Ceva Cestal Plus tablets for dogs, 8 tablets is a combination dewormer for treating and preventing worms in dogs. Each tablet has three active ingredients: praziquantel (50 mg) against tapeworms, and pyrantel embonate (144 mg) and fenbendazole (200 mg) against roundworms. One tablet covers 10 kg of body weight. The tablets are liver-flavoured and no fasting is needed beforehand. For prevention, it's given once every three months.
What it is and who makes it
Cestal Plus is made by the French veterinary company Ceva. There's also a cat version — see our Cestal Cat review. The dog version contains more active ingredients and covers dogs up to 50 kg.
Which worms it targets
- Roundworms: Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina.
- Hookworms: Ancylostoma and Uncinaria.
- Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis).
- Tapeworms: Taenia, Dipylidium (flea tapeworm), Echinococcus.
Dosage
1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight. According to the instructions:
| Dog weight | Tablets |
|---|---|
| under 2 kg | ¼ |
| 2–5 kg | ½ |
| 5–10 kg | 1 |
| 10–20 kg | 2 |
| 20–30 kg | 3 |
| 30–40 kg | 4 |
| 40–50 kg | 5 |
Give the tablet in a piece of meat or sausage, or place it at the back of the tongue. For prevention, give a single dose every 3 months. For treatment, give a single dose and repeat after 14 days for heavy infestations.
Pros
- Three active ingredients. Against roundworms and tapeworms, including whipworms and Echinococcus.
- Liver flavour. Many dogs eat the tablet willingly.
- No fasting. No need to skip a meal.
- Single dose. Prevention is once every 3 months.
- Easy to split. The tablet can be divided for small dogs.
Cons and what to keep in mind
- Not from birth. According to the instructions, puppies from 3 months; for younger puppies a vet chooses the product.
- Not for sick or weak dogs. They should be dewormed only after a vet check.
- Many tablets for large dogs. A 40–50 kg dog needs 5 tablets at once.
- Contains lactose and wheat starch. Relevant for dogs with food intolerances.
- Pregnant and nursing dogs. Agree the schedule with a vet.
How often to deworm
An adult dog needs prevention every 3 months, and more often — on a vet's advice — with children in the home, hunting, eating raw meat or scavenging. Deworm 10–14 days before vaccination and before mating. If there are fleas, treat for them too, as fleas carry the flea tapeworm. More in worms in cats and dogs: prevention and puppy and kitten vaccinations.
Signs of worms in dogs
Worms often cause no obvious symptoms. Watch for a bloated belly in puppies, diarrhoea or vomiting, weight loss despite a good appetite, a dull coat, scooting, and rice-like segments around the anus or in the stool. With these signs, give the product as instructed or see a vet — especially if a puppy is weak and refusing food.
Who it suits
Dogs and puppies from 3 months weighing up to 50 kg, for routine quarterly prevention and for treating roundworm and tapeworm infections. For comparison, see our Caniverm review; other products are in parasite control.
Verdict
Cestal Plus is a reliable broad-spectrum dewormer for dogs: three active ingredients, liver flavour, no fasting and one tablet per 10 kg. Consult a vet before using it in puppies under 3 months and in weak, pregnant or nursing dogs.
How to give a tablet to a dog
If your dog won't eat the tablet on its own, hide it in a piece of meat, cheese or pâté. For small dogs, the tablet can be crushed and mixed into a small portion of wet food — just make sure your pet eats all of it. If the dog spits it out, place the tablet at the back of the tongue, close the mouth and stroke the throat downwards. Afterwards, praise your dog and give a treat — it will be easier next time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Cestal Plus tablets for a 25 kg dog?
According to the instructions, 3 tablets as a single dose (20–30 kg).
Is fasting needed beforehand?
No, the tablet can be given with food.
How often for prevention?
A single dose every 3 months.
From what age can puppies take it?
According to the instructions, from 3 months.
Does it work against flea tapeworm?
Yes, praziquantel acts on Dipylidium; fleas need separate treatment.
Should the dose be repeated?
For heavy infestations, after 14 days.
