Drontal Tablets for Dogs are broad-spectrum worming tablets used to control common intestinal roundworms and tapeworms in dogs. The standard bone-shaped tablet contains 150mg febantel, 144mg pyrantel embonate and 50mg praziquantel, while the XL tablet contains 525mg febantel, 504mg pyrantel embonate and 175mg praziquantel for larger adult dogs.
This combination covers ascarids, hookworms, whipworms and several important tapeworm species, including Dipylidium caninum and Taenia species. Drontal Tablets for Dogs are given as a single oral dose calculated from bodyweight. The standard tablet is equivalent to one tablet per 10kg, and the XL version is equivalent to one tablet per 35kg. These tablets remove susceptible worms that are present at treatment; they do not provide a lasting barrier against reinfection, so an appropriate repeat-treatment plan remains important.
Drontal Tablets for Dogs work through three active ingredients with complementary actions. Pyrantel a...
Drontal Tablets for Dogs are broad-spectrum worming tablets used to control common intestinal roundworms and tapeworms in dogs. The standard bone-shaped tablet contains 150mg febantel, 144mg pyrantel embonate and 50mg praziquantel, while the XL tablet contains 525mg febantel, 504mg pyrantel embonate and 175mg praziquantel for larger adult dogs.
This combination covers ascarids, hookworms, whipworms and several important tapeworm species, including Dipylidium caninum and Taenia species. Drontal Tablets for Dogs are given as a single oral dose calculated from bodyweight. The standard tablet is equivalent to one tablet per 10kg, and the XL version is equivalent to one tablet per 35kg. These tablets remove susceptible worms that are present at treatment; they do not provide a lasting barrier against reinfection, so an appropriate repeat-treatment plan remains important.
Drontal Tablets for Dogs work through three active ingredients with complementary actions. Pyrantel acts as a cholinergic agonist at the parasite’s nicotinic receptors, producing spastic paralysis in susceptible roundworms. Normal intestinal peristalsis can then move the paralysed worms out of the gastrointestinal tract. Febantel is converted within the dog’s body into active benzimidazole metabolites, including fenbendazole and oxfendazole. These interfere with tubulin polymerisation and microtubule formation, disrupting glucose uptake and energy production until the parasite dies. Praziquantel targets tapeworms by altering calcium movement across the parasite’s tissues and damaging its outer surface, known as the tegument. This causes rapid contraction, paralysis and breakdown of the tapeworm. Because the ingredients act at different biological sites, Drontal Tablets provide broad-spectrum activity without relying on a single mechanism. Owners may not see whole worms after dosing, as some parasites are broken down within the intestine and passed in material that is not easily visible.
Dogs can acquire parasite eggs or larvae from contaminated soil, faeces, prey, raw offal or grooming, and Dipylidium tapeworm is commonly acquired by swallowing an infected flea. Some dogs remain outwardly well, particularly when the worm burden is low, while puppies and vulnerable adults may become unwell more quickly. Signs that merit veterinary advice include:
Hookworms can attach to the intestinal lining and contribute to blood loss, while whipworms may cause inflammation of the large bowel and intermittent diarrhoea. Heavy roundworm burdens can impair growth or, rarely, contribute to intestinal obstruction in puppies. Tapeworm infection is often milder, although visible segments around the anus can cause irritation and concern for owners. These signs are not specific to parasites, so faecal examination may be needed. Drontal should not replace veterinary assessment when a dog is significantly unwell, repeatedly symptomatic or failing to gain weight.
Drontal Tablets for Dogs may be given directly or disguised in a small amount of food, and fasting is not required before or after treatment. The standard tablets are scored to help divide doses, but they are not licensed for dogs weighing under 3kg; a suitable puppy formulation should be used for very small puppies after professional advice. The XL tablet is intended for adult dogs and should be replaced by the standard strength when a dog weighs less than 17.5kg, allowing more accurate dosing. Routine control for adult dogs is commonly every three months under the product directions, although hunting, scavenging, raw feeding, travel, flea exposure and household circumstances can change the appropriate interval. Puppies require a more frequent early-life programme because Toxocara canis can be transmitted before birth or through milk. Drontal Tablets for Dogs should always be used according to the current pack leaflet or veterinary advice, especially after a confirmed heavy infestation, when repeat dosing or diagnostic testing may be recommended.
Worm control also depends on reducing exposure between doses. Pick up faeces promptly, clean contaminated areas where possible, prevent scavenging, and maintain an effective flea-control programme because fleas are intermediate hosts for Dipylidium caninum. Treating only the tapeworm while fleas remain can lead to rapid recurrence. Drontal Tablets for Dogs can reduce the shedding of susceptible parasites after treatment, but environmental eggs may persist and another infection can develop. This matters for canine health and for zoonotic risk, particularly with Toxocara species, whose eggs can contaminate soil and may infect people. Children should wash their hands after playing outside or handling pets, and dogs should be discouraged from licking faces. A tailored parasite plan may include Drontal Tablets for Dogs, regular flea treatment, faecal testing and risk-based veterinary review, particularly for puppies, dogs living with young children, working dogs, raw-fed dogs, frequent travellers and animals that hunt or scavenge.
Drontal Tablets for Dogs are licensed to control common roundworms and tapeworms, including ascarids, hookworms, whipworms, Taenia species and Dipylidium caninum. Coverage varies slightly by formulation and life stage, so use the correct standard or XL tablet and follow the current product leaflet.
For routine adult worm control, the product information recommends treatment every three months. Some dogs may need a different schedule because of hunting, scavenging, raw feeding, travel, flea exposure or household risk. Ask your veterinary surgeon for an individual parasite-control plan when exposure is higher than usual.
The standard Drontal tablet is dosed at one tablet per 10kg bodyweight, while Drontal Plus XL is dosed at one tablet per 35kg for larger adult dogs. Weigh your dog accurately and use the dosing table on the current leaflet rather than estimating by size or breed.
Yes. Drontal tablets can be given directly by mouth or hidden in a small portion of food, and fasting is not required before or after treatment. Make sure your dog swallows the complete calculated dose. If part of a tablet is needed, follow the leaflet’s instructions for disposal.
The active ingredients begin acting after administration, but the different worm types are affected through different mechanisms. Some parasites may be passed or broken down over the following days, and whole worms are not always visible. Ongoing symptoms, heavy infestation or continued worm sightings should be discussed with a vet.
Drontal is generally well tolerated at the recommended dose. Very rare reactions include mild, temporary vomiting or diarrhoea, sometimes with lethargy, reduced appetite or restlessness. Contact a veterinary surgeon if symptoms are severe, persistent or accompanied by weakness, collapse, breathing difficulty or repeated vomiting.
