Milbemax is one of the most popular broad-spectrum wormers for dogs in Australia. If your vet has recommended it or you have seen it at your local pet store, you might be wondering exactly what it does and how to use it safely.
Milbemax delivers broad-spectrum protection for dogs against common intestinal worms, including roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and tapeworm, in a small tablet. When given monthly, it also prevents deadly heartworm infection.
This guide covers everything Australian dog owners need to know about Milbemax, from the correct dosage for puppies and adults to important safety considerations.
What Does Milbemax Treat?
Milbemax contains two active ingredients that work together to eliminate a wide range of parasites.
It contains two active ingredients, milbemycin oxime and praziquantel. The first ingredient, milbemycin oxime, disturbs the nerve transmission in intestinal parasites and eventually kills them.
Worms treated by Milbemax:
- Roundworm (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina)
- Hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma braziliense)
- Whipworm (Trichuris vulpis)
- Tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum, Taenia species, Echinococcus granulosus)
- Heartworm prevention (Dirofilaria immitis) when given monthly
This broad-spectrum coverage makes Milbemax a convenient choice for Australian dog owners who want comprehensive parasite protection in a single tablet.
How Often Should I Give Milbemax?
The dosing frequency depends on which parasites you are targeting.
For intestinal worms only: Adult dogs should be treated every 3 months.
For heartworm prevention: Milbemax Tablets must be administered every month, preferably on the same date each month.
In Australia, heartworm is endemic in most regions, so monthly dosing is generally recommended to ensure your dog is protected against this potentially fatal disease. The RSPCA advises that heartworm prevention is essential for all dogs, as treatment once infected is difficult and expensive.
What Is the Correct Milbemax Dosage?
Minimum recommended dose rate: 0.5 mg milbemycin oxime and 5 mg praziquantel per kg bodyweight of a dog.
Milbemax comes in two formulations to suit different sized dogs. Always weigh your dog accurately before dosing.
Milbemax for Small Dogs and Puppies (0.5 to 5 kg):
- 0.5 to 1 kg: Half a tablet
- 1 to 5 kg: 1 tablet
Milbemax for Dogs (over 5 kg):
- 5 to 25 kg: 1 tablet
- 25 to 50 kg: 2 tablets
- Over 50 kg: Combination of tablets according to weight
To ensure a correct dosage, body weight should be determined as accurately as possible to avoid under dosing.
How Do I Give Milbemax to My Dog?
Milbemax is given as a single dose by oral administration with or after some food according to Elanco.
The coated tablets are designed to be palatable, but some dogs may still be reluctant. You can hide the tablet in a small amount of food, a treat, or a piece of cheese. Make sure your dog swallows the entire dose.
The dog should be watched for several minutes following dosing to be sure that all tablets have been eaten. If all the medicine is not eaten, redose as soon as possible with the full dose.
Milbemax Dosage for Puppies
Puppies require more frequent worming than adult dogs due to their higher risk of infection.
Treat puppies at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of age, then every three months. Lactating bitches should be treated at the same time as their puppies.
The monthly dose is safe for all breeds and sizes of dogs from 2 weeks of age, weighing 0.5 kg, including breeding, pregnant and lactating dogs.
For puppies under 5 kg, use Milbemax for Small Dogs and Puppies. Once your puppy exceeds 5 kg, switch to the standard Milbemax for Dogs formulation.
What If I Miss a Dose?
Life gets busy, and sometimes doses are missed. Here is what to do:
If the interval between tablets is longer than a month by less than 7 days, Milbemax Tablets should be administered immediately and the monthly dosing schedule resumed.
If the interval between tablets is longer than a month by more than 7 days, a veterinarian should be consulted before recommencing Milbemax Tablets dosing schedule.
Setting a monthly reminder on your phone can help you stay on track with your dog's parasite prevention.
Is Milbemax Safe for All Dogs?
Milbemax has a good safety profile when used as directed. Milbemycin oxime has been safety tested in more than 75 different dog breeds, breeding males, pregnant and lactating females, puppies older than 2 weeks and ivermectin-sensitive collies.
The product may be used in breeding dogs including pregnant and lactating bitches.
Important safety considerations:
Heartworm testing: Test your dog for existing heartworm infection before starting Milbemax treatment. Dogs with adult heartworm infections can experience serious reactions if given preventative medication without proper treatment first.
Collie breeds and MDR1 gene: All available macrocyclic lactones can safely be administered to MDR1 mutant dogs at doses usually used for heartworm prevention. At standard preventative doses, Milbemax is considered safe for Collies and related breeds. However, if you own a Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, Australian Shepherd, or similar breed, discuss MDR1 testing with your vet if you have concerns.
Dogs with existing conditions: No studies have been performed with severely debilitated dogs or individuals with seriously compromised kidney or liver function. The product is not recommended for such animals or only according to a benefit/risk assessment by the responsible veterinarian.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Few adverse effects have been reported. There have been a few unconfirmed reports of seizures and other nervous system effects following administration of Milbemax.
Most dogs tolerate Milbemax well with no noticeable side effects. If your dog shows any unusual symptoms after dosing, such as vomiting, lethargy, or neurological signs, contact your vet promptly.
Milbemax and Hydatid Tapeworm
Hydatid tapeworm poses a severe risk to human health by transmission to humans from infected dogs. In hydatid tapeworm areas, dogs should be dosed monthly or on veterinary advice.
If you live in a rural area or your dog has access to livestock, offal, or wild animals, more frequent dosing may be necessary. Do not feed the dog offal or allow access to offal from any source.
Keep Your Dog Protected Year-Round
Milbemax offers Australian dog owners a convenient way to protect against the most common intestinal worms and heartworm in a single tablet. Whether you choose monthly dosing for complete protection or quarterly dosing for intestinal worms alone, consistency is the key to keeping your dog healthy.
Always consult your vet before starting any new parasite prevention program, especially if your dog has not been on regular heartworm prevention.
At LifePaws, we stock a range of health essentials for Australian dogs. Browse our Health & Wellness collection for products that support your dog's overall wellbeing alongside their regular parasite prevention.
Keep your dog protected from worms and heartworm. Shop health essentials at LifePaws today.