Effective Tapeworm Deworming Treatment For Cats: Elanco Frequency Guide

Cats are susceptible to intestinal worms, which are extremely common parasites that can cause health issues such as weight loss, increased appetite, diarrhoea, dry and coarse fur, and weakness. Tapeworms are one such type of worm, and they are often transmitted to cats via fleas or the ingestion of infected rodents. Elanco Tapeworm Dewormer is an effective medication for removing common tapeworms from cats and kittens over six weeks of age. It is available in the form of praziquantel tablets, which can be administered directly into the cat's mouth or crumbled and mixed with food. While one treatment is typically adequate, reinfection may occur if fleas and rodents are not controlled, necessitating retreatment.

How to know if your cat has tapeworms

Tapeworms are a common concern for cat owners. While they are not very dangerous, they are unpleasant and can cause health issues for your cat if left untreated.

The most common way for a cat to get tapeworms is by ingesting fleas during self-grooming. Cats that hunt small rodents, birds, or rabbits are also at risk of contracting tapeworms.

• Check your cat's faeces: Tapeworm segments look like small white grains, similar to grains of rice, and can be seen in your cat's faeces. These segments contain the tapeworm eggs, which are then passed out with the faeces.
• Anal irritation: Your cat may be licking, biting, or scratching its hind end or anus due to irritation caused by the tapeworms. Cats may also drag their hind legs across the floor to scratch this area.
• Weight loss: Tapeworms can cause weight loss in cats, even if their appetite has increased.
• Dull coat: Tapeworms can affect the condition of your cat's coat, making it dull or shabby.
• Vomiting: In rare cases, tapeworms can cause intestinal blockage, leading to vomiting or weight loss.

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Tapeworms are easy to treat and get rid of, especially if caught in the early stages. Your veterinarian will be able to provide a suitable medication to treat the tapeworms.

To prevent tapeworms, effective flea control is essential. This can include spot treatments, flea collars, or oral medication. Keeping your cat indoors can also reduce the risk of them getting tapeworms from hunting prey.

How often to deworm your cat

Cats are susceptible to intestinal worms, which are extremely common parasites that can cause health issues for your pet. Tapeworms are a particular concern for cat owners, and Elanco Tapeworm Dewormer is an effective treatment to remove common tapeworms from cats. Here is some information on how often you should deworm your cat.

The general recommendation is to deworm adult cats at least every three months, or four times a year. This regular schedule helps protect your cat's health and prevent reinfection. However, if your cat is an avid hunter, your vet may advise deworming as frequently as once a month. Hunting cats are at a higher risk of contracting worms from infected rodents.

For kittens, the guidelines are different. If you have a weaned kitten that hasn't been dewormed before, or you're unsure of their deworming history, it's best to consult your veterinarian. They will guide you in creating a deworming schedule tailored to your kitten's needs.

Preventing Reinfection

To prevent reinfection, it's crucial to address the sources of infection. Tapeworms are often transmitted to cats through fleas or the ingestion of infected rodents. Therefore, it's essential to treat and prevent fleas on your cat and other pets in the household. Additionally, take measures to remove rodents from your home and surroundings.

By following the recommended deworming schedule and taking preventive measures, you can help keep your cat healthy and reduce the risk of reinfection. Remember to consult your veterinarian for specific advice regarding your cat's deworming needs.

Dosage and administration of Elanco Tapeworm Dewormer

Elanco Tapeworm Dewormer Tablets for Cats are an effective way to remove common tapeworms from cats. The tablets are scored for easy dosing and can be administered directly by mouth or crumbled and mixed with food.

The dosage of Elanco Tapeworm Dewormer Tablets for Cats will depend on your cat's weight. Here is the recommended dosage according to weight:

• For cats weighing 4 pounds and under, give 1/2 tablet.
• For cats weighing 5-11 pounds, give 1 tablet.
• For cats weighing over 11 pounds, give 1 1/2 tablets.

It is important to note that Elanco Tapeworm Dewormer Tablets are not intended for use in kittens less than 6 weeks of age. Fasting is neither necessary nor recommended before administering the dewormer.

To prevent reinfection, it is crucial to take steps to control fleas and rodents in the premises. This is especially important in cases of tapeworms transmitted by fleas, where reinfection is likely to occur if fleas are not removed from the animal and its environment. Consult your veterinarian for assistance in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of parasitism, especially if your cat is weak, debilitated, or ill.

Preventing reinfection

To prevent reinfection of tapeworms in cats, it is important to take steps to control fleas and rodents in the home and immediate environment. This is because fleas are the most common way that cats get tapeworms, and rodents are another source of infection.

Treat and prevent fleas

Effective flea control is the cornerstone of tapeworm prevention. This is because fleas are an intermediate host for tapeworms, meaning that cats get infected with tapeworms when they ingest fleas during grooming or biting. Therefore, it is important to treat your cat with a flea preventative medication, as recommended by your veterinarian. You should also treat your home and yard for fleas, especially if you have other pets that can bring fleas into the home. This may involve using flea treatments on other pets in the home and washing pet bedding and cleaning carpets.

Remove rodents from the home and surrounding areas

Cats that hunt and eat small rodents are at risk of getting tapeworms. Therefore, it is important to remove rodents from your home and the surrounding areas to prevent your cat from hunting them. This may involve setting traps or using other pest control methods.

Regular deworming

Regular deworming can help to remove any tapeworms that your cat may pick up despite your best efforts to control fleas and rodents. Adult cats should be dewormed at least every three months, or once every season. However, if your cat is a prolific hunter, your veterinarian may recommend deworming as frequently as once per month.

Prevent your cat from hunting

If your cat is an outdoor cat, try to prevent them from hunting and consuming prey, as this is another way they can get tapeworms. This may involve keeping them indoors or in an enclosed outdoor space, providing them with toys and stimulation to reduce their hunting instincts, and ensuring they are fed a nutritious and filling diet so they are not hungry.

Treat other pets in the home

If you have other pets in the home, such as dogs or other cats, be sure to treat them for fleas and deworm them regularly as well. This will help to reduce the risk of tapeworms being spread between pets and prevent reinfection in your cat.

By taking these steps, you can help to prevent your cat from getting tapeworms again and reduce the need for retreatment.

Side effects and safety precautions

Elanco Tapeworm Dewormer Tablets for Cats are a safe and effective way to remove common tapeworms from cats and kittens older than 6 weeks. Each tablet contains 23 mg of praziquantel, an antihelminthic that quickly, safely, and effectively removes tapeworms. The tablets are scored for easy dosing and can be administered directly by mouth or crumbled and mixed with food.

It is important to follow certain safety precautions when using Elanco Tapeworm Dewormer Tablets. Firstly, consult your veterinarian before administering the tablets to weak or debilitated animals. Do not give the tablets to kittens less than 6 weeks of age, and do not deworm a cat or kitten that is sick. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is weak, debilitated, or ill, and consult them for diagnosis and appropriate care prior to deworming.

In terms of side effects, isolated incidents of either salivation or diarrhea have been reported following treatment, but these were considered non-significant. If these signs are observed and they persist, consult your veterinarian. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency veterinary medical treatment immediately.

To prevent reinfection, take steps to control fleas and rodents on your premises. This is especially important in cases of tapeworms transmitted by fleas (Dipylidium caninum), where reinfection is almost certain to occur if fleas are not removed from the animal and its environment. Regularly treating your cat with a flea preventive can help reduce the risk of contracting tapeworms.

Always keep Elanco Tapeworm Dewormer Tablets out of the reach of children, and note that they are not for human use. Store the tablets at or below room temperature (77°F or 25°C).

Frequently asked questions