# What Does Drontal Cover in Dogs? Worms It Treats Drontal for dogs covers four common intestinal worms: roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. It does not treat coccidia, giardia, or heartworm, and it is not a monthly heartworm preventive. If you are trying to figure out whether Drontal is the right dewormer for your dog, the answer depends on which parasite your dog actually has. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Drontal treats roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms in dogs. - It does not treat coccidia, giardia, or heartworm. - It is a treatment, not a monthly preventive, so it kills worms your dog has now but does not stop reinfection. - Your veterinarian calculates the dose from your dog's weight, so never split or guess a tablet on your own. - Drug-resistant hookworms are now widespread in the United States, so a follow-up fecal test after treatment matters more than it used to [1]. ## What Drontal Is and What Veterinarians Use It For Drontal is an oral deworming tablet for dogs. The combination product used in dogs contains three active ingredients: febantel, pyrantel embonate (also called pyrantel pamoate), and praziquantel [2]. Each ingredient targets a different group of worms, which is why Drontal covers several parasites at once. Veterinarians use it to treat dogs that have intestinal worms confirmed on a fecal test, or dogs with a strong suspicion of worms based on history and symptoms. It is also used in deworming protocols for dogs at higher risk, such as hunting dogs and dogs kept in rural areas where exposure to parasite eggs in soil is more common [2]. If you are not sure whether your dog has worms at all, these guides can help you sort out the signs: [How To Tell If Dog Has Worms](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/how-to-tell-if-dog-has-worms) and [Does My Dog Have Worms Symptoms](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/does-my-dog-have-worms-symptoms). ### The worms Drontal treats **Roundworms (Toxocara canis).** These are the classic spaghetti-looking worms, and they are one of the most common intestinal parasites in dogs. They can infect people too, which is one reason routine deworming matters [3]. **Hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala).** Hookworms attach to the intestinal lining and feed on blood. Ancylostoma caninum is the most common and most clinically important intestinal worm in dogs in the United States, and it can cause anemia, bloody or black stool, dehydration, and weight loss [1]. **Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis).** Whipworms live in the large intestine and can cause chronic diarrhea and weight loss. They are harder to find on routine fecal tests because they shed eggs intermittently. **Tapeworms (including Dipylidium caninum).** Tapeworms show up as rice-like segments near the tail or in the stool. Dipylidium caninum is spread by fleas, so treating the tapeworm without controlling fleas usually leads to reinfection. Praziquantel resistance has been reported in Dipylidium caninum, which is one more reason to confirm the diagnosis instead of treat blindly [4]. ### The parasites Drontal does not cover This is the part owners most often miss. Drontal is a dewormer for intestinal worms. It is not a broad-spectrum antiparasitic. - **Coccidia.** These are single-celled parasites, not worms. Drontal has no activity against them. - **Giardia.** Also a single-celled parasite. Drontal does not treat it. - **Heartworm.** Drontal does not prevent or treat heartworm disease. Heartworm prevention requires a separate product. - **Fleas and ticks.** Drontal has no flea or tick activity. - **Demodex or Sarcoptes mites.** These skin mites need different medications. If your dog has diarrhea and the fecal test shows coccidia or giardia, Drontal will not fix it. Your veterinarian will need a different drug. ## How Drontal Works Each ingredient attacks worms in a different way, which is why the combination covers so many species. Pyrantel pamoate is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker. It causes spastic paralysis of susceptible worms, so they lose their grip on the intestinal wall and are passed out in the stool. It works against roundworms and hookworms. Febantel is a pro-benzimidazole. It is converted in the body into an active form that interferes with the worm's energy metabolism and microtubule function. It adds activity against whipworms and strengthens the roundworm and hookworm effect. Praziquantel damages the outer layer (tegument) of tapeworms, causing them to lose their protective covering and be destroyed by the dog's immune system. It is the tapeworm ingredient. Because the ingredients work on different targets, Drontal can clear a mixed infection in one course of treatment. That is also why it is often chosen when a fecal test shows more than one type of worm. ## Dosing Basics for Drontal ### Who decides the dose Your veterinarian decides the dose. Drontal is dosed by body weight, and the exact milligram amount depends on the product formulation and your dog's weight. Do not use a dose you found online, and do not split tablets to approximate a dose for a small dog unless your veterinarian has told you exactly how to do it. Puppies, pregnant dogs, and dogs with liver or kidney disease need individual assessment. Your veterinarian will also decide whether one dose is enough or whether a repeat treatment is needed. ### How it is given Drontal is given by mouth, usually as a tablet. Many dogs take it with food or a small treat. If your dog vomits shortly after the dose, call your veterinarian, because the medication may not have been absorbed. Fasting is not required for most dogs, but follow whatever instructions your veterinarian gives you. ### What to do about a missed dose If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next one. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose. If you are unsure, call your veterinary clinic and ask. ## Side Effects of Drontal in Dogs Most dogs tolerate Drontal well. When side effects happen, they are usually mild and short-lived. | Side effect | How common or serious | What to do | |---|---|---| | Vomiting | Uncommon, usually mild | Withhold food for a few hours, offer water. Call your vet if it continues past 24 hours or if the dose came right back up | | Diarrhea | Uncommon, usually mild | Keep water available. Call your vet if it is bloody, severe, or lasts more than a day | | Drooling or lip smacking | Uncommon, mild | Usually from the taste of the tablet. Offer water and a small treat | | Loss of appetite | Uncommon, mild | Offer small bland meals. Call your vet if your dog refuses food for more than 24 hours | | Lethargy | Uncommon, mild | Let your dog rest. Call your vet if your dog is hard to rouse or seems weak | | Allergic reaction (swelling, hives, trouble breathing) | Rare, serious | This is an emergency. Call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away | | Neurologic signs (wobbling, tremors, seizures) | Rare, serious | Stop giving the medication and seek veterinary care immediately | If your dog has a history of seizures or neurologic disease, tell your veterinarian before giving any dewormer. ## Who Should Not Take Drontal and What Interacts With It Drontal is not appropriate for every dog. Your veterinarian will weigh the risks in these situations: - **Puppies under the labeled minimum age or weight.** The product label sets a minimum, and your veterinarian will follow it. - **Pregnant or nursing dogs.** Use only under direct veterinary supervision. - **Dogs with liver or kidney disease.** The ingredients are processed by the body, and organ disease can change how the drug behaves. - **Dogs with known allergy to any ingredient.** Tell your veterinarian about any prior reaction to a dewormer. - **Dogs already on other dewormers or parasite preventives.** Combining products can overlap ingredients and increase the risk of side effects. Always tell your veterinarian everything your dog takes, including over-the-counter products. - **Collies and other herding breeds with the MDR1 gene mutation.** Some dewormers in this class have been associated with neurologic toxicity in these dogs. Your veterinarian will decide whether Drontal is safe for your dog. Do not give Drontal at the same time as another dewormer unless your veterinarian has approved the combination. ## Overdose and When to Call for Help An overdose of Drontal can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, wobbling, or tremors. If you think your dog ate more than the prescribed amount, call your veterinarian right away. If your regular clinic is closed, call an animal poison control hotline or an emergency veterinary hospital. Bring the packaging with you or have it ready when you call. The weight of your dog and the amount swallowed both matter. Do not try to make your dog vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to. ## Drontal Compared With Monthly Preventives This is where a lot of confusion happens. Drontal and monthly preventives are not the same kind of product. Drontal is a **treatment**. It kills the intestinal worms your dog has right now. It does not stay in the body long enough to prevent new infections. If your dog goes back to the same contaminated yard or eats another infected flea, worms can come back. Monthly preventives are **preventives**. Many of them combine heartworm prevention with control of roundworms and hookworms, and some also cover whipworms and tapeworms. They work by killing incoming parasites on a regular schedule, so your dog stays protected between doses. A few practical differences: - **Coverage.** Drontal covers roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. Monthly products vary widely. Some cover only heartworm and a couple of intestinal worms. Read the label or ask your veterinarian what your specific product covers. - **Timing.** Drontal is given when worms are found or suspected. Monthly preventives are given on a set schedule, usually every 30 days or as labeled. - **Reinfection.** Drontal does not stop reinfection. Monthly preventives are designed to reduce it. - **Resistance.** Drug-resistant hookworms are now found across the continental United States, in dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds [1]. This makes routine fecal testing and follow-up after treatment more important than ever. If your dog is on a monthly preventive and still has worms, that does not automatically mean the product failed. It may mean the product does not cover that worm, the dose was missed, or the worms are resistant. A fecal test and a conversation with your veterinarian will sort it out. For help recognizing what you are seeing in your dog's stool, see [How Do I Know If My Dog Has Worm](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/how-do-i-know-if-my-dog-has-worm). ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian Drontal is a good dewormer for the worms it targets. It is not a cure-all, and it will not help if the problem is coccidia, giardia, heartworm, or a non-parasitic cause of diarrhea. It also will not prevent your dog from getting worms again. Call your veterinarian the **same day** if: - Your dog vomits the dose back up within an hour. - Your dog has diarrhea that started or worsened after the dose. - Your dog seems tired, drools heavily, or refuses food after treatment. - You are not sure the dose was correct. Go to an **emergency clinic now** if: - Your dog has trouble breathing, facial swelling, or hives. - Your dog has a seizure, tremors, or cannot stand. - Your dog has severe bloody diarrhea or repeated vomiting. - You know or suspect a large overdose. Schedule a **routine visit** if: - Your dog still has worms or worm segments in the stool after treatment. - Symptoms do not improve within a few days. - You need a follow-up fecal test to confirm the worms are gone. - You want to switch to a monthly preventive that covers more parasites. Every dog is different, and individual cases need a veterinarian who can examine your dog and run the right tests. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Does Drontal kill all worms in dogs? No. Drontal kills roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms, but it does not kill coccidia, giardia, or heartworm. If your dog has one of those parasites, you need a different medication. ### Can I give my dog Drontal every month? Drontal is labeled as a treatment, not a monthly preventive, so it is not designed for routine monthly use. If you want ongoing protection, ask your veterinarian about a monthly preventive that fits your dog's risk level. ### How long does it take for Drontal to work? Most worms are expelled within a few days after treatment. Whipworms and some tapeworms may need a repeat dose, and your veterinarian may recommend a follow-up fecal test to confirm the infection has cleared. ### Can Drontal be given with food? Yes, Drontal can usually be given with a small amount of food or a treat. Follow your veterinarian's instructions, and call the clinic if your dog vomits soon after taking it. ### Is Drontal safe for puppies? Drontal is used in puppies above the minimum age and weight on the product label, but the dose must be set by a veterinarian. Very young or very small puppies need individual assessment before any dewormer is given. ## Related Articles - [How To Tell If Dog Has Worms](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/how-to-tell-if-dog-has-worms) - [How Do I Know If My Dog Has Worm](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/how-do-i-know-if-my-dog-has-worm) - [How To Tell If Dog Has A Worm](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/how-to-tell-if-dog-has-a-worm) - [How Do I Know If My Dog's Got Worms](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/how-do-i-know-if-my-dog-s-got-worms) - [Does My Dog Have Worms Symptoms](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/does-my-dog-have-worms-symptoms) - [How Do You Know If Your Dog Has Worms Symptoms](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/how-do-you-know-if-your-dog-has-worms-symptoms) - [Drontal for Dogs: Active Ingredients and What They Kill](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-medication-guide/drontal-dogs-active-ingredients) - [Drontal for Dogs: Dosage, Frequency, and Safety](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-medication-guide/drontal-dogs-dosage-chart) - [How Long Does Drontal Take to Work in Dogs?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-medication-guide/how-long-drontal-take-work-dogs) - [Ancylostoma caninum Hookworm Infection in Dogs: Clinical Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment](/knowledge/parasites/pet-parasites/ancylostoma-caninum-hookworm-dogs-clinical-signs-diagnosis-treatment) ## References 1. [American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists Hookworm Task Force review on best practices for diagnosis and treatment of multidrug-resistant hookworms](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42102862/). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2026. 2. [Field efficacy of Febantel, Pyrantel embonate and Praziquantel (Drontal® Tasty) against naturally acquired intestinal helminths of hunting dogs in southern Italy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40993797/). Parasites & vectors, 2025. 3. [Field efficacy and safety evaluation of a novel chewable tablet (Credelio Quattro™) containing lotilaner, moxidectin, praziquantel, and pyrantel against gastrointestinal nematode infections in dogs in the USA](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40713857/). Parasites & vectors, 2025. 4. [Anthelmintic Resistance in Companion Animal Parasites: Diagnostic and Treatment Challenges](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42608228/). The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice, 2026. ## Further Reading - [American Veterinary Medical Association: First Aid Tips for Pet Owners](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/emergencycare/first-aid-tips-pet-owners) - [Merck Veterinary Manual: Dog Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners) - [Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center: Canine Health Information](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information)