Safe-Guard Suspension 10% at a glance
| Product | Safe-Guard® (fenbendazole) Dewormer Suspension 10% (100 mg/mL) |
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| Manufacturer | Merck Animal Health (Intervet Inc.), approved by FDA under NADA 128-620 |
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| Active ingredient | Fenbendazole, 100 mg per mL |
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| Labeled species | 1,000 mL, 1 gallon and 10 L: beef and dairy cattle and goats. 125 mL: goats only. |
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| Not labeled for | Dogs, cats, horses, sheep or any species not named on the label |
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| Dose | 2.3 mg/lb (5 mg/kg) of body weight, which is 2.3 mL per 100 lb |
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| Route | Oral |
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| Cattle withdrawal | Meat: 8 days. Milk: 48 hours after the last treatment. |
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| Goat withdrawal | Meat: 6 days. Do not use in lactating goats. |
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| Do not use in | Beef calves under 2 months of age, dairy calves, veal calves, lactating goats |
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| Prescription | No. Over-the-counter animal drug. |
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| Storage | At or below 25°C (77°F). Protect from freezing. Shake well before use. |
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| Sizes | 125 mL (goat label), 1,000 mL, 1 gallon (3,785 mL), 10 L |
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What Safe-Guard Suspension 10% is
Safe-Guard is Merck Animal Health's brand of fenbendazole, a benzimidazole dewormer. This liquid form is a 10% oral suspension, so every milliliter contains 100 mg of fenbendazole. It is given by mouth at a single label dose of 2.3 mL for each 100 lb of body weight, and it is sold over the counter.
The label covers these worms:
- Beef and dairy cattle: lungworms (adult Dictyocaulus viviparus); stomach worms, including adult brown stomach worms (Ostertagia ostertagi), adult and fourth-stage larval barberpole worms (Haemonchus contortus and H. placei) and small stomach worms (Trichostrongylus axei); and intestinal worms (adult and fourth-stage larvae): hookworms (Bunostomum phlebotomum), thread-necked intestinal worms (Nematodirus helvetianus), small intestinal worms (Cooperia punctata and C. oncophora), bankrupt worms (Trichostrongylus colubriformis) and nodular worms (Oesophagostomum radiatum).
- Goats: adult stomach worms Haemonchus contortus (barberpole worm) and Teladorsagia circumcincta.
Which bottle is which
All four sizes contain the same 10% fenbendazole suspension, but they do not all carry the same label.
| Size | Label on the bottle | Labeled species | How far it goes |
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| 125 mL (4.2 fl oz) | Safe-Guard Dewormer for Goats, Suspension 10% | Goats only | About 5,400 lb of goats at 2.3 mL per 100 lb (roughly 54 doses for 100 lb goats) |
| 1,000 mL (33.8 fl oz) | Safe-Guard Dewormer for Beef & Dairy Cattle and Goats | Beef and dairy cattle, goats | About 43,000 lb of body weight |
| 1 gallon (3,785 mL) | Safe-Guard Dewormer for Beef & Dairy Cattle and Goats | Beef and dairy cattle, goats | 164,565 lb of cattle, per Merck |
| 10 L | Safe-Guard Dewormer for Beef & Dairy Cattle and Goats | Beef and dairy cattle, goats | 434,780 lb of cattle, per Merck |
If you raise goats only, the 125 mL bottle is the goat-labeled size. If you deworm cattle, buy the 1,000 mL size or larger, because the 125 mL label does not cover cattle.
Who Safe-Guard Suspension is for, and who should not get it
This suspension is for beef cattle, dairy cattle and goats, dosed by current body weight. Per the label:
- Do not use in beef calves less than 2 months of age, dairy calves or veal calves.
- A withdrawal period has not been established in pre-ruminating calves.
- Because a milk discard time has not been established, do not use in lactating goats.
- Not for use in humans. Keep out of reach of children.
The label recommends that you consult your veterinarian for help with the diagnosis, treatment and control of parasitism.
Looking for fenbendazole for dogs?
This 10% suspension is not labeled for dogs. Merck makes a separate product that is: Safe-Guard Canine Dewormer, fenbendazole granules 22.2% in pre-measured pouches. According to its FDA-approved label, Safe-Guard Canine:
- Is for dogs only, puppies 6 weeks and older and adult dogs, including pregnant bitches.
- Treats and controls roundworms (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina), hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala), whipworms (Trichuris vulpis) and tapeworms (Taenia pisiformis only).
- Is dosed at 50 mg/kg (22.7 mg/lb) once a day for 3 days in a row, mixed with a small amount of food.
We also carry Panacur C Canine Dewormer. If your veterinarian wants your dog on a liquid fenbendazole, ask them for the product and dose. Do not work out a dog dose from this cattle and goat label.
How to give Safe-Guard Suspension (label directions)
- Shake well before use.
- Weigh or accurately estimate each animal's current body weight.
- Give 2.3 mL for each 100 lb of body weight by mouth. That delivers 2.3 mg/lb (5 mg/kg).
- Do not underdose. Make sure each animal gets a complete dose based on current body weight. Underdosing may result in ineffective treatment and encourage parasite resistance.
Label dosing examples
| Cattle body weight | Amount | Goat body weight | Amount |
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| 100 lb | 2.3 mL | 25 lb | 0.6 mL |
| 200 lb | 4.6 mL | 50 lb | 1.2 mL |
| 300 lb | 6.9 mL | 75 lb | 1.7 mL |
| 400 lb | 9.2 mL | 100 lb | 2.3 mL |
| 500 lb | 11.5 mL | 125 lb | 2.9 mL |
| 1,000 lb | 23.0 mL | | |
| 1,500 lb | 34.5 mL | | |
Withdrawal periods and residue warnings
- Milk taken from cows during treatment and for 48 hours after the last treatment must not be used for human consumption.
- Cattle must not be slaughtered for human consumption within 8 days after the last treatment.
- Goats must not be slaughtered for human consumption within 6 days after the last treatment.
- Do not use in lactating goats, beef calves under 2 months, dairy calves or veal calves.
Older Safe-Guard labels for cattle carried different milk language. Always follow the withdrawal statement on the bottle you receive.
Slowing dewormer resistance
The label warns that parasite resistance may develop to any dewormer. It recommends using fecal examinations or other diagnostic tests and your herd's parasite history to decide whether a product fits before you deworm, then checking results afterward, for example with a fecal egg count reduction test. A drop in effectiveness over time may mean resistance, and your parasite plan should be adjusted.
Storage
- Store at or below 25°C (77°F).
- Protect from freezing.
- Shake well before use.
- Restricted drug (California): use only as directed.
Shipping and returns
- The gallon and 10 L sizes are marked for free shipping. The 125 mL and 1,000 mL sizes are in our FLAT shipping program. See our shipping policy for details.
- Free and FLAT items ship by UPS Ground or the U.S. Postal Service and usually arrive in 3 to 7 business days.
- Safe-Guard Suspension does not need cold shipping.
- Returns follow our return policy. Call 800-979-2869 for a return authorization.
Frequently asked questions
What is Safe-Guard Suspension 10%?
It is Merck Animal Health's oral fenbendazole dewormer, 100 mg of fenbendazole per mL, labeled for beef and dairy cattle and goats. It is approved by FDA under NADA 128-620 and sold over the counter.
Which animals is Safe-Guard Suspension labeled for?
The 1,000 mL, 1 gallon and 10 L bottles are labeled for beef and dairy cattle and goats. The 125 mL bottle is labeled for goats only.
Is the 125 mL bottle the same product as the larger sizes?
It is the same 10% fenbendazole suspension, but it carries the Safe-Guard Dewormer for Goats label, so it is labeled for goats only. Buy the 1,000 mL size or larger for cattle.
How much Safe-Guard do I give?
The label dose is 2.3 mL per 100 lb of body weight, given by mouth. For example, a 50 lb goat gets 1.2 mL and a 1,000 lb cow gets 23 mL. Do not underdose.
Can I use Safe-Guard Suspension 10% for dogs?
It is not labeled for dogs. For dogs, Merck makes Safe-Guard Canine Dewormer granules, which are labeled for puppies 6 weeks and older and adult dogs. If your veterinarian recommends a liquid fenbendazole for your dog, follow their product choice and dose.
What is the label dose of fenbendazole for dogs?
The Safe-Guard Canine label dose is 50 mg/kg (22.7 mg/lb) once a day for 3 days in a row, using the canine granules mixed into food. That label applies to Safe-Guard Canine, not to this cattle and goat suspension. Ask your veterinarian about any other use.
What is the withdrawal time for cattle?
Per the current label: do not slaughter cattle for human consumption within 8 days of the last treatment, and do not use milk taken during treatment and for 48 hours after the last treatment.
Can I use Safe-Guard Suspension in lactating dairy cows?
The current label is for beef and dairy cattle and requires a 48-hour milk discard after the last treatment. Older labels carried different milk language, so follow the withdrawal statement on the bottle you receive.
Can I use it in goats that are being milked?
No. Because a milk discard time has not been established, the label says not to use it in lactating goats. The meat withdrawal for goats is 6 days.
Can I deworm calves with Safe-Guard Suspension?
The label says not to use it in beef calves less than 2 months of age, dairy calves or veal calves, and notes that no withdrawal period has been established in pre-ruminating calves.
Can I use Safe-Guard Suspension in sheep or horses?
Do I need a prescription?
No. Safe-Guard Suspension 10% is an over-the-counter animal drug. In California it is a restricted drug: use only as directed.
How do I slow dewormer resistance?
The label recommends using fecal exams or other diagnostic tests and your parasite history to decide whether a dewormer fits your herd, and then checking results, for example with a fecal egg count reduction test. Never underdose.
How should I store Safe-Guard Suspension?
At or below 25°C (77°F). Protect it from freezing, and shake well before each use.
Who makes Safe-Guard?
Safe-Guard is made for and distributed by Intervet Inc., doing business as Merck Animal Health, Rahway, New Jersey. The suspension is approved by FDA under NADA 128-620.
Why buy Safe-Guard from A to Z Vet Supply
- Every size on one page. From the 125 mL goat bottle to the 10 L jug.
- The right product for the right animal. We carry Safe-Guard for cattle and goats, Safe-Guard Canine for dogs and Safe-Guard Equine Paste for horses.
- Real people on the phone. Call 800-979-2869, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Central.
- Based in Dresden, Tennessee. Our address is 9876 Hwy. 22, Dresden, TN 38225.
Label information
From the Safe-Guard Dewormer Suspension 10% label for beef and dairy cattle and goats (1,000 mL and 1 gallon):
Indications: Beef and Dairy Cattle: 2.3 mg/lb (5 mg/kg) body weight for the treatment and control of: Lungworms: Adult Dictyocaulus viviparus; Stomach worms: Adult brown stomach worms (Ostertagia ostertagi), Adult and fourth stage larvae barberpole worms (Haemonchus contortus & H. placei), and Adult and fourth stage larvae small stomach worms (Trichostrongylus axei); Intestinal worms (Adult and fourth stage larvae): hookworms (Bunostomum phlebotomum), thread-necked intestinal worms (Nematodirus helvetianus), small intestinal worms (Cooperia punctata & C. oncophora), bankrupt worms (Trichostrongylus colubriformis), and nodular worms (Oesophagostomum radiatum). Goats: 2.3 mg/lb (5 mg/kg) body weight for the treatment and control of: Stomach worms (adults): Haemonchus contortus and Teladorsagia circumcincta.
Directions: Administer orally. The recommended dose of 2.3 mg/lb (5 mg/kg) of body weight is achieved when 2.3 mL of the drug are given for each 100 lb body weight. Do not underdose. Ensure each animal receives a complete dose based on a current body weight. Underdosing may result in ineffective treatment, and encourage the development of parasite resistance.
Withdrawal Periods and Residue Warnings: Milk taken from cows during treatment and for 48 hours after the last treatment must not be used for human consumption. Cattle must not be slaughtered for human consumption within 8 days following last treatment with this drug product. Not for use in beef calves less than 2 months of age, dairy calves, and veal calves. A withdrawal period has not been established for this product in pre-ruminating calves. Goats must not be slaughtered for human consumption within 6 days following last treatment with this drug product. Because a milk discard time has not been established, do not use in lactating goats.
Warnings: Not for use in humans. Keep out of reach of children. Store at or below 25°C (77°F). Protect from freezing. Shake well before use. Restricted drug (California) - Use only as directed. Approved by FDA under NADA # 128-620.
The 125 mL Safe-Guard Dewormer for Goats label carries the goat indications, dose and warnings above: goats must not be slaughtered for human consumption within 6 days following treatment, and because a milk discard time has not been established, do not use in lactating goats.
This page summarizes the manufacturer's label and published product information. Always read and follow the label on the product you receive, and consult your veterinarian for help with the diagnosis, treatment and control of parasitism.
