How Do "Give-As-Needed" Nitenpyram Flea Medications Work?
If you’re a dog or cat owner, you know how troublesome fleas can be. Fleas are wildly uncomfortable for your pet, causing them much discomfort and itchiness throughout the day. If left untreated, you can expect a flea infestation on your beloved pet that can quickly get out of hand. Fleas can also lead to more serious pet skin conditions, such as flea allergy dermatitis in dogs and miliary dermatitis in cats. Luckily, you have thousands of options when it comes to locating an effective flea treatment for your pet. However, today we’ll be breaking down everything you need to know about Capstar. It seems to be one of our best-selling products to kill fleas on your precious dogs and cats.
While you should always consult with your vet first, we’ve listed everything from how effective Capstar is to its potential side effects so you can be as informed as possible since this is an over-the-counter flea medication.
How Does Capstar Work?
Capstar is an oral treatment in the form of tablets intended to kill adult fleas on dogs, puppies, cats and kittens that are two pounds or heavier and at least four weeks old. The active ingredient in Capstar is nitenpyram (belonging to the chemical class of neonicotinoids). Nitenpyram interferes with fleas' neurotransmission - killing them.
Capstar is recognized for its fast-acting formula that begins working within 30 minutes of dosing. Within four hours of initial dosing, it can eliminate 90 percent of adult fleas on your pet! Capstar works to eliminate adult fleas in particular because an adult female flea can produce thousands of eggs.
Capstar for Dogs
Dogs seem to be more susceptible to fleas just because they run around outside on a more regular basis, so you may encounter flea infestations at a higher rate if you’re a dog owner. It’s important to note that Capstar does not work to prevent fleas. If reinfestation does occur, an additional dose of Capstar can be given to your dog or puppy. While Capstar is safe for pregnant or nursing dogs, it should not be given to puppies weighing less than two pounds or younger than four weeks.
Capstar for Cats
More recently, Capstar has undergone some packaging changes, and you’ll see separate Capstar for cats products. However, this product is the same as Capstar for Dogs and Cats and simply has a new look. Never give Capstar to kittens less than four weeks old or that weigh less than two pounds. It’s safe for all those nursing or pregnant cats out there.
Side Effects of Capstar
While Capstar has been proven to be effective in killing fleas, some side effects have been reported in pets. In dogs, hyperactivity or lethargy may occur, so keep a close eye on your canine. They’ll also begin scratching profusely, but this is due to the fleas dying off rather than a side effect of the medication. You may notice some dizziness or nervousness in your dog. In cats, you may notice their pupils dilating, increased vocalization or salivation. Both cats and dogs may vomit, have diarrhea or lose their appetite.
Capstar Versus Other Flea Treatments
There are many advantages to an oral pest control like Capstar. Since it’s taken in tablet form, there’s no messy topical solution or strong odors you have to deal with like you would with shampoos, drops or ointments. Additionally, a single dose should eliminate the current infestation on your pet, but if you have a larger, heavier dog, an additional dose may be given once per day until all fleas are killed. Capstar is also safe for pregnant or nursing pets.
Capstar can be used in conjunction with other flea management treatments, including heartworm prevention, vaccines, deworming medications, shampoos, antibiotics and corticosteroids.
You can shop for Capstar at Medi-Vet. We offer different variations depending on the weight of your dog:
For Dogs 2-25 Pounds (6 tablets)
For Dogs Over 25 Pounds (6 tablets)
