Vet Guide to Drontal® & Drontal Plus in 2025 🐾

Hello, I’m Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc—founder of Ask A Vet. This in-depth 2025 guide delves into Drontal® and Drontal Plus®, broad-spectrum dewormers used to treat tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms—and whipworms in dogs. We’ll cover what they are, dosing guidelines, safety, side-effects, monitoring, and why stool testing and parasite prevention matter. 💊

📘 What Are Drontal® & Drontal Plus®?

Drontal® (praziquantel + pyrantel) is an FDA-prescription dewormer for cats/kittens ≥ 8 weeks & ≥ 2 lb, effective against tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. Drontal Plus® adds febantel to cover whipworms and is intended for dogs/puppies ≥ 3 weeks & ≥ 2 lb :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

🎯 How They Work

• Praziquantel: paralyzes tapeworms, causing destruction and removal :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Pyrantel pamoate: causes paralysis of roundworms and hookworms :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Febantel: converts to fenbendazole, targeting whipworms :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

📐 Dosing Guidelines

✅ Drontal® for Cats

One-time oral dose based on weight. For example, 1 tablet per 4–8 lb—tablets are scored for accurate dosing; food not required :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

✅ Drontal Plus® for Dogs

• Puppies ≥ 3 weeks and dogs ≥ 2 lb. Multiple dosages available for weight ranges (small, medium, large) :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Examples: 2–4 lb → 0.5 tab; 5–7 lb → 1 tab; 8–12 lb → 1.5 tabs; 13–18 lb → 2 tabs; up to two 2-tb dose for 45–60 lb dogs :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Single dose; retreat every 21–26 days where reinfection likely (e.g., Dipylidium via fleas, Echinococcus) :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Can give with or without food; chewable/flavor tabs ease administration :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

⚠️ Safety & Contraindications

• Not for use in kittens < 8 weeks or < 2 lb; puppies < 3 weeks or < 2 lb :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Drontal Plus contraindicated in pregnant dogs—can cause fetal issues and abortion :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Do not use in pets allergic to any parasticide in the product :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

🚨 Side Effects & Handling

• Mild and uncommon: diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, appetite loss, lethargy :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Handling precautions: wash hands after dosing, especially with feces—tapeworm eggs can remain infectious :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.

✅ Follow‑up & Prevention

• Confirm parasite presence with fecal testing before treatment :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Retest 2–4 weeks post‑treatment to ensure parasite clearance :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Continue flea control to prevent tapeworm reinfection via Dipylidium :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Adult dogs may be dewormed monthly to every 3 months depending on risk :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.

🏡 Real‑World Scenarios

🐱 Kitten with tapeworms

• 8-week-old kitten received Drontal; segments disappeared within 2 days, no side effects.

🐶 Puppy deworming

• 6-week-old puppy dosed Drontal Plus at 2.5 lbs; repeated monthly until 4 months per protocol.

🐶 Adult dog reinfection

• Dog with fleas treated with Drontal Plus and flea control; retreated after 3 weeks and again 3 months later—no new infections.

❓ FAQs

Can Drontal Plus kill Giardia?

Yes—studies show efficacy, though fenbendazole and metronidazole remain preferred in many cases :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.

Is fasting needed?

No—food doesn’t affect absorption; tablets can be given directly or with food :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.

Can I get the medication over the counter?

No—these medications are by prescription only. Proper parasitic diagnosis is required before use :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.

📌 Final Takeaways

• Drontal® and Drontal Plus® offer broad deworming coverage—tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms in pets.
• Follow weight-based, one-time dosing; specific age and pregnancy precautions apply.
• Side effects are rare; post-treatment fecal testing and environmental control prevent re-infection.
• Consult your vet regularly, especially in young puppies/kittens or high-risk households. 🐾❤️

Ready to add Drontal® to your pet’s health care routine? Download the Ask A Vet app for dosing calculators, reminders, follow-up testing tips, and 24/7 veterinary support—keeping your dog or cat parasite-free in 2025 and beyond. 🐶🐱