Can You Use Fenbendazole to Kill Mites?

While febendazole is a very effective deworming medication, it is not used to treat dogs with mites. Febendazole is an internal medication, and works internally to kill intestinal parasites, while mites live on the outside of the dog’s body.

  1. Febendazole Use

    • Febendazole is given to dogs to treat roundworms, hookworms and whipworms.

    Febendazole Forms

    • Febendazole is available as a pill or as an injectable liquid. Some manufacturers even supply it in a granulated form that can be easily mixed into the dog’s food.

    Mange Mites

    • There are two major kinds of mange mites. Demodex mites are common and usually don't cause serious problems. Sarcoptic mites cause severe itching and hair loss.

    Mite Diagnosis

    • To diagnose mites, the vet must scrape a small portion of the affected area with a dull scalpel blade, pinching and squeezing the skin to force the mites out of the follicles. The scrapings are then viewed under a microscope, where the mites will be plainly visible.

    Mite Treatments

    • Demodectic mange can never be cured because a small population of the mites live on the skin naturally. Medicated dips can bring the mite population under control. Sarcoptic mange is treated with injections of ivermectin or medicated dips.