I have placed a few FAQs to get you started at the beginning of this article for those looking for specific information. There are more FAQs at the bottom of this article, as well.
Please consider reading this article in its entirety, as it is essential to understand all aspects of this illness if you are seeking to treat or prevent it.
This post was originally published on July 7th, 2020. We have since updated the content and are in the process of obtaining a copyright on this article, as it has been stolen and compromised by other websites on multiple occasions. We have also updated the published date. If you would like a copy of the original article, please let us know. Thanks!
Table of Contents
FAQs - Getting Started with this Article
How do I calculate the proper dose of Toltrazuril for puppies?
Click here to use my toltrazuril calculator!
Is toltrazuril legal in the United States?
The short answer is no. This is a complex question to answer; you can learn more in this article section: Is toltrazuril legal in the United States?
Where can I purchase Toltrazuril?
There are many places to purchase toltrazuril online. However, the safest place to obtain this drug is from your veterinarian with a prescription.
🎉 Use the toltrazuril dosage calculator for free!
Should I mix the Toltrazuril with something to flavor it?
Can I use Toltrazuril to treat coccidiosis in any age dog?
Yes! It has been shown to be safe and effective for all ages of dogs.
Can I give Toltrazuril to a pregnant or nursing female?
Yes! Though I prefer to give after whelping if being used as a preventative. This statement is based on anecdotal evidence only. Safety in pregnant and lactating dogs has not been officially evaluated.
Can I call you and ask you some questions?
No. Please do not contact me regarding dosage information or treatment recommendations. I am not a veterinarian, do not claim to be one, and do not claim to know as much as or more than one. This article was written based on personal experience and online research from credible sources. The information in this article is not intended to diagnose or treat a severe illness or disease. Always verify online medical advice with your board-certified veterinarian. Thank you!
Coccidiosis: The Common Illness that Breeders Don't Talk About
Are you experiencing unexplainable puppy diarrhea?
I've been there.
So many breeders have been there, but not many want to talk about it.
I spent an entire year researching and developing solid prevention protocols to avoid dealing with puppy diarrhea and this horrible infection called coccidiosis, or coccidia, that young puppies are so susceptible to.
I would have saved so much time if other breeders had talked about their experiences and treatment plans that worked.
However, I found that many other breeders were too embarrassed to admit they had once had very sick puppies. Or in some cases, that puppies had died from this illness.
I made multiple Facebook posts about what I was experiencing and what had and hadn't worked for me. I desperately wanted other breeders' advice and opinions on how to get to the bottom of my puppy diarrhea.
What was the cause? How can I treat it safely and affordably? And, what could I do to prevent it?
Here is the advice that I was given over and over again:
"Change your kibble!"
"Give probiotics!"
"Use essential oils!"
"Stop breeding!"
These were not the answers I was seeking. I wanted to take a holistic approach to handling this problem. I wanted to truly understand why this was happening to my puppies.
Was it a genetic problem? Was it something that I potentially couldn't prevent in the future?
Finally, after many posts and pleas for help were made (OF COURSE I had already consulted with my primary care veterinarian, but he was at a loss!), private messages started coming in. Messages from breeders who had experienced this same problem--unexplainable puppy diarrhea. Some of them were desperate for help, just like me, but many offered treatment and prevention protocols because they had been through the same thing but were afraid to share publicly about it.
Many breeders have experienced this illness, not just you.
What is Coccidiosis?
“Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease of the intestinal tract of animals caused by coccidian protozoa. The disease spreads from one animal to another by contact with infected feces or ingesting infected tissue. Diarrhea, which may become bloody in severe cases, is the primary symptom. Diarrhea is typically accompanied by dehydration and fatigue. Vomiting is not uncommon for infected individuals, but a rare side effect of the infection. Most animals infected with coccidia are asymptomatic, but young or immunocompromised animals may suffer severe symptoms and death.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coccidiosis)
Important: Coccidia is a protozoan parasite, not an intestinal "worm." Traditional dewormers will not kill coccidia. These can include pyrantel pamoate (Nemex), fenbendazole (Safeguard, Panacur), Advantage Multi (moxidectin), etc. These products do not kill coccidia.
Severe coccidiosis symptoms can mimic the symptoms of canine parvovirus (parvo). Many breeders seek expensive treatment when dealing with coccidiosis in fear that they are dealing with parvo, when in fact, if caught early enough, coccidiosis can be very treatable at home.
Hope for Curing Coccidiosis
If you are experiencing puppy diarrhea, puppy vomiting, or other digestive-related problems, please consider treating your litter for coccidiosis.
Left untreated, the symptoms of coccidiosis can cause death in young puppies due to dehydration and malnutrition. Coccidiocides (medications used to treat coccidiosis), as discussed further in this article, do not typically interact with other anthelmintics (dewormers), medications, and supplements. They target only the protozoa (coccidia) that make your puppies sick.
Please read this article from top to bottom. There is a big difference in protocol when treating coccidiosis vs. preventing coccidiosis. It is essential to be informed of all your options before you purchase expensive medications and supplements and begin your regimen.
If you are still experiencing problems with puppy diarrhea, please see one of our other blog posts, Practical poop tips and tricks for doodle owners struggling with chronic diarrhea.
How Are Puppies Infected with Coccidiosis?
How are my puppies becoming infected with coccidia?
“Puppies are frequently infected with coccidia from the feces of their mother, and are more likely to develop coccidiosis due to their undeveloped immune systems. Stress can trigger symptoms in susceptible animals.“ (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coccidiosis)
Please do not feel guilty or discouraged if you are dealing with a problem with coccidia in your kennel, but please don't ignore the problem.
This protozoan is everywhere. It can live and reproduce in the environment for a very long time and is almost impossible to destroy with disinfectants and chemicals completely. Once an animal has been exposed, it can live and reproduce inside its intestinal tract indefinitely.
And let me reiterate that all of your dogs have been exposed at some point. There is nothing you can do to prevent this exposure! Lack of exposure to coccidia is not a matter of "superior cleanliness" or "being a better dog owner." It's the luck of the draw.
Infection (showing symptoms of coccidiosis illness) only occurs when an animal is weak or when their immune system has been compromised. This is why it is so common for young puppies to develop coccidiosis and become ill--their immune systems are still developing and are very susceptible to parasites, viruses, and bacteria.
Your dogs have coccidia from being exposed to the infected feces of other dogs. This exposure can happen anywhere--the vet's office, the dog park, the pet store, or any public place where dogs (or wild dogs) poop on the ground. You cannot entirely prevent your dog from being exposed to coccidia in the environment.
Your puppies probably got coccidia from their mom, who passed it on to them through exposure to her infected feces. Remember, "infected feces" does not imply that the dog who passed the feces is ill. It implies that the feces contain protozoa. Your bitch is not sick because she has a robust immune system that does not allow the coccidia always be present in her body to cause illness. Still, now that your puppies are infected, they might become sick because their immune systems will not be fully developed for many months.
Veterinary Diagnosis of Coccidiosis
Why didn't my vet know my dog was infected with coccidia?
This is the most perplexing piece of the coccidiosis puzzle. Coccidiosis is very underdiagnosed in dogs, but especially in young puppies.
Coccidia is spread from dog to dog when coccidia oocysts (baby coccidia) are shed in a dog's feces. These oocysts can be shed from a dog who carries coccidia but has never been ill. These oocysts are shed intermittently, meaning they are not shed every day.
Coccidia oocysts (baby coccidia) are very tiny compared to other parasite eggs. Most vet clinics perform a "fecal float test" when looking for parasites. The oocysts detected in a fecal float test are shed intermittently as the organisms reproduce. This "floating" method of diagnosing an active coccidiosis infection is not ideal because the oocysts are either missed due to their small size or not present in the fecal sample.
Because oocysts are shed intermittently, your vet may not detect coccidia in your dog or puppy's fecal sample because the oocysts were not being shed that day. Make sense?
Please do not blame your vet for not accurately diagnosing an infection. They're simply working with what they see under the microscope, which is often nothing at all.
Continue reading to learn more about how to diagnose coccidiosis.
Diagnosing Coccidiosis - In Depth
Diagnosing coccidiosis can be very difficult.
Many fecal float tests will come back negative for coccidiosis because the oocysts are very small and, therefore in small numbers, can be almost impossible to detect. Even a tiny number of oocysts can cause infection, so fecal float tests are not always the best diagnostic tool. And, oocysts are shed intermittently, so there may not be any oocysts in your dog's fecal sample that day.
Be sure to rule out canine parvovirus (parvo) with a SNAP test while at the vet. Request a SNAP test specifically, do not allow your vet to use an antigen test. Antigen tests can quickly give false positives if your puppy has already been vaccinated against parvo.
You may request that your vet send a stool sample to the lab for further analysis, but receiving results can take days. It is in your best interest to begin treatment for coccidiosis immediately, even if a fecal float test comes back negative (as well as a negative parvo SNAP test).
The most common symptoms include:
Diarrhea, from loose stool to watery liquid
Mucus and blood present in diarrhea in severe cases
Poor appetite, lethargy
Vomiting in severe cases
Dehydration resulting from diarrhea (dehydration will kill young puppies very quickly)
Many breeders will report that the tell-tale sign of coccidiosis is bright yellow diarrhea. This is especially true in newborns and young puppies that have not started eating solid food yet. However, I have never experienced this "bright yellow" diarrhea. An older puppy eating solid food may not have this "bright yellow" diarrhea. Please do not rely on this anecdotal evidence as a sole diagnosis when treating a litter for coccidia.
Dehydration from diarrhea and vomiting kills puppies fast. If you suspect your puppies are dehydrated, immediately take them to the vet.
Understanding Coccidiosis Treatment
Dehydration kills puppies quickly. Coccidiosis treatment should be supervised by a veterinarian so that the sypmtoms of the illness do not cause permanent harm or death.
Routine veterinary treatment involves using a sulfa-type antibiotic called sulfadimethoxine (Albon). This drug works by stopping the reproduction cycle of protozoa. Many experienced breeders will tell you that this method of treatment is not very effective, as it is costly, and the medication must be given twice daily for 2-3 weeks to be effective. Many breeders are also seeing a strong resistance to this medication since it has been used for such a long time.
Treating coccidiosis with toltrazuril is thought to be the fastest, safest, and most effective treatment. Continue reading for more information on toltrazuril.
It is typically faster and more effective to administer an anti-protozoal/coccidiosis that kills the oocysts immediately, accompanied by fluids, electrolytes, and probiotics.
Environment cleanliness is very important, though, as discussed several times in this article, eradicating coccidia from your environment is nearly impossible. We recommend you continue your normal cleaning and disinfecting protocol during a coccidia outbreak. Of course, when dealing with diarrhea, you will clean and disinfect twice as much as usual! It is essential to clean up infected feces immediately when dealing with a coccidia outbreak.
If your puppies have become lethargic and dehydrated (do a "skin pinch" test), and/or if their stool contains blood, bring them to a vet immediately.
Saying it louder for those in the back: If your puppies have persistent diarrhea (liquid/watery stool) and/or vomiting for more than 24 hours, please bring your puppies to the vet.
The protozoa themselves (coccidia) do not kill puppies. Dehydration (caused by the symptoms of coccidiosis illness) causes death in puppies. Dehydration is very serious.
It has been suggested and somewhat proven through multiple controlled studies that Oregano Essential Oil has excellent antibacterial properties. Combining this all natural product with your coccidiosis treatment protocol could result in faster recovery and prevent infection relapse. Click here to purchase.
I do not have experience using Oregano oil in my prevention or treatment protocol. However, it has been used as an antibacterial agent for centuries with many different species.
Always consult your board-certified veterinarian about any treatment plans before taking action.
Coccidiosis Treatment Protocol
Fast and rigorous treatment is imperative.
At a glance, our treatment protocol consists of the following steps: (I am not a veterinarian, and the information in this article is not intended to diagnose or treat a severe illness or disease, nor is the information in this article intended to replace the advice of your board-certified veterinarian)
Keep puppies hydrated. We administer unflavored Pedialyte to each puppy individually, using a plastic syringe, several times a day to ensure that each puppy is getting fluids. If puppies are lethargic and not eating, it is time for an emergency vet visit. They need fluids right now. Dehydration kills puppies fast.
Administer Toltrazuril once daily for three consecutive days. Continue reading to learn more about this life-saving drug.
Administer a high-quality probiotic for the duration of treatment. Learn more about the products we prefer to use later in this article.
Keep your facilities clean! No, you aren't going to get rid of coccidia completely. It is a hardy little organism that can live almost anywhere, in any environment. However, facility cleanliness is imperative. If your puppies are getting dirty, please wash them as often as needed to keep them clean, so they do not accidentally ingest large amounts of infected feces.
Keep reading to learn about our preferred drug for treatment.
What is Toltrazuril?
Toltrazuril (brand name Baycox®) is an Antiprotozoal/Anticoccidial Agent.
Toltrazuril treats and prevents coccidiosis, a condition/infection caused by a protozoan known as coccidia.
Toltrazuril was initially developed as a treatment for an equine disease called "EPM" (Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis). Toltrazuril is traditionally sold as an equine product. However, it is effective against protozoa in many different species of animals.
Toltrazuril disrupts the life cycle of protozoa, which means the organisms die off quickly because they cannot successfully grow their population.
Coccidia is a protozoan, so toltrazuril has been discovered to be an excellent form of treatment for coccidiosis.
We have also used toltrazuril safely and effectively as a preventative.
Where can I get Toltrazuril?
Purchase your toltrazuril carefully.
The best place to purchase toltrazuril is from your veterinarian, as it requires a prescription, or from a legitimate veterinary drug supply website (will still require a prescription).
If purchasing toltrazuril online from non-veterinary sources, understand that because they are producing this product off-label and without federal oversight (or oversight of any kind) Be sure to ask the supplier where they get their product from and what the ingredients are. They should be able to offer you proof of third-party quality assurance testing.
You cannot purchase toltrazuril from tractor supply or any other farm and ranch stores. You cannot purchase toltrazuril from any legitimate veterinary supply retailers, online or in person, without a prescription.
Remember, the safest place to get toltrazuril is from your vet with a prescription.
We recommend keeping a bottle of Toltrazuril 5% to keep on hand in case of an outbreak. This product is very shelf-stable and will last even longer if refrigerated.
As a preventative, we have discovered that toltrazuril is very costly compared to other practical options. We will discuss these options in detail later in this article.
Is it Legal to Purchase Toltrazuril in the United States?
The answer to this question is complicated.
Here are some things to know-
It is not illegal for you to purchase toltrazuril from an online seller in the US.
Toltrazuril is not FDA-approved for the treatment of coccidiosis in dogs and cats in the US.
Toltrazuril cannot be lawfully marketed as a treatment for coccidiosis in dogs and cats.
Unless you're purchasing toltrazuril from a veterinarian with a prescription, you cannot be assured that the product you're purchasing is safe or pure.
So, all of those online retailers that sell toltrazuril in the United States? This is where it gets complicated.
There is ZERO oversight when it comes to third parties inspecting their facilities or products. Does this mean these sellers can't be trusted? That's not what I am implying. I want to make it clear that there is no way to measure trust factors for these sellers. You simply have to be willing to purchase their products, try them out, and see what happens (yikes!).
BE AWARE OF THE RISKS INVOLVED WHEN PURCHASING FROM ONLINE SUPPLIERS.
Toltrazuril Dosage for Dogs - Overview
Please do not contact me regarding dosage information.
The recommended dosage for the treatment of coccidiosis is between 10-30 mg per kg of body weight (5 to 15 mg per pound), once daily, for 3-5 days. For the prevention of coccidiosis, only give one dose of Toltrazuril. Preventative doses can be administered as often as once weekly for puppies ages 24 hrs-12 weeks, though this is excessive unless you have a known severe problem with coccidiosis.
To calculate dosage, you need to know the concentration of your product. This will be listed as a percentage (%) on your bottle or packaging.
For example, if you have a 2.5% solution, that is 25mg per mL. This means that 0.1cc delivers approximately 2.5mg of Toltrazuril.
Toltrazuril Dosage for Dogs - Dosage Formula
Please do not contact me regarding dosage information.
Enter the dosage formula into your calculator exactly as it appears below to get the correct dosage for your puppy or dog. "Weight" in these formulas should be in pounds, not ounces.
5 ÷ (5 x 10) = Dose ml/lb
Dose Strength- You determine this number. This number should range between 5-15, and determines the strength of your dose. Consider a smaller number (no less than 5) to prevent coccidiosis. For the treatment of coccidiosis, consider a larger number (up to 15). Toltrazuril is considered to be relatively safe, so there is an extensive range when it comes to dosing. In my program, we use a dose strength of 5 for prevention, and a dose strength of 15 for treatment.
Product Concentration- This number is the percentage of Toltrazuril in your product. The most common concentration used by breeders is a 5% liquid. There are also 2.5% liquid suspensions (replace the “5” in the formula with “2.5”), as well as a 35% paste product (replace the “5” in the formula with “35”) currently available on the market.
Dose- Remember this dose is in ml/lb. Multiply the dose number by your dog or puppy’s weight in pounds to calculate the correct dosage in ml for that dog or puppy.
Prevention Dosage Example:
The puppy weighs three pounds, and I would like to give this puppy one dose of Toltrazuril as a preventative. My Toltrazuril suspension is a 5% suspension. I want a dose strength of 5 (for prevention). My formula will look like this: 5 ÷ (5 x 10) = 0.1 ml/lb
If my puppy weighs three pounds, then I will multiply my dosage amount by my puppy's weight in pounds; in this case, that is 3.
0.1 x 3 (puppy's weight in pounds) = 0.3ml
So he will need one dose of 0.3ml of Toltrazuril (5% suspension) as a preventative dose.
Treatment Dosage Example:
The puppy weighs three pounds, and I would like to give this puppy Toltrazuril to treat a coccidia infection. My Toltrazuril suspension is a 5% suspension. I want a dose strength of 15 (for treatment). My formula will look like this: 15 ÷ (5 x 10) = 0.3 ml/lb
If my puppy weighs three pounds, then I will multiply my dosage amount by my puppy's weight in pounds; in this case, that is 3.
0.3 x 3 (puppy's weight in pounds) = 0.9ml
So he will need one dose of 0.9ml of Toltrazuril (5% suspension) once daily for three consecutive days as a treatment dose.
Toltrazuril Dose Calculator
Toltrazuril Dosage at a Glance
The most common concentration used by dog breeders is the 5% liquid suspension. Here is a chart for convenient dosing to prevent coccidiosis in puppies under 10 pounds.
This chart is the property of Rebecca Creek Retrievers. By sharing this image on your own website, blog, or social media channels you are commiting copyright infringement (theft).
If you wish to share the information with others, please share the URL of this blog post with them. Thank you for respecting the integrity my intellectual and digital property.
How to Administer Toltrazuril to Puppies
Toltrazuril tastes really bad!
When administering Toltrazuril to my puppies, I first like to calculate how much suspension I will need to dose the whole litter. I draw that amount from the main bottle of suspension and put it into a very small dish from which I can draw smaller amounts.
It is important not to contaminate your Toltrazuril suspension with outside substances or bacteria. Use a new/clean syringe anytime you dip into your "big" bottle of Toltrazuril. Toltrazuril is very shelf stable and can last a very long time; however, if you introduce bacteria or other organic substances into the suspension by dipping it with dirty syringes, your very expensive product will become permanently contaminated.
When administering Toltrazuril to a litter of puppies, I first calculate the appropriate dose for each puppy according to desired dose strength compared to the puppy's weight. I then total all the doses together so I know how much Toltrazuril I need to dose the whole litter.
For example, if I have a litter of ten puppies, and each puppy weighs three pounds, and I am giving a preventative dose of 0.3ml per puppy, I will need a total of 3ml of Toltrazuril to dose this litter.
I draw up the total amount of Toltrazuril I need into a large plastic syringe and squirt it into a small dish. I will usually draw up 0.5-1ml extra because it is a very thick liquid that likes to cling to whatever container it is in. I then draw up an individual dose from the dish using a tiny 1ml plastic syringe. Once I draw up the dose for one puppy, I dip the syringe into some banana baby food or something of similar consistency and texture and will even draw up a little bit of baby food into the syringe. I have found that the banana helps mask yucky flavors. Banana is also a powerful prebiotic.
PRO TIP: Mix your probiotic powder of choice into the baby food!
Discard any unused Toltrazuril and unused baby food. It is essential to use new/clean syringes each time you dose and not to store baby food or Toltrazuril that have been mixed.
Keep your "big bottle" of Toltrazuril clean and clear of contaminants so it will last you a long time!
Gut Health Tips During Treatment
Always administer a high-quality probiotic when giving medications, anthelmintics (dewormers), or supplements.
Benebac Plus Probiotic Gel
This gel is easiest to administer to newborns and young puppies who are not yet eating solid food since you can dose one puppy at a time and ensure that each puppy is ingesting the product.
Be careful with administering probiotics and medications in a group feeding scenario. You cannot be sure which puppies are getting enough medication/supplements and which are getting too much. It is always best practice to dose puppies individually.
Probiotic Chews/Treats
Like Benebac gel, probiotic treats are a more effective way to ensure that each puppy gets the proper dose of probiotics. Probiotic treats are great for puppies who eat dry kibble and have teeth.
Purina FortiFlora
This powder is the most effective probiotic we have found. It must be sprinkled on food, so it is easier to administer to older puppies eating solid foods and adult dogs. It is very tasty, and we have never seen a dog or puppy refuse this powder as a kibble/food topper.
FortiFlora now comes in tablet form, which is very convenient for pups eating solid food! The tablets are an excellent option for pups still eating in a group feeding scenario but can chew solid food. We give half of a tablet to each puppy rather than a whole tablet and find it the most effective probiotic on the market.
Toltrazuril Changes the Color of Puppy Poop
The Toltrazuril will leave your puppy's body looking just the same as when it went in.
In other words, you may notice white streaks in your puppy's stool. You may also notice that your puppy's stool looks lighter (light brown/yellow) and maybe a little slimy. If you have given Toltrazuril in the past 24 hours, this is likely the cause of your puppy's odd-looking stool.
A yellow or white stool can also indicate other serious illnesses, so if you see light-colored stool or white streaks, consider when the last dose of Toltrazuril was given. If you are seeing oddly colored stool and it has been more than 24 hours since a dose of Toltrazuril was given, please seek veterinary treatment.
Is Ponazuril the same as Toltrazuril?
Marquis® is also a drug developed to kill the protozoa that cause EPM in horses. It is an effective drug used off-label to prevent and treat coccidiosis in dogs and puppies. However, the safety of this product when used in dogs and puppies should be questioned. Some evidence suggests it causes dry eye and eye ulcers in young puppies.
It is also important to note that ponazuril is even more costly than toltrazuril and is not any more effective when used as a treatment or preventative.
Prepare for the Future with Prevention Protocol
Lower the risk of future litters falling ill to coccidiosis by developing a prevention protocol.
Decoquinate (Deccox CocciGuard 10x) is an affordable and effective preventative. It prevents coccidia's reproduction, so the protozoa eventually die of old age. This product is a flake/powder that you mix into your puppy food. It is a very fine flake and sticks well to high-quality, fairly oily kibble. It has no flavor (we know, we have tasted it!), and dogs and puppies will not notice it in their food.
Begin feeding your puppy food coated in this product to your pregnant female two weeks before delivery. Continue feeding her this coated puppy food until the puppies are completely weaned. Wean puppies onto this puppy food, too, and continue feeding it until they leave you.
We recommend 1 cup of Deccox per 20-25 pounds of kibble. Be sure to mix thoroughly so that every piece of kibble is coated with the fine flake.
Amprolium (Corid®) is an affordable preventative option but can be a little more challenging to administer. This liquid or powder product is designed to be mixed into drinking water. It is very bitter, and some puppies and dogs refuse to drink the treated water. If you choose to use this product, you must mix it according to the directions into all water sources to be effective. Water needs to be changed and treated daily. You can also drench (orally administer using a syringe) puppies individually, but this must be done daily and can be very time-consuming. Click here to purchase.
Neither Deccox or Corid should be used to treat an active infection. Both of these products are best used to prevent infection.
Environment & Facility Decontamination Protocol
I will not spend much time on this topic because true decontamination is nearly impossible.
Coccidia is not destroyed by parvocides, traditional kennels, and household disinfectants, or bleach. The only chemical currently proven to destroy coccidia is ammonia with at least 10% concentration. This is very unsafe to use around animals. Proper ventilation and other safety protocol is required for even you to use it safely.
Furthermore, will you soak every surface in your home and your yards with ammonia every day until the infection is gone? No. This is unreasonable and a significant health hazard. Stop listening to other breeders telling you that you aren't cleaning properly. You're doing a good job if you're cleaning and disinfecting daily and not allowing your puppies to have prolonged contact with their feces and urine.
The only commercially available canine/animal disinfectant that may reduce coccidia in the environment is Rescue™. However, it has not been proven to completely eliminate coccidia from the environment.
Bleach does not kill coccidia.
Attempting to rid coccidia from your facilities and play yards will leave you discouraged, broke, and tired. In my opinion, it is a waste of time to attempt to rid your facilities of coccidia completely. I recommend developing and sticking with a reasonable and routine disinfecting protocol for your facilities, but I would not fixate on treating facilities specifically for coccidia.
Prevention protocol is applied to all future litters; thus, preventing infection is the most effective form of management.
Myth Busters
Several "myths" about coccidia and coccidiosis infections need to be debunked for you to develop more common sense prevention protocol and treatment plans.
Myth #1: My puppies got coccidia from my chickens (or from wild birds/animals)
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, coccidia is host-specific.
No, your dogs and puppies are not getting coccidia from your livestock, chickens, or wild birds.
This is a very misguided notion that can cause breeders to develop unnecessary and ineffective management protocols. Puppies are contracting coccidia from their mother or other dogs. Dogs are contracting coccidia from other dogs.
Maybe dog feces from other areas or facilities are being carried into your environment by wild animals. This is unavoidable! You cannot control the bugs and birds flying from place to place! So develop good cleaning and disinfecting protocol and stick with it, understanding that solid coccidiosis prevention protocol is imperative. You cannot rid the environment of coccidia.
Myth #2: Your puppies are getting sick because you aren't cleaning and disinfecting enough
This is a dangerous rabbit hole to go down, especially for breeders who work hard to keep their facilities pristine and their puppies clean.
We already established earlier in this article that the only chemical proven to eradicate coccidia is ammonia at a concentration of at least 10%. This is not safe to use around young puppies. It is arguably unsafe to use around any living creature.
You can drench everything in sight with a 10% ammonia solution, and then one visitor can track coccidia on their shoe. One fly can transmit dog fecal matter containing coccidia from one kennel to another.
Do your best. Keep your environment clean. Properly disinfect. But don't blame yourself for this nasty little protozoan doing what it does best... surviving everywhere!!
Myth #3: Ponazuril is safer and more effective than Toltrazuril
Ponazuril is a metabolite of toltrazuril. Some breeders believe that ponazuril is easier on the liver. While this may be true, ponazuril has been known to cause dry eye and ulcers.
Ponazuril is not more or less effective than Toltrazuril. Both drugs are highly effective in preventing and treating coccidiosis. Safety has been tested with both drugs, and both drugs have been proven safe with overdoses up to 10x.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Toltrazuril for dogs?
Toltrazuril for dogs is an anticoccidial/antiprotozoal medication that targets the protozoa (coccidia) causing coccidiosis. It’s known for its effectiveness in both treating and preventing this potentially severe intestinal infection.
How is Toltrazuril used to treat coccidiosis in puppies and adult dogs?
Using toltrazuril for dogs typically involves giving a specified amount of the medication once daily, using the correct toltrazuril dosage for dogs, for multiple days (often three to five). This approach kills protozoa rather than merely halting their reproduction, leading to faster and more definitive results.
Can I purchase Toltrazuril at Tractor Supply or other livestock retailers?
No, you cannot purchase toltrazuril at Tractor Supply Co. or any other brick and mortar retailer. You also cannot purchase toltrazuril from a legitimate veterinary website without a prescription from a veterinarian. Toltrazuril is not FDA-approved for dogs in the U.S. The safest way to obtain pure, correctly formulated Toltrazuril is through your veterinarian with a prescription.
Is Toltrazuril legal for canine use in the United States?
In the U.S., toltrazuril for dogs is used off-label. This means it isn’t specifically approved by the FDA for dogs and cats. Nevertheless, many veterinarians prescribe it under the “extra-label” rule because of its proven effectiveness against coccidia in canines. It is not legal to sell toltrazuril without a prescription in the United States.
How do I calculate the proper Toltrazuril dosage for dogs?
You’ll need to know your product’s concentration (e.g., 5% solution) and your dog’s weight. Most protocols suggest 5–15 mg per pound of the dog’s body weight, once daily, for 3–5 days during active infection. For a quick calculation, refer to this article's dosage calculator or any toltrazuril dog dosage calculator mentioned.
Can Toltrazuril be used to prevent coccidiosis rather than just treat it?
Yes. Administering a single dose of Toltrazuril at certain intervals can help prevent coccidiosis in litters known to be at high risk. However, prevention protocol often includes other measures such as maintaining cleanliness, using probiotics, or substituting with products like Decoquinate or Amprolium when cost is a concern.
Is Toltrazuril safe for pregnant or nursing dogs?
Although many breeders use toltrazuril for dogs during pregnancy or nursing, official data on safety in these situations is limited. Anecdotal evidence suggests it is relatively safe, but always consult your veterinarian for specific medical advice before administering it to pregnant or nursing females.
What are the signs of coccidiosis that might prompt Toltrazuril treatment?
Common signs include diarrhea (sometimes yellowish or bloody), dehydration, poor appetite, fatigue, and occasional vomiting. The symptoms can mimic parvo virus which is why getting your veterinarian involved is imperative. Parvo virus and coccidia require very different treatment protocols.
Are there any alternatives if Toltrazuril is too expensive or unavailable?
Sulfa-based medications like Albon (sulfadimethoxine) are traditional but may be less effective. Ponazuril is another option but can be more expensive and has potential side effects such as dry eye in puppies. For prevention, options include Decoquinate (Deccox) and Amprolium (Corid), though neither is usually recommended to treat an acute infection.
Disclaimer
Never disregard professional veterinary advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or calculated on this website. If you think your pet has a medical emergency, call or visit your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately.
Rebecca Creek Retrievers is not a veterinarian and does not claim to be one, and will not be held responsible for incorrect dosing and/or any injuries, sickness, or death resulting from any treatments or dosages that are discussed in this document.