Finding the right dewormer for your sheep may be difficult as there are few options out there to choose from. You want to ensure that you are going to use a dewormer that is effective at removing a range of different worms that may infect your sheep and it should also be easy to administer so that you do not stress out your flock during the treatment process.
So, what sheep dewormer should you choose? We have reviewed the top 3 sheep dewormers on the market that are highly recommended by veterinarians with effective active ingredients.
Our best overall product is Durvet ivermectin which is an anti-parasitic solution used to deworm sheep from roundworms, lungworms, and other adult parasites in the fourth stage larvae and all stages of nasal bot flies which are common in sheep. This product is chemically different from other sheep dewormers on the market and cross-resistance is unlikely in parasitic strains which may have developed resistance to other types of sheep dewormers. Using this product is simple and you must measure the correct dosage for the weight and size of the sheep you are treating. It is then given orally at a dose of 0.3 ml per every 26 pounds of body weight and repeated when necessary, according to the veterinarian’s approved deworming schedule. It does not have a pleasant smell or taste so some animals may try to cough the formula up after.
Pros
Reduces the chance of parasite tolerance
Simple administration
Affordable
Cons
Unpleasant taste and smell
2. Merck Safeguard Suspension Pet Wormer– Best Value
Our product for the best value is Merck safeguard suspension because it is affordable for what it has to offer your sheep. A Febendazole suspension (10%) is the main active ingredient in this dewormer used to treat stomach and lungworms in various large animals. This is an oral low-stress deworming application that should be given to infected sheep through a drench. The proper dosage must be followed, and your sheep’s body weight is considered before administration. You can also use this product with other dewormers like ivermectin, but you will need a veterinarian’s guidance to do so.
Pros
Low-stress application
Low dose volume
Can be used with other dewormers
Cons
Instructions do not specify dosage for sheep
3. Animal Health International Multi-species Dewormer – Premium Choice
Our premium choice is the Animal Health International multi-species dewormers. Fenbendazole is the main active ingredient to treat stomach and roundworms in various species of sheep. This is a medicated feed that is affordable and effective at treating and preventing worms in your flock of sheep. It should be given orally, and the pellets should be added to the top of their daily feed as a dressing. Fenbendazole has a great success rate at deworming sheep and the instruction menu on the product will give you a guide on how much of this pellet your sheep should be receiving for a successful treatment.
Pros
Pellet form
Easy to administer
Fenbendazole as the main ingredient
Cons
Some sheep may avoid eating the pellets
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Sheep Dewormers
Do sheep need to be dewormed?
Sheep can develop all sorts of parasites and worms that can greatly affect their health. If you start to notice that your sheep may be infected with worms, treatment should be prompt otherwise it can spread to the rest of the flock and be fatal. Lungworms, roundworms, stomach worms, and larvae from bot flies are known to infect sheep even if they are kept in hygienic conditions. This is when you should consider using a dewormer to help kill the worms so that they do not harm your sheep further.
Factors to consider before purchasing a sheep dewormer
The main active ingredient should be effective at killing the type of worm or parasite you notice in your sheep.
The dewormer should be safe for use with sheep and contain instructions on the label with the correct dosage.
It should not be too pricey, and the amount of product should be enough to treat your entire flock, so buy in bulk if necessary.
Avoid deworming lambs or nursing and pregnant sheep without guidance from an experienced veterinarian.
Which sheep deworming ingredients work best?
When it comes to sheep dewormers, there are several main ingredients – fenbendazole and ivermectin are two commonly used products. They work by killing off the parasite and preventing them from reproducing. The effectiveness of the product you use depends on the ingredients’ effectiveness against the specific parasite you are treating. Some parasites develop resistance to medication and some medication simply does not cover certain kinds of parasites. For this reason, the best you can do for your sheep is to get them regularly tested by a veterinarian and to have a deworming schedule plan to manage and prevent parasite infestation on your sheep.
Image Credit: Coatesy, Shutterstock
Conclusion
All three of the products we have reviewed in this article have a success rate at ridding your sheep of worms, but there is a product that stands out. This would be the best overall product, Durvet ivermectin sheep drench because it is easy to administrate, affordable, and effective against a wide range of worms and parasites. Furthermore, the application will not stress out the sheep if it is administrated correctly using drench equipment. We hope this article has helped you make your decision!
