Ensuring your dog’s health and well-being is a top priority for any pet owner. A crucial aspect of this is regular deworming to protect them from a variety of internal parasites. Milpro Dogs is a veterinary-authorized medication designed to effectively combat both nematode and cestode infections. This guide provides an in-depth look at Milpro Dogs, covering its composition, usage, efficacy, and important warnings to help you make informed decisions for your pet’s care.
Understanding Milpro Dogs: Composition and Efficacy
Milpro Dogs is formulated with two key active ingredients: milbemycin oxime and praziquantel. Each tablet contains 12.5 mg of milbemycin oxime and 125 mg of praziquantel, working synergistically to target a broad spectrum of common internal parasites.
This medication has demonstrated high effectiveness in treating mixed infections, including:
- Cestodes (Tapeworms): Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp., Echinococcus spp., and Mesocestoides spp.
- Nematodes (Roundworms): Ancylostoma caninum (hookworms), Toxocara canis (roundworms), Toxascaris leonina (roundworms), Trichuris vulpis (whipworms), and Spirocerca lupi.
How to Administer Milpro Dogs
Milpro Dogs is intended for oral administration and should be given according to the directions provided by your veterinarian. The minimum recommended dosage rate is 0.5 mg of milbemycin oxime and 5 mg of praziquantel per kilogram of body mass, administered as a single oral dose. For maximum efficacy, it is advised to administer Milpro with or after food.
Adult dogs should be treated four times a year to maintain optimal protection. The practical dosing for dogs of different body masses is as follows:
- Dogs weighing 5 – 25 kg: 1 Tablet
- Dogs weighing 25 – 50 kg: 2 Tablets
- Dogs weighing 50 – 75 kg: 3 Tablets
Important Warnings and Precautions
While Milpro Dogs is a safe and effective dewormer when used as directed, it is essential to be aware of certain warnings and precautions:
- Contraindications: Do not use Milpro in pregnant or nursing bitches. It is also not recommended for puppies younger than 6 weeks of age or dogs weighing less than 5 kg.
- Breed-Specific Sensitivity: The margin of safety for Milpro in Collies and related breeds is narrower than in other breeds. Therefore, strictly adhere to the recommended dosage for these breeds.
- Zoonotic Potential: Echinococcus spp. tapeworms pose a risk to human health (zoonosis). If your dog is diagnosed with Echinococcus spp., specific treatment and follow-up protocols should be implemented, and precautions should be taken to protect household members.
- Debilitated Animals: No studies have been conducted on severely debilitated dogs or those with significantly impaired kidney or liver function. The use of Milpro in such animals should only occur after a thorough risk/benefit assessment by a veterinarian.
- Overdosing Effects: In cases of accidental overdose (10 times or higher the recommended dose), mild and transient clinical signs such as mydriasis (dilated pupils), depression, drooling, paresis (weakness), trembling, and/or a staggered gait may occur. These symptoms typically resolve spontaneously within 24 hours. There is no known antidote.
- Keep Out of Reach: Store Milpro Dogs away from children, uninformed individuals, and other animals.
- Interaction with Other Medications: The concurrent use of Milpro with selamectin is well-tolerated. However, caution should be exercised when administering other macrocyclic lactones simultaneously, as interaction studies have not been performed.
- Environmental Impact: Do not contaminate watercourses, as milbemycin can be harmful to fish and other aquatic organisms.
- First Aid: In case of accidental ingestion, particularly by a child, seek immediate medical advice and present the product packaging to the physician. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
Storage and Presentation
Milpro Dogs should be stored at or below 30 °C in its original packaging. Once the immediate packaging is opened, the tablets can be stored for up to 6 months.
Milpro Dogs are round, beige to pale brown, meat-film-coated, and flavored tablets. They are available in blister strips packed into cardboard cartons, with each carton containing 48 tablets.
Registration Information
Milpro Dogs is registered under:
- South Africa Reg. No: G4411 (Act 36/1947)
- Namibia Reg. No: V21/18.1.8/1481 NS0
Regular deworming with a product like Milpro Dogs is a vital part of responsible pet ownership, contributing significantly to your dog’s long-term health and preventing potential infestations. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized advice on parasite control for your canine companion.
