Dealing with a flea infestation on your beloved dog can be a stressful experience for both you and your pet. Fortunately, effective and rapid solutions are available. PetArmor® CAPACTION® (nitenpyram) Oral Flea Treatment for Dogs offers a vet-quality, over-the-counter option that begins eliminating adult fleas in as little as 30 minutes. This guide will delve into how CAPACTION® works, its ease of use, and how it fits into a comprehensive flea control strategy for your canine companion.
Understanding PetArmor® CAPACTION® (nitenpyram)
PetArmor® CAPACTION® (nitenpyram) is designed to quickly address adult fleas, preventing them from establishing a full-blown infestation. Its active ingredient, nitenpyram, is a potent adulticide that targets and eliminates fleas on contact. This makes it an excellent choice when you need to see results fast.
How Quickly Does CAPACTION® Work?
The rapid action of PetArmor® CAPACTION® is one of its key benefits. It starts killing fleas within 30 minutes of administration, providing swift relief for your dog. A single oral tablet is highly effective, with studies indicating it kills 90% of fleas within 4 hours on dogs. This immediate impact can significantly improve your pet’s comfort and reduce the spread of fleas in your home.
Prescription-Free Flea Treatment
A significant advantage of PetArmor® CAPACTION® is its accessibility. It is available for purchase online and at various retail locations without the need for a veterinary prescription. This makes it a convenient option for pet owners who need a quick and readily available solution for flea problems.
What Parasites Does CAPACTION® Target?
PetArmor® CAPACTION® specifically targets and kills adult fleas. The active ingredient, nitenpyram, works by interfering with the normal nervous system function of the flea, leading to paralysis and death. It’s important to understand that CAPACTION® focuses on the fleas currently on your pet.
Life Stages Targeted by CAPACTION®
While CAPACTION® is highly effective against adult fleas, it does not target flea eggs, larvae, or pupae. Adult fleas are the ones you see on your pet and are responsible for biting and laying eggs. By eliminating these adults quickly, CAPACTION® helps break the flea life cycle. However, for ongoing control, you may need to address the other life stages. Additional treatments of CAPACTION® may be necessary as existing flea larvae mature into adult fleas and emerge. This is why combining CAPACTION® with a long-term preventive is often recommended.
CAPACTION® as Part of a Flea Control Plan
PetArmor® CAPACTION® can be administered daily, as needed, to manage and control an existing flea infestation. For sustained, long-term prevention, it is recommended to use a monthly flea preventive product. CAPACTION® is ideal for immediate relief, while a monthly preventative ensures ongoing protection.
Administering CAPACTION® to Your Dog
Administering PetArmor® CAPACTION® is straightforward. The medication comes in an oral tablet form. You can give the tablet directly into your pet’s mouth. Alternatively, you can hide the pill in a small amount of food. If you choose to hide it, observe your pet carefully to ensure they swallow the pill. If you are unsure whether your dog consumed the tablet, it is safe to administer a second dose.
Frequency of Administration
A single dose of PetArmor® CAPACTION® is designed to eliminate the adult fleas present on your pet at that time. If your dog becomes reinfested, you can safely administer another dose once per day. Always refer to the product’s package insert for complete and detailed instructions.
Combining CAPACTION® with Other Treatments
PetArmor® CAPACTION® can be safely used in conjunction with other pet care products. If your current monthly flea preventive isn’t providing adequate results, you can administer CAPACTION® daily, as needed, for immediate relief from an active infestation. Furthermore, CAPACTION® is compatible with flea shampoos, heartworm preventives, antibiotics, vaccines, and deworming medications, offering flexibility in your pet’s overall healthcare regimen.
Using CAPACTION® on Both Dogs and Cats
PetArmor® CAPACTION® is available in different strengths for small dogs and cats, and for larger dogs. The formulations for small dogs and cats (11.4 mg) can be administered to dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens that are 4 weeks of age or older and weigh between 2 to 25 pounds. Always weigh your pet before administering the medication to ensure correct dosing. It is crucial not to administer the larger dose (57.0 mg) intended for large dogs to cats or small dogs, as this could be harmful.
Shelf Life of CAPACTION® Tablets
PetArmor® CAPACTION® oral flea tablets have a shelf life of 3 years from the date of manufacture. It is always advisable to check the expiration date on the packaging before use to ensure the product’s efficacy.

