Milbemax for cats - instructions for using the drug to combat worms in cats

Helminthiasis - infection of an animal with helminths - is the most common disease found in cats. Worms cause inconvenience and even danger not only to pets, but also to their owners. They are easily transmitted from furry pets to people. Of course, children are primarily at risk. To avoid infection, which can be dangerous to the health and even life of the pet and its owner, it is necessary to regularly carry out anthelmintic measures. The French medicine Milbemax is perfect for this.

Release form and composition

Milbemax tablets are produced by Elanco. Previously, the medicine was produced by Novartis, which in 2015 became a subsidiary of Elanco.

There are two types: regular capsules and chicken-flavored chewable tablets.

Regular tablets are round, white, with a longitudinal line for division. Available in 2 pieces per pack. They are produced in two forms:

• for puppies and decorative breeds: with a dosage of praziquantel 25 mg and milbemycin 2.5 mg in each tablet, cost an average of 330 rubles;
• for adult dogs: each capsule contains 125 mg of praziquantel and 12.5 mg of milbemycin, the average price is 515 rubles per package of 2 tablets.

Chewable tablets are produced in the form of brown plates, packaged in packs of 4 pieces. They are also produced in two dosages:

• for kittens and small breeds weighing 1-5 kg: dosage – 2.5 mg of milbemycin and 25 mg of praziquantel, sold for 780 rubles;
• for adult dogs weighing more than 5 kg: each plate contains 12.5 mg of milbemycin and 125 mg of praziquantel, the average cost is 1150 rubles.

Regular and chewable tablets contain the same active ingredients in the same dosages. The only difference is the taste of the chicken. At the same time, the price of the two forms of the drug differs by 2 times. Although most pets are more willing to eat the plates, some still refuse. Therefore, it is better to save money, take simple tablets and force-feed them to the dog or along with a treat.

Briefly about the main thing

1. Milbemax is one of the most effective antiparasitic drugs for animals.
2. There are two types of tablets: regular and chewable.
3. Do not confuse the dosage, and the treatment will proceed without negative consequences.

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Indications for use

Milbemax tablets for dogs are prescribed for the prevention of helminth infection and the treatment of helminth infestations. They help against the following types of parasites:

• cestodes: dipylidiosis, bovine and pork tapeworms, echinococci, mesocestoidosis;
• nematodes: hookworm, toxocara, trichocephalus.

The drug also reduces the severity and reduces the risk of infection with crenosomosis, angiostrongylosis (French heartworm), and dirofilariasis.

On the topic: worms in dogs, how often should a dog be wormed.

How it works

The anthelmintic Milbemax is a complex antiparasitic drug. Its effect on nematodes and cestodes simultaneously is achieved by combining two active ingredients:

• milbemycin oxime: affects larval and adult individuals, increases the permeability of parasite cell membranes to calcium ions, which leads to damage to the nerves and muscles of nematodes, their further paralysis and death;
• praziquantel: has a detrimental effect on nematodes and cestodes, the substance destroys the membrane of the worms and causes their death.

Both components are rapidly absorbed (the maximum concentration in the blood plasma is reached in 1-4 hours) and are excreted in 2 days along with urine.

Instructions for use and dosage

The medication is taken based on the minimum dosage: 0.5 mg of milbemycin and 5 mg of praziquantel per kg of weight.

Milbemax for puppies and decorative breeds is given as follows:

• half a tablet for pets weighing 0.5-1 kg;
• 1 plate for dogs weighing 1-5 kg;
• 2 capsules for dogs weighing 5-10 kg.

Milbemax for adult dogs weighing more than 5 kg is used as follows:

• 1 tablet for pets weighing 5-25 kg;
• 2 capsules for animals weighing 25-50 kg;
• 3 plates for dogs weighing 50-75 kg.

The drug is fed at the first morning feeding with a small amount of food or forcefully placed on the root of the tongue. No preliminary preparation is needed - the dog is fed as usual, no laxatives are given.

For prevention, an anthelmintic is given every month from early spring to late autumn. If the dog has already become infected with worms, the medicine is used twice with an interval of 14 days. When affected by heartworms, the medication is used four times, with a one-week break between doses.

Overdose symptoms

Exceeding the dose of any medication leads to poisoning. The drug substances gradually accumulate in the cat’s body and can exceed the permissible limit.

You can identify that this has happened by the following symptoms:

• Saliva may flow;
• Body temperature drops sharply, the animal freezes and seeks warmth;
• Loose stools, nausea and vomiting;
• The pupils are very constricted and dilated when light hits them;
• Unusual behavior such as excessive activity;
• Lethargy and apathy, crumpled actions;
• Poor appetite or refuses to eat;
• Heavy breathing with shortness of breath, wheezing;
• Change in color of mucous membranes;
• Unusual odor from the mouth;
• Fainting and convulsions.

Before the veterinarian arrives or the cat is taken to the veterinary clinic, first aid can be done.

1. First, the cat owner needs to record the time the animal took the drug and the time the symptoms appeared in the four-legged friend.
2. If the owner knows how to give injections, then it is worth giving an injection of Dexamethasone 1-2 ml. This time should also be recorded.
3. Some owners lavage the cat's stomach with a light pink solution of potassium permanganate.
4. Next, the solution is poured into the pet’s mouth so that it does not choke, and then vomiting is induced.
5. Next you will need to grind 2-3 tablets of activated carbon, mix this mixture with water and give the cat this solution.
6. It is possible to give charcoal without washing out the stomach.

The drug Milbemax can be purchased at a veterinary pharmacy or in an online store.

The price of Milbemax for adult cats is 500 rubles, and for kittens it will cost 350-400 rubles.

Contraindications and side effects

Milbemax is a generally safe drug that rarely causes negative reactions (classified as hazard class 3 according to GOST 12.1.007-76). However, keep the following points in mind:

• the drug is dangerous for fish and bees;
• the drug should not be used in sick, exhausted, or convalescent dogs;
• the medication is prohibited for dogs with kidney and liver failure;
• Do not use anthelmintic in animals with hypersensitivity to milbemycin or praziquantel;
• Milbemycin oxime in the composition belongs to macrocyclic lactones - substances of this group are dangerous for collie, sheltie, bobtail and their crossbreeds;
• the variety for puppies is not given to kittens up to 2 weeks old and weighing less than 0.5 kg;
• Tablets for adult dogs should not be fed to pets weighing less than 5 kg.

Most dogs tolerate the anthelmintic well. But with increased sensitivity or overdose, the following are possible:

• depressed state - low mobility, refusal to play, eat, walk;
• hypersalivation;
• lack of coordination;
• muscle tremors;
• allergic reactions – itching, skin hyperemia;
• digestive disorders.

If the pet develops at least one sign, the drug is discontinued. As a rule, treatment is not necessary - negative reactions go away on their own within 24 hours. If this does not happen, contact your veterinarian: he will prescribe symptomatic therapy.

Breeders reviews

Irina:

“We take it according to the advice of the veterinarian. Giving the tablets is simple: I crushed them into powder and mixed them with food, the dog ate them. There were no side effects, we are happy with the purchase, if something happens, we turn to Milbemax.”

Tatiana:

“Every year we give our Charlie Milbemax before vaccinations. He does not eat the tablet in its pure form, apparently it is too bitter. After several uses there were no side effects.”

Artem:

“A couple of years ago we got a German Shepherd puppy. The first thing we did was take the new family member to the veterinarian. The baby turned out to be completely healthy, without any abnormalities. Since there are small children in the house, the doctor advised sometimes to prevent worms using Mibelmax. We use it this way: I put the tablet inside the fruit, the dog absorbs it without whims. There were no side effects; the only drawback of the drug was the price. But, for the sake of your pet’s health, you can fork out more.”

Analogues of the drug

Analogs can be selected from similar drugs listed in the table below. All of them are similar to Milbemax in the presence of praziquantel. The difference is in the content of the second active substance.

Answers to frequently asked questions

How long does the drug last and does it need to be given again?

Give twice with an interval of 10-14 days. Its effect lasts up to 3 months. However, during the insect summer season (spring-summer-autumn), treatment is carried out monthly.

Is it necessary to feed the tablet along with food or can it be given on an empty stomach?

It is not necessary to administer the drug with food. But it’s easier to give medicine with food - you can disguise it in minced meat, cottage cheese, cheese. If you think that the dog will smell the capsule and spit it out, forcefully apply it to the root of the tongue.

Can Milbemax be given to pregnant dogs?

The anthelmintic is approved for use in pregnant and lactating bitches. However, due to their special condition, treatment is carried out on the recommendation of a veterinarian and under his supervision.

For prevention

For preventive purposes, milbemax is prescribed by a veterinarian, one tablet once a month.

Worms in dogs are a completely common occurrence. Use the tips below to prevent the appearance of worms in the animal's body to minimize the risk of infection:

• carry out a mandatory food processing procedure before feeding the animal;
• do not allow the dog to eat something on the street or rummage in the trash;
• once a year, take your dog’s stool for analysis to a veterinary clinic;
• and of course, take anti-parasitic medications every few months.

10 days before vaccination, dogs are also prescribed anthelmintics. Bitches are also prescribed pills 15 days before estrus (if breeding is planned) to avoid possible infection of future offspring + it is mandatory to take pills 2 weeks after giving birth.

conclusions

Milbemax for dogs is one of the best anthelmintics. In my practice, I have rarely encountered side effects after taking this medication, and all of them were associated with the individual characteristics of the animal: diseases, hypersensitivity, etc.

But Milbemax is not unique. It has worthy analogues. It can be replaced with Milprazone - the composition and dosages of both drugs are identical, but the cost differs significantly.

"Gelmimax" and "Kaniquantel" are considered safer - they extremely rarely lead to complications. But if you have a collie or a related breed, take “Febtal” (only the regular one, not “Combo”), “Troncil” or “Dehinel Plus”.

Read more: Small dog breeds

Reviews from veterinarians

Ekaterina Andreeva:

“When people come with complaints about helminths in a dog or cat, I most often recommend Milbemax. The drug is good, does not contain unnecessary components. Allergies occur very rarely. In my practice, there were no special complaints about side effects.”

Sergey Viktorovich:

“The most advantageous drug compared to analogues is milbemax. Quite potent and does not contain any hazardous components to the health of the animal. Milbemax acts on the entire body of the helminth, destroying it from the inside, without poisoning the dog itself. Many owners do not give due importance to the problem of worms in dogs. They try to cure the unfortunate animal with mythical folk remedies, mistakenly believing that this will help. It is very important to choose a safe medicine for your animal in a timely manner. Otherwise, irreversible consequences may occur, including death.”