When your dog needs a worming treatment,the biggest question is not always “Which wormer is the cheapest?” It is how effective the treatment is and which wormsit removes. Droncit and Drontal Plus are two dog deworming treatments that have gained a lot of popularity recently. But which one is better for dogs?
In this article, we will compare Droncit and Drontal Plus for dogs in detail to help you make an informed decision.
Droncit and Drontal Plus – A BriefOverview
What is Droncit Wormer for Dogs?
Droncit is a canine dewormer formulated with praziquantel as its key ingredient. Available as small, scored tablets, Droncitis designed for easy administration. It can be given by mouth or crumbled and mixed with food. Droncit wormer tablets are labelled for adult dogs and puppies from 4 weeks of age. it is specifically indicated for the removal of the following canine cestodes (tapeworms):
- Dipylidium caninum
- Taenia pisiformis
- Echinococcus granulosus
- Echinococcus multilocularis(removal and control)
Droncit is not a broad-spectrum wormer for common types of intestinal worms. It is only labeled for the removal and control of specific tapeworms.
What is Drontal PlusWormer for Dogs?
Drontal Plus is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic treatment for dogs and puppies from 3 weeks of age and weighing at least 2 lbs. Available as small and palatablebeef-flavoredscored tablets, Drontal Plus also allows hassle-free oral administration to dogs.
Drontal Plus is specifically labeled for the removal of the following types of intestinal worms in dogs:
- Tapeworms
(Dipylidium caninum, Taenia pisiformis, and Echinococcus granulosusas well as removal and control ofEchinococcus multilocularis)
- Hookworms
(Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinariastenocephala)
- Roundworms
(Toxocaracanis, Toxocara leonina)
- Whipworms
(Trichuris vulpis)
Drontal Plus is formulated with three key ingredients, which include, praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate, and febantel. The three ingredients work against different intestinal parasites, including tapeworms, hookworms, ascarids and whipworms.
What are the Similarities between Droncit and Drontal Plus?
Droncit and Drontal Plus share a few characteristics:
- Oral treatments: Both are available as oral worming treatments.
- Tapeworm coverage: Both are indicated for the removal ofspecific tapeworm species.
- Praziquantel: Praziquantel is the common active ingredient and is responsible for their activity against tapeworms.
What are the Differences between Droncit and Drontal Plus?
The following are the key differences between these two wormers:
Worm coverage:
Droncit is a tapeworm treatment for dogs. It does not cover any other types of worms.
Drontal Plus covers tapeworms as well as roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.
Active ingredients:
Droncit for Dogs contains praziquantel as the active ingredient.
Drontal Plus contains three active ingredients: praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate, and febantel.
Tablet strengths:
Droncit for Dogs is available in a single tablet strength. Each tablet contains 34 mg of praziquantel.
Drontal Plus for Dogs is available in threeweight-specific tablet strengths:
- Drontal Plus for Puppies & Small Dogs (2-25 lbs.)
- Drontal Plus for Medium Dogs (26-60 lbs.)
- Drontal Plus for Large Dogs (45 lbs. and greater)
Usein pregnancy:
According to the product label, Droncithas been tested in pregnant and breeding dogs, and no adverse reactions were reported.
The product label of Drontal Plus clearly indicates it should not be used in pregnant dogs.
Age criteria:
Droncit is not intended for puppies less than 4 weeks old.
Drontal Plus Taste Tabs are not suitable for puppies less than 3 weeks old and dogs weighing less than 2 lbs.
Droncit for Dogs vs. Drontal Plus for Dogs – Quick Comparison Table
The table below offers a detailed comparison of Droncit and Drontal Plus:
How to Choose the Right Dewormer for Your Dog?
Choosing between Droncit and Drontal Plus starts with figuring out the parasite you are trying to treat, not simply the brand name.
If your dog needs only tapeworm treatment, Droncit’s praziquantel-only formulation is specifically formulated to serve the purpose. If your dog needs treatment for tapeworms plus the additional intestinal worms covered by Drontal Plus, its three-ingredient formulation offers broader worm coverage.
The parasite infestationis generally determined by a veterinary professionalthrough a fecal examination before recommending a deworming treatment. They can make a decision for your dog based on the worms identified or suspected and your dog’s age, weight, and other considerations.
One more thing: Deworming does not necessarily prevent a dog from becoming infected again. So, always ask your veterinary professional to guide you with a worming schedule for your dog and follow it consistently.
FAQs
Is Droncit the same as Drontal Plus?
No. Both contain different ingredients and offer different parasite coverage. Droncit contains praziquantel and covers tapeworms, while Drontal Plus contains praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate, and febantel to remove tapeworms, roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms.
Does my dog need to fast before treatment withDroncit or Drontal Plus?
No. According to the product labels, fasting is neither necessary nor recommended for either product. Consult a veterinary professional for specific dosing guidelines.
Can Droncit and Drontal Plus be used during pregnancy?
Droncitproduct label states that it has been testedin breeding and pregnant dogs with no adverse effects noted. Drontal Plus is labeled“not for use in pregnant animals”. Always consult your vet before starting any deworming treatment, especially if your dog is pregnant or is intended for breeding.
Which is better, Droncit or Drontal Plus?
The better choice for any dog depends on which worms a dog needs to be treated for. If a dog needs only tapeworm treatment, Droncit may be a better choice. For a dog that requires treatment for roundworms, hookworms, or whipworms as well, Drontal Plus may be a better choice.
