In addition to the standard labelling requirements, labels on anthelmintic products for dogs and cats must also carry the following information, as applicable.

2. Product name

2.1. Use of specific terminology: ‘Broad-spectrum’ or ‘all wormer’

The term ‘broad-spectrum’ or ‘all wormer’, with reference to cat and dog anthelmintics, should only be used for worm treatments that control all major types of gastrointestinal worms (that is, roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms in dogs; and roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms in cats).

4. Statements of claims for use

Label claims must only state the specific parasites and stages of the life cycle against which the compound has been tested and proved effective.

Click to view label presentation

Both the common and scientific name of parasites must appear in the medicinal claims on the labels of anthelmintics for dogs and cats; for example, roundworms (Toxocara canis). However, where space is limited and the scientific names are included in the complete claim that appears on an ancillary panel or leaflet, they do not have to appear in the summary claim on the main label panel.

 

  • Generic claims for hookworm in dogs are only permitted when the product demonstrates control for both Uncinaria and Ancylostoma species.
  • Where ‘broad-spectrum’ or ‘all wormer’ is claimed for anthelmintics for dogs, the following statement must be included in the claim on the front panel unless data to the contrary is provided:
Does not control heartworm in dogs

A generic claim for tapeworm control is permitted only when a product used at the recommended label rate removes greater than 99% of hydatid tapeworm. Where no hydatid control claim is made, the label must have the following statement in the claim on the front panel:

Does not control hydatid tapeworms (Echinococcus granulosus)

All labels for dog and cat anthelmintics for gastrointestinal parasites must carry the statement:

If worm problems persist, consult a veterinarian
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This statement can appear on the ancillary panel or leaflet and does not have to appear in the summary claim on the main label panel.

 

6.5. Dosage and administration

The following tables serve as examples of appropriate dosing instructions for dogs and cats. These statements will be determined by the APVMA on a case-by-case basis during product evaluation.

Table 1: Dosage for cats

Parasite/situation

Treatment

Tapeworm

Treat every 3 months

Roundworm or hookworm

Treat at 6, 8, and 12 weeks of age – thereafter every 3 months

Pregnant cats

Treat at mating, before birth of kittens and then every 3 months
Table 2: Dosage for dogs

Parasite/situation

Treatment

Hydatid tapeworm

Dogs should not be fed, or allowed to feed on offal from any species. Dogs in hydatid areas should be treated every 6 weeks

Other tapeworms

Treat every 3 months. A statement regarding flea control should appear on the labels in relation to Dipylidium species (not relevant to Taenia species)

Roundworm and hookworm

Treat at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks – thereafter every 3 months

Whipworm

Treat every 6 to 8 weeks after 3 months of age

Pregnant bitches

Treat at mating, before whelping and then every 3 months

All heartworm products should carry the following instruction:

Treatment for heartworm should occur regularly at [x] intervals