Bringing a new pet into your home is an exciting time, but it can also come with unexpected challenges, such as flea infestations. Fortunately, there are effective solutions available to provide quick relief for your beloved companions. Capstar® (nitenpyram) offers a fast-acting oral treatment designed to combat adult fleas swiftly, preventing them from establishing a presence and causing discomfort to your pets.
How Capstar® Works and How Quickly
Capstar® (nitenpyram) is specifically formulated to kill adult fleas. Its active ingredient, nitenpyram, begins to take effect within a remarkably short period, starting to eliminate fleas in as little as 30 minutes after administration. For dogs, a single oral tablet can eliminate over 90% of fleas within a mere 4 hours, offering rapid relief from itching and irritation.
Accessibility and Parasite Target
One of the key advantages of Capstar® is its accessibility. It is available for purchase online and at various retail locations without requiring a veterinary prescription. This makes it a convenient option for pet owners dealing with an immediate flea problem. It’s important to note that Capstar® targets adult fleas. While it effectively eliminates adult fleas before they can lay eggs, it does not prevent re-infestation from existing flea larvae that may emerge into adult fleas later. Therefore, additional treatments might be necessary as these life cycle stages develop.
Capstar® as Part of a Flea Management Strategy
While Capstar® is excellent for treating existing flea infestations, it is not designed as a long-term preventive measure. It can be administered daily, as needed, to manage current flea problems. For ongoing protection against fleas, a monthly flea preventive is highly recommended. This dual approach—using Capstar® for immediate relief and a monthly preventive for sustained control—offers the most comprehensive flea management strategy for your pets.
Administration and Dosage
Administering Capstar® is straightforward. The oral flea tablets can be given directly into your pet’s mouth or hidden within a small amount of food. It’s crucial to ensure your pet swallows the pill. If you are uncertain whether the pill was consumed, it is safe to administer a second dose.
A single dose of Capstar® is typically sufficient to eliminate adult fleas present on your pet at the time of treatment. If your pet becomes re-infested, another dose can be safely given daily.
Combining Capstar® with Other Treatments
Capstar® is designed to be safely combined with other common pet treatments. If your pet is currently on a monthly topical flea and tick treatment, flea shampoo, heartworm preventive, antibiotics, or deworming medication, you can still administer Capstar® oral flea tablets daily as directed by the product label. This flexibility allows pet owners to integrate Capstar® into their existing pet care routine without concern.
Using Capstar® on Both Dogs and Cats
Capstar® is available in formulations suitable for different pet sizes. For small dogs and cats, the 11.4 mg tablets can be used for both species, as well as puppies and kittens, provided they are at least 4 weeks old and weigh between 2 and 25 pounds. Always weigh your pet before administration to ensure the correct dosage is given. It is important not to use the Capstar® formulation intended for large dogs on cats or small dogs.
Shelf Life of Capstar® Tablets
Capstar® tablets have a shelf life of 3 years from the date of manufacture, ensuring that the product remains effective when stored properly.
For persistent flea issues or questions about the best flea control strategy for your specific pet, consulting with your veterinarian is always recommended. They can provide tailored advice and help you choose the most effective products. If you’re looking for ongoing protection, consider exploring options like best flea and tick killer for dogs or best non prescription flea and tick medicine for dogs to complement your flea treatment plan.
