Which drug is known for treating Giardia with minimal toxicity issues in dogs and cats?

Fenbendazole is recognized for its effectiveness in treating Giardia infections in dogs and cats, while also having minimal toxicity issues. It falls under the class of benzimidazole anthelmintics and works by disrupting the energy metabolism of the parasites, ultimately leading to their death. Its safety profile is well-established, making it a preferred choice among veterinarians for managing Giardia in companion animals.

Metronidazole, while also used for Giardia treatment, can have more side effects and toxicity concerns, especially with prolonged use. Practitioners often reserve it for cases that respond poorly to fenbendazole or when other factors necessitate its use. Praziquantel and albendazole, on the other hand, target different types of parasites and are not the primary choices for Giardia, further highlighting why fenbendazole is favored in this particular context.