Are you wondering if Panacur is the right parasite medication for your bearded dragon?
Do you want to know how to cure your dragon of parasites?
Part of pet ownership is knowing how to provide the best care for your pet, should they become sick.
There is no question a dragon suffering from parasites needs medication.
However, knowing which one is right for your dragon is the first step in bringing it back to health.
In this article, we’re looking at this common medicine and its possible side effects.
Disclaimer: This should not be construed as medical advice. We always recommend consulting a vet before starting or stopping any medication.
Table of Contents
What Is Panacur For Bearded Dragons?
Panacur, more generically known as Fenbendazole, is a medication for domestic animals, in this case, reptiles. It’s used to treat a wide variety of parasites such as:
- Roundworms
- Pinworms
- Hookworms
- Hepatic worms
- Hookworms
- Lungworms
- Strongyloides
- Cappillaria
- Heartworms
It is a safe alternative to harsh anti protozoan medications like Albon or Flagyl, which can disrupt your dragon’s gastrointestinal system.
When To Use Panacur With Your Bearded Dragon?
Panacur is one of the most promising over-the-counter deworming medications for bearded dragons. But before you can administer a dose to your pet, you need to be sure your beardie is sick.
Of course, a visit to the vet and a prescription from them will help.
But how would you know when a visit is due?
Here are some signs of parasitic infections in bearded dragons that’ll help you identify the right time for Panacur treatment:
Weight Loss
If your bearded dragon is losing weight despite eating well, it could indicate a parasitic infection. Parasites in the digestive system can cause malabsorption of nutrients, leading to weight loss.
Diarrhea
Bearded dragons are known for their solid and well-formed poop. If you see any changes in the consistency or frequency of their stools, it could indicate a parasitic infection.
Low Appetite
Parasites in the digestive system can also cause a decrease in appetite in bearded dragons. If your pet is eating less or seems disinterested in food, it could be a sign.
Bonus Tip: These signs can be a result of other health issues as well. It’s best to get your pet checked to be sure.
Panacur alone will not rid your pet of parasites.
It would help if you also implemented a rigorous disinfection routine.
To maximize the Panacur effects, make sure to clean your pet’s enclosure frequently and eliminate any stressors such as small housing areas, inadequate sanitization, overcrowding, and an insufficient diet.
These factors will only exacerbate the spread of the parasite Panacur is meant to be treating.
What Dosage Should You Give?
To calculate the dosage, take the weight of your reptile in grams and multiply the weight by .0005 (for 50 mg/kg dosage) or multiply by .001 (for 100 mg/kg dosage).
Usually, the dosage will be around 100mg/kg given orally and repeated every two weeks until you obtain a negative fecal test.
On average, this will take 2-3 doses.
In another way, for every 11 grams of body weight, you should give .1 ml of Panacur.
So if your dragon weighs 500 grams, you would provide .5 cc.
When treating a single bearded dragon, a .25 oz Panacur bottle is enough to treat several times.
For treating multiple or larger reptiles, a 1 oz size is best.
We’ve put together a bearded dragon Panacur dosage chart for your ease below.
| Bearded Dragon Weight (grams) | Dosage – 30 mg | Dosage – 50mg | Dosage – 100mg |
| 40 | 0.012 | 0.02 | 0.04 |
| 50 | 0.015 | 0.025 | 0.05 |
| 100 | 0.03 | 0.05 | 0.1 |
| 150 | 0.045 | 0.075 | 0.15 |
| 200 | 0.06 | 0.1 | 0.2 |
| 250 | 0.075 | 0.125 | 0.25 |
| 300 | 0.09 | 0.15 | 0.3 |
| 350 | 0.105 | 0.175 | 0.035 |
| 400 | 0.12 | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| 450 | 0.135 | 0.225 | 0.45 |
| 500 | 0.15 | 0.25 | 0.5 |
If you only need a small amount, your vet may be able to provide this without charging extra for the entire bottle.
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What Are The Side Effects?
Panacur is very mild, and so side effects are not expected.
Accidental overdose is almost impossible because even dosages ten times the prescription are tolerable.
However, any antiparasitic medication will be tough on your dragon’s stomach, so lack of appetite is likely.
To counteract this, give your beardie a dose of reptile-specific probiotics like Bene-bac or soy yogurt.
Probiotics will help with replenishing the normal flora and keeping their appetite regular.
Probiotics will not interfere with the antiparasitic medication.
However, they may interfere with antibiotics.
To keep your pet’s stomach feeling okay, drip soy yogurt on their snout before giving the Panacur along with a daily dose throughout the treatment.
The shelf life for Panacur is one year.
How Do You Use Panacur?
Panacur will usually come in a liquid with a Syringe to administer it orally.
It is also sold as a paste, but for horses.
When administering liquid Panacur, drip it on the nose and see if your dragon licks it.
If not, gently wedge the syringe above the jaw, but don’t be too forceful.
Which Version Of Panacur Should I Buy?
- The #1 dewormer for reptiles is the Panacur – Dewormer 25 gram tube.
- Another safe and effective product is the Liquid 10% Fenbendazole Liquid Bulk Size Dewormer (Generic Panacur).
How To Tell If Your Bearded Dragon Is Brumating Or Having A Side Effect?
The beginning of brumation can mimic a lot of side effects from medication.
Classic signs of brumation are:
- Sleeping more
- Decreased appetite
- Sleeping earlier
- Hiding in the shade,
- Pooping less (due to eating less)
If your dragon is experiencing all of these symptoms, it is possible your dragon is healthy and merely preparing for brumation.
Albeit unlikely, side effects like appetite loss may be triggered by Panacur.
Luckily, the appetite can easily be restimulated by the probiotics previously mentioned.
Probiotics should not be taken if your dragon is on antibiotics.
The weight loss will most likely end when treatment does.
However, If weight loss persists after treatment, consult with your vet.
Is Panacur Prescription Only?
No, it is over the counter.
However, it is strongly encouraged within the herpetology community not to treat reptiles without the guidance of a reptile vet.
There are many factors herpetology vets need to consider before diagnosing and treating animals.
Choosing the course of treatment, which drug to use, and what dosage to give are not always straightforward and must be handled carefully.
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Panacur and the Health of Your Bearded Dragon
Before using Panacur or any other antiparasitic medication, you should schedule an appointment with your vet to ensure a) your reptile has a parasite and b) Panacur is the right medication to bring your pet back to health.
Panacur is very mild and a safer alternative than many other harsh anti protozoan medications.
On average, your pet will need 2-3 doses of Panacur in total.
While it is true Panacur is an over-the-counter medicine, it is always wise to consult with your vet before giving your pet any medication.
