4.7(5,900)Amazon rating$32.781,000+ bought last month
Our verdict
A widely bought, vet-recognized tapeworm treatment that uses praziquantel and includes a clear weight-based dosing chart, sensible once a vet confirms tapeworms.
Dogs and puppies four weeks and older with a confirmed tapeworm problem whose owners want clear, weight-based dosing.
Skip if
Your dog's parasite has not been identified as tapeworm, or your puppy is younger than four weeks.
Weight 22.68 G
Our scorecard
4.7/5overall
Owner rating4.7/5
4.7 average across 5,900 owner ratings
Popularity4.4/5
5,900 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other dog food and health supplements we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
Elanco Tapeworm Dewormer is a 5-count pack of praziquantel tablets made by Elanco US Inc, and it is one of the most popular dewormers we looked at. Praziquantel is the active ingredient here, and the product is labeled for use against tapeworms in dogs and puppies four weeks and older.
What makes this one easy to point to for the right dog is the label itself. It gives a clear dosing chart by body weight: half a tablet for dogs 5 pounds and under, 1 tablet for 6 to 10 pounds, 1 and a half tablets for 11 to 15 pounds, 2 tablets for 16 to 30 pounds, 3 tablets for 31 to 45 pounds, 4 tablets for 46 to 60 pounds, and a maximum of 5 tablets for dogs over 60 pounds. The tablet can be given directly in the mouth or crumbled into food, and the label notes that fasting is neither necessary nor recommended.
Tapeworms are usually spread by fleas, so treating the worm without addressing fleas can let the problem come back. Before you treat, have your veterinarian confirm that tapeworm is what you are dealing with, since other worms need different medications.
Pros
Uses praziquantel, the active ingredient labeled for tapeworms in dogs
Clear weight-based dosing chart, from half a tablet up to five
Tablets can be given by mouth or crumbled into food
Fasting is not required, according to the label
Very popular, with a 4.7 star average from thousands of ratings
Cons
Only targets tapeworms, so it will not help with other parasites
Not intended for puppies younger than four weeks
Parasite type should be confirmed by a vet, and flea control may be needed to prevent reinfection
Specifications
Weight
22.68 G
Performance notes
The pack contains five tablets, and dosing scales with your dog's weight, from half a tablet for dogs 5 pounds and under up to a maximum of five tablets for dogs over 60 pounds. Because tablets can be given directly or crumbled into food and no fasting is required, giving a dose is straightforward. Stick to the printed chart and confirm the count with your veterinarian if your dog falls between weight ranges.
What buyers say
This is the most reviewed product in this group, with a 4.7 star average across roughly 5,900 ratings. That combination of a high rating and a large sample points to broad satisfaction, though results still depend on correctly identifying tapeworm as the parasite.
It is labeled for tapeworms and uses praziquantel as its active ingredient. It will not treat roundworms, hookworms, or other parasites. Ask your vet to confirm tapeworm before you use it, since different worms require different medications.
How many tablets does my dog need?
It depends on weight. The label calls for half a tablet at 5 pounds and under, scaling up to a maximum of five tablets for dogs over 60 pounds. Follow the chart on the package and check with your veterinarian if your dog falls between ranges or you are unsure.
Does my dog need to fast before taking it?
No. The label states that fasting is neither necessary nor recommended. You can give the tablet directly in the mouth or crumble it into food. Always follow the package directions and your vet's guidance.
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