Parasite prevention medication

Q: I took my 9-week old mini poodle puppy for his first vet visit, 4 days after receiving him and provided the vet the take home care guidelines that I have received along with the current medications, metro and pancur, which I have started both 2 days after arrival. However, the veterinarian has shown much concern on me giving my pup the metro specifically and felt that it was too much medication for such a young pup. Is there a specific reason why this antibiotic is given? Are there side effects?

A: The parasite prevention medications, metronidazole and fenbendazole provided are within the current recommended dosages for puppies. They are safe when given as directed and are part of a rotation of medications that began at 3 weeks of age. They are preventive medications so if your veterinarian performed fecal tests and they were negative you do not need to give them.