, Sonechka felt better, but not for long: she began dragging her hind legs, moaning, crying, and her temperature dropped. She was gone in the morning.”
Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to give medication to pregnant dogs?
The use of Prazitel for puppy bitches requires special care and supervision by a veterinarian. If necessary, it is prescribed 3 weeks before or after birth.
How often should Prazitel be given?
For prophylactic purposes, the anthelmintic is used once every 3 months. When treating helminthic infestations, it is used twice with an interval of 10 days. Treatment is also required 1.5 weeks before vaccination.
Is it possible to give the “Special” suspension to puppies?
Prazitel “Special” was developed for older dogs. But since it is safer than other forms, many puppy owners pay attention to it. According to the results of the study, this dosage form is safe and effective in kittens. However, it should not be given before 3 weeks and the dosage must be adjusted.”
Is the drug safe for Shelties, Collies, Bobtails and their mixed breeds?
Yes, Prazitel is suitable for these breeds: it does not contain substances harmful to collies, bobtails, and shelties and is well tolerated by dogs.
Storage conditions and shelf life
The composition and consistency of the suspension are designed to prevent the dog from clearing the oral cavity of the drug on its own.
People with intolerance to substances listed in the composition should handle the suspension with caution, and if it gets on the skin or mucous membrane, it is better to consult a doctor, after first rinsing the area of contact with the drug with clean water. Since information on any drug for animals, be it a cat or a dog, cannot be presented in the form of an exact solution or a general template suitable for everyone, the article is for informational purposes only
If you want to decide how and what to do in a particular case, you need to contact a veterinarian
Since information on any drug for animals, be it a cat or a dog, cannot be presented in the form of an exact solution or a general template suitable for everyone, the article is for informational purposes only. If you want to decide how and what to do in a particular case, you need to contact a veterinarian.
Let us remind you that on the best RuNet site about dogs and puppies, “Dog House”, you can find a lot of useful and relevant information that will give you the opportunity to get a general idea of the problems and possible solutions to them.
Prazitel for dogs instructions for use
Prazitel, according to the instructions, is used once during the morning feeding of the dog.
Prasitel suspension or tablet can be added to a small amount of food or given to the animal forcibly.
Before purchasing the drug, carefully read the information on the label, since the medicine is available in different dosages, designed for a certain weight of the animal.
Prazitel is a drug for the treatment of helminthic infestations in adult dogs, puppies and cats.
The medicine is available in tablets and as a suspension. The composition of the tablets and suspension is almost identical.
According to reviews from veterinarians, Prazitel has a mild effect, so it is advisable to perform anthelmintic twice, with an interval of 10-14 days.
Prazitel is a modern anthelmintic drug, sold in dosages designed for different animal weights. According to the instructions, the drug should be given to the dog once during morning feeding, however, in practice, veterinarians still recommend repeating the anthelmintic treatment a second time, after 10-14 days. In the future, for prevention purposes, deworming should be carried out once a quarter.
It is better not to give Prazitel for dogs to cats, especially since a special “cat” Prazitel is produced for these representatives of four-legged animals.
Prazitel for dogs side effects and actions, overdose
Prazitel is considered a mild drug that does not cause side effects. However, when taking it, you must strictly adhere to the instructions in order to prevent an overdose. Signs of an overdose include excessive salivation, intestinal upset, and a depressed state of the animal.
In such cases, it will be necessary to take measures to facilitate the rapid removal of the drug from the body.
Prazitel for dogs against worms composition, powder
The active ingredients of the drug Prazitel for worms in dogs are pyrantel pamoate and praziquantel.
The medicine is available in the form of a suspension or tablets. The latter can be crushed into powder before use.
