Drontal Plus Dosage Calculator for Dogs (Broad-Spectrum Dewormer)

Drontal Plus for Dogs – Broad-Spectrum Single-Dose Dewormer

Drontal Plus combines praziquantel + pyrantel pamoate + febantel for comprehensive intestinal worm coverage including tapeworms.

Tablet Sizing

Weight	Tablet Type	Number
2-6 lb	Small Dog Tab	1 tablet
7-12 lb	Small Dog Tab	2 tablets
13-25 lb	Small Dog Tab	3 tablets
26-50 lb	Large Dog Tab	1 tablet
51-100 lb	Large Dog Tab	2 tablets
100+ lb	Large Dog Tab	3 tablets

Small Dog Tab: 22.7 mg each active. Large Dog Tab: 113.4 mg each active.

3-Active Combination

Active	Coverage
Praziquantel	Tapeworms: Taenia, Dipylidium, Echinococcus
Pyrantel pamoate	Roundworms + hookworms
Febantel	Whipworms + additional round/hookworm

⚠ NOT Heartworm Prevention

Drontal Plus is a single-dose treatment for active intestinal worm infections. Does NOT prevent heartworm. Need separate monthly heartworm preventive:

• Heartgard Plus
• Interceptor Plus
• Revolution
• Advantage Multi
• Simparica Trio

When to Use Drontal Plus

• Visible tapeworm segments (rice-grain Dipylidium)
• Positive fecal exam
• Routine puppy deworming (8-12 weeks +)
• Adult routine annual/semi-annual
• New adoption protocol
• Hunting dogs (Taenia from prey)
• Flea-infested dogs (Dipylidium)
• Pre-boarding/daycare

Age + Weight Minimum

• 3 weeks AND 2 lb
• Younger/smaller puppies: use pyrantel pamoate liquid (Strongid, Nemex) only

Puppy Deworming Schedule

1. 2 weeks: pyrantel pamoate
2. 4 weeks: pyrantel pamoate
3. 6 weeks: pyrantel pamoate
4. 8-12 weeks: Drontal Plus appropriate
5. Monthly thereafter: comprehensive prevention

For Dipylidium – Flea Control Essential

Praziquantel kills the tapeworm BUT reinfection occurs if fleas remain. Dog ingests infected flea while grooming.

Pair Drontal Plus + monthly flea prevention:

• Bravecto (3-month chewable)
• NexGard (monthly chewable)
• Simparica (monthly chewable)
• Credelio (monthly chewable)
• Frontline Plus (monthly topical)

Drontal Plus vs Monthly Products

Product	Tapeworm	Heartworm	Use
Drontal Plus	YES	NO	Single-dose treatment
Interceptor Plus	YES (Taenia + Echinococcus)	YES	Monthly comprehensive
Heartgard Plus	NO	YES	Monthly heartworm + round/hook
Revolution	NO	YES	Monthly topical
Advantage Multi	NO	YES	Monthly topical intestinal worms

Administration

1. Single dose typically
2. With food preferred
3. Flavored tablets – most dogs accept
4. Hide in pill pocket, cheese, peanut butter (no xylitol)
5. Repeat in 2-3 weeks if needed
6. Fecal exam 2-3 weeks post to confirm clearance

Side Effects – Very Rare

• Mild GI upset (uncommon)
• Hypersalivation if crushed (bitter taste)
• Brief lethargy (rare)
• Excellent safety profile

Echinococcus Zoonotic Concern

In endemic regions (Alaska, Western US, intermountain regions):

• Public health considerations
• Wash hands after handling stool
• Prevent children contamination
• Communicate with veterinarian + physician

Drug Interactions

• Generally minimal
• Safe with heartworm preventives
• Safe with flea/tick products
• Safe with most medications
• Safe with vaccines

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Drontal Plus tablets does my dog need?

WEIGHT-BASED tablet count. SMALL DOG TABLETS (22.7 mg each active) for 2-25 lb:

1. 2-6 lb = 1 tablet
2. 7-12 lb = 2 tablets
3. 13-25 lb = 3 tablets

LARGE DOG TABLETS (113.4 mg each active) for 25+ lb:

1. 26-50 lb = 1 large tablet
2. 51-100 lb = 2 large tablets
3. 100+ lb = 3 large tablets

EXAMPLES:

1. 5 lb Yorkie = 1 small tablet
2. 10 lb Pug = 2 small tablets
3. 20 lb Beagle = 3 small tablets
4. 35 lb Border Collie = 1 large tablet
5. 60 lb Lab = 2 large tablets
6. 110 lb Mastiff = 3 large tablets

ADMINISTRATION:

1. SINGLE DOSE typically
2. With food preferred
3. Flavored tablets
4. Pill pocket acceptable
5. Hide in cheese, peanut butter (no xylitol)
6. Verify swallowed not crushed (bitter taste)

REPEAT:

1. Re-dose in 2-3 weeks if needed
2. Heavy infection may need multiple rounds
3. Fecal exam 2-3 weeks post to confirm clearance
4. Chronic infections may need monthly schedule
5. Underlying cause assessment if recurrent

AGE MINIMUM:

1. 3 weeks AND 2 lb minimum
2. Younger puppies use pyrantel pamoate liquid (Strongid, Nemex) only
3. Puppy schedule: 2, 4, 6 weeks pyrantel; 8-12 weeks Drontal Plus appropriate

PURCHASE:

1. Veterinary prescription required
2. Online pharmacies with vet authorization
3. Veterinary clinics
4. Pack of 2 tablets typical
5. Larger packs available
6. Compare cost to monthly comprehensive products

ALTERNATIVE TO DRONTAL PLUS for routine use:

1. INTERCEPTOR PLUS – monthly heartworm + comprehensive worms
2. SIMPARICA TRIO – monthly heartworm + worms + fleas + ticks
3. MORE COST-EFFECTIVE long-term often
4. Drontal Plus better for SINGLE-DOSE specific situation. CONSULT VETERINARIAN for appropriate dosing + monitoring

Does Drontal Plus treat tapeworms in dogs?

YES – praziquantel in Drontal Plus is HIGHLY EFFECTIVE against all tapeworm species

TAPEWORM SPECIES COVERED:

1. DIPYLIDIUM CANINUM (cucumber-seed tapeworm) – most common; FLEA-TRANSMITTED; visible rice-grain segments
2. TAENIA PISIFORMIS – from rabbits/rodents (hunting dogs)
3. TAENIA HYDATIGENA – sheep/cattle viscera
4. ECHINOCOCCUS GRANULOSUS – hydatid disease (ZOONOTIC)
5. ECHINOCOCCUS MULTILOCULARIS – alveolar echinococcosis (ZOONOTIC)
6. Other less common tapeworms

PRAZIQUANTEL MECHANISM:

1. Damages tapeworm tegument (outer surface)
2. Disrupts calcium ion regulation
3. Causes vacuolization + disintegration
4. Killed worms expelled in stool
5. Highly effective single dose
6. Wide safety margin

DIPYLIDIUM CRITICAL:

1. Most common tapeworm in pet dogs
2. Transmitted via FLEAS – dog ingests infected flea while grooming
3. PRAZIQUANTEL kills tapeworm BUT reinfection occurs without flea control
4. ALWAYS PAIR Drontal Plus + monthly flea prevention
5. Bravecto, NexGard, Simparica, Credelio, Frontline options
6. Without flea control, tapeworm returns

SIGNS of TAPEWORM:

1. Visible RICE-GRAIN segments in stool/perianal area
2. Segments moving on stool surface
3. Scooting on rear end
4. Anal itch
5. Generally otherwise healthy
6. Severe infections may show weight loss
7. FECAL EXAM may MISS tapeworms (eggs released within proglottids not freely)
8. Owner observation often primary diagnostic

ECHINOCOCCUS – public health concern:

1. Zoonotic – humans can develop HYDATID CYSTS (E. granulosus) or alveolar echinococcosis (E. multilocularis)
2. Serious to fatal human disease
3. Endemic regions: Alaska, Western US sheep regions, intermountain
4. Hunting dogs at risk
5. Drontal Plus + responsible feeding management prevents
6. Wash hands after handling dog stool
7. Don’t let dogs eat raw viscera

TREATMENT PROTOCOL:

1. DRONTAL PLUS single dose appropriate for infection
2. FLEA CONTROL essential for Dipylidium (monthly product)
3. Limit predation if hunting (Taenia)
4. Hygiene practices
5. Recheck fecal 2-3 weeks
6. Repeat dose if needed
7. Treat all in-contact dogs
8. Continue flea control long-term

PREVENTION:

1. MONTHLY FLEA CONTROL prevents Dipylidium
2. LEASH WALKS limit predation
3. PROMPT REMOVAL of dead wildlife
4. DON’T FEED RAW VISCERA in Echinococcus areas
5. FECAL EXAMS annually + when symptoms
6. DEWORMING AT RISK EVENTS (after rabbit catching)

ALTERNATIVES with tapeworm coverage:

1. INTERCEPTOR PLUS – monthly heartworm + comprehensive worms inc Taenia/Echinococcus
2. DRONTAL Cestex (single dose tapeworm only)
3. PRAZIQUANTEL alone (Bayer, generic) – tapeworms only
4. IVERHART MAX similar comprehensive. WORK WITH VETERINARIAN for proper diagnosis + treatment + prevention plan

Can I use Drontal Plus on my puppy?

YES – from 3 weeks AND 2 lb minimum. Younger puppies use pyrantel pamoate alone

AGE + WEIGHT REQUIREMENT:

1. Minimum 3 WEEKS old
2. Minimum 2 LB body weight
3. BOTH criteria must be met
4. Most labels confirm safe down to these limits
5. Tablet broken in half if needed for very small puppies (1/2 small tab)

PUPPIES UNDER 3 WEEKS / 2 LB – safer alternatives:

1. PYRANTEL PAMOATE LIQUID (Strongid, Nemex, generic) – safe from 2 weeks; covers roundworms + hookworms
2. 5-10 mg/kg PO
3. Better for very young puppies
4. Doesn’t cover tapeworms or whipworms
5. Doesn’t include praziquantel/febantel
6. Wait until 3 weeks/2 lb for Drontal Plus standard

STANDARD PUPPY DEWORMING SCHEDULE:

1. 2 WEEKS – pyrantel pamoate
2. 4 WEEKS – pyrantel pamoate
3. 6 WEEKS – pyrantel pamoate
4. 8-12 WEEKS – Drontal Plus appropriate (more comprehensive coverage)
5. 12-16 WEEKS – continue comprehensive deworming
6. MONTHLY thereafter with year-round prevention
7. Some vets prefer monthly Interceptor Plus or similar starting 6-8 weeks

PUPPY-SPECIFIC CONCERNS:

1. PUPPIES are LIKELY infected with roundworms (Toxocara canis) – transmitted in utero + via milk
2. HOOKWORMS common
3. Some puppies have whipworms
4. TAPEWORMS less common in very young (unless flea exposure)
5. Multiple dewormings standard practice

WHY DEWORM PUPPIES:

1. Roundworms cause poor growth, pot-belly, diarrhea, vomiting
2. Heavy hookworm infection causes anemia
3. Whipworms cause chronic diarrhea + weight loss
4. Zoonotic risk to children (Toxocara visceral larva migrans)
5. Prevention better than treatment

ADMINISTRATION to PUPPIES:

1. FLAVORED tablets most puppies accept
2. Pill pocket or small piece of food
3. Verify swallowed
4. With food preferred
5. Single dose
6. Praise + treat after
7. Document doses

SIDE EFFECTS in puppies – rare:

1. Mild GI upset uncommon
2. Hypersalivation if crushed
3. Lethargy brief uncommon
4. Excellent safety
5. Wide therapeutic margin

ADOPTING / RESCUE PUPPIES:

1. Check shelter records for deworming history
2. Bring up to date if behind
3. FECAL EXAM recommended
4. Coordinate with vaccination schedule
5. Document all interventions
6. Continue lifelong prevention

CONCURRENT VACCINES:

1. Drontal Plus + vaccines safe same day
2. Some vets prefer separation by few days
3. No interaction documented
4. Standard practice combines visits
5. Document everything

AFTER DRONTAL PLUS in puppy:

1. Expel dead worms in stool (may see)
2. Some diarrhea possible
3. Improved appetite
4. Weight gain better
5. Recheck fecal 2-3 weeks
6. Repeat if needed
7. Continue monthly prevention. WORK WITH VETERINARIAN to coordinate puppy deworming, vaccinations, and long-term parasite prevention

Does Drontal Plus prevent heartworm in dogs?

NO – Drontal Plus does NOT prevent or treat heartworm disease. Need SEPARATE monthly heartworm preventive

WHAT DRONTAL PLUS COVERS:

1. Roundworms (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina)
2. Hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala)
3. Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis)
4. Tapeworms (Taenia, Dipylidium, Echinococcus)
5. INTESTINAL parasites only

WHAT DRONTAL PLUS DOES NOT COVER:

1. HEARTWORM (Dirofilaria immitis)
2. Fleas
3. Ticks
4. Mites (sarcoptic, demodex, ear)
5. Lice
6. External parasites in general
7. Bacterial/viral infections
8. Giardia
9. Coccidia

HEARTWORM is SERIOUS:

1. Mosquito-transmitted
2. Adult worms in heart + pulmonary arteries
3. Causes cough, exercise intolerance, heart failure, death
4. Treatment (melarsomine) expensive + risky
5. PREVENTION far better than treatment
6. Year-round in endemic areas

MONTHLY HEARTWORM PREVENTIVES:

1. HEARTGARD PLUS (ivermectin + pyrantel) – heartworm + roundworm/hookworm
2. INTERCEPTOR PLUS (milbemycin + praziquantel) – heartworm + comprehensive worms inc TAPEWORM
3. REVOLUTION (selamectin) – topical heartworm + fleas + mites
4. ADVANTAGE MULTI (moxidectin + imidacloprid) – topical heartworm + fleas + intestinal worms
5. TRIFEXIS (spinosad + milbemycin) – heartworm + intestinal worms + fleas
6. SIMPARICA TRIO (sarolaner + moxidectin + pyrantel) – heartworm + fleas + ticks + roundworm/hookworm
7. PROHEART injection (moxidectin) – 6 or 12 month injection

WHY DRONTAL PLUS IS NOT a heartworm preventive:

1. Doesn’t contain heartworm-effective ingredients
2. Praziquantel/pyrantel/febantel don’t affect heartworm larvae
3. Different parasite, different drug class needed
4. Macrocyclic lactones needed for heartworm (ivermectin, milbemycin, moxidectin, selamectin)

HEARTWORM TESTING:

1. Annual antigen test recommended
2. Test before starting prevention if status unknown (over 6 months)
3. SNAP 4Dx test (heartworm + 3 tick diseases)
4. Don’t give heartworm preventive to heartworm-positive dog without vet supervision
5. Lapse over 3 months = retest before resuming

COMBINING Drontal Plus + monthly heartworm preventive:

1. SAFE
2. Common practice
3. Drontal Plus single-dose treatment for current worm infection
4. Monthly preventive ongoing protection
5. Different mechanisms
6. Different schedules
7. Document all medications

ALTERNATIVE if owner wants ONE PRODUCT:

1. INTERCEPTOR PLUS = best for heartworm + comprehensive worms including tapeworm
2. Eliminates need for separate Drontal Plus
3. Monthly schedule
4. Cost-effective long-term
5. Single-product convenience

WHEN DRONTAL PLUS APPROPRIATE:

1. Active worm infection treatment
2. Visible tapeworm segments
3. Positive fecal exam
4. Periodic deworming maintenance
5. Cannot do monthly comprehensive product
6. Adjunct to heartworm-only preventive (Heartgard)

COMPREHENSIVE PROTECTION STRATEGY:

1. MONTHLY heartworm + intestinal preventive
2. MONTHLY flea + tick preventive
3. ANNUAL heartworm test
4. ANNUAL fecal exam
5. ROUTINE deworming as needed
6. Vaccination compliance
7. Veterinary check-ups
8. Owner education. WORK WITH VETERINARIAN to design appropriate parasite prevention plan for your dog’s specific situation

Related PuppaDogs Calculators

Continue building your dog’s personalised care plan with these related PuppaDogs calculators:

• Dog Pregnancy / Whelping Due-Date Calculator
• Puppy Weight Predictor (Adult Weight Calculator)
• Heatstroke Risk Calculator for Dogs
• Bloat (GDV) Risk Calculator for Dogs
• Dog Life Expectancy Calculator (Breed, Body Condition, Lifestyle)
• Spay/Neuter Timing Calculator for Dogs (Breed-Specific)

References & Further Reading

The dosing ranges and safety information on this page are drawn from the following veterinary references. Always defer to your own veterinarian and the manufacturer’s label for your specific product.

1. Drontal Plus product information – Elanco/Bayer.
2. Plumb DC. Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook – praziquantel, pyrantel, febantel.
3. Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) Guidelines.
4. AAHA Parasite Control Guidelines.
5. Bowman DD. Georgis’ Parasitology for Veterinarians.
6. American Heartworm Society Guidelines.
7. PuppaDogs. Interceptor Plus Calculator, Heartworm Risk Calculator, Deworming Schedule Calculator. puppadogs.com.