Anti flea pills for dogs

There are many ways to take care of your pet's health, and protecting it from fleas and parasites of all kinds is one of them! Anti-parasite collars, pipettes or tablets, there is no lack of solutions to preserve your dog's health.

Today, focus on the anti flea tablet! Nexgard, Bravecto, Capstar, Comfortis and many others... Let's see how to choose the right medicine to end flea invasions!

Collar, pipette, tablet... What are the differences between flea control products for dogs?

You may have already used pipettes (such as Frontline Combo), sprays or anti-flea collars, which are widely used (and very effective!) to eradicate fleas. Unlike these products, the tablets have an oral mode of administration and systemic mode of action.

They are therefore ingested by the dog, and intoxicate the fleas via the animal's blood and not by simple contact with its coat.

Therefore, there is no danger for the owners - and particularly for children - to get intoxicated by contact with the product, as it is the case for some topical antiparasitics. If this risk is limited for pipettes and sprays that dry in 24 to 48 hours, it is another story for collars that diffuse antiparasitic for several months continuously.

Getting rid of fleas: insecticide or insect repellent?

In the vast array of pest control products, you will find both insecticides and insect repellents. An insecticide kills insects, while an insect repellent scares them away. Insect repellents are therefore recommended as a preventive rather than a curative measure. They can repel fleas on an animal with little or moderate exposure, but are not powerful enough in case of a real invasion.

Most tablets are insecticides. They should not be confused with insect repellent food supplements (often garlic-based) distributed in the form of treats.

What are the different types of flea tablets?

There are so many different tablets on the market that it's easy to get confused. Let's try to clear the air first!

Healing tablets
For great ills, great remedies! Curative drugs, such as Capstar, eradicate all fleas present on your dog in a few minutes. The immediate effect of the tablet is appreciable, but it does not have any persistence. It will therefore be quickly eliminated from your dog's body, and the fleas will return immediately if you have not taken care to treat your environment. To be sure to be rid of these parasites for good, you will also have to treat your house with an anti flea fumigant.

Curative and preventive tablets
Curative and preventive tablets have a persistent action. The active substance remains in your dog's body for several weeks after taking the tablet. The next fleas that come to feed on it will die within a few hours, without having had time to lay eggs. However, the tablet does not eliminate the parasites from the environment, and they must bite your dog to die. This treatment does not prevent new bites, but it does prevent new infestations.

Composition and functioning of flea tablets for dogs

To understand what you are giving your dog and why, let's start with a little science! Here, we will talk about molecules, active ingredients and excipients...

What do these medicines contain?
The active ingredients of antiparasitic tablets differ according to the brand. There are Afoxolaner (Nexgard), Nitenpyram (Capstar), Fluralaner (Bravecto) and Spinosad (Comfortis), to name only the best known. These substances are all insecticides (and acaricides for Fluralaner and Afoxolaner) that target adult fleas and ticks. The other ingredients in the tablets are excipients that give the medication its consistency and color. Flavors are also added so that your dog swallows the tablet easily - most often without suspecting anything!

How do they work on my dog?
The antiparasitic tablets are systemic products, so they must pass through the parasite's body to act. The effects are fast: fleas die within a few hours (or even minutes) and ticks within 48 hours. These delays correspond to their first meal on your dog's back, once it is treated. The mode of action of the tablet depends on its active substance. These molecules all attack the nervous system of the parasites, but each in their own way. Afoxolaner and Fluralaner are both insecticides and acaricides, targeting fleas and ticks. Simple insecticides, Spinosad and Nitenpyram eliminate only fleas.

None of these molecules is an IGR (Insect Growing Regulator). Therefore, the tablets do not reduce the laying, hatching and development of larvae. Nevertheless, if all your dogs are properly treated, the parasites will eventually disappear from your home because they can't feed. This may take some time, so it is advisable to treat the environment in addition to the tablet: a shot of Fogger, and we do not talk about it anymore!

How long is a tablet effective once it is taken?
It all depends on the tablet. Those mentioned above have a persistence of several weeks, except for Capstar. The action of Comfortis and Nexgard lasts 4 to 5 weeks, and that of Bravecto 12 weeks. For the other less known tablets, you will find this information on the leaflet or, better, from your veterinarian!

How do I give my dog an anti-flea tablet?

The tablets are given orally, often along with the food. Keep in mind that anti-parasite tablets, whatever their brand, are made of powerful active substances! They are prescription-only: do not attempt to give them to your dog without your veterinarian's approval.

Dosages differ according to the molecules and the concentration of the tablets. It is therefore necessary to refer to your veterinarian and read the instructions carefully before giving them to your pet. Since we cannot offer you an exhaustive list of anti-flea tablets on the market, here are a few indications on the most common brands:

Capstar should only be administered in the event of visible flea infestation on the animal. The recommended dose is 1 mg/kg. Treatment may be repeated several days in a row, but not more than one dose per 24 hours. As this medication does not have a persistent action, your veterinarian may advise you to associate it with a preventive anti-flea medication. Capstar can be ingested with or without food.

For Nexgard, the appropriate dose is 2.7 to 6.9 mg/kg. Again, ask your veterinarian for the right tablet for your pet's weight. You can give it with or without food.

Comfortis should be given in doses not exceeding 45 to 70 mg/kg. Ideally, have your veterinarian weigh your dog and ask him directly for the corresponding dose. The tablet must be taken with or immediately after a meal.

Bravecto should be administered at a dose of 25 to 56 mg/kg. It should also be ingested with or immediately after a meal.

Dividing antiparasitic tablets is strongly discouraged, especially for Nexgard and Bravecto. Instead, ask your veterinarian for the proper dosage.

Method of administration
Generally, all tablets can be slipped into your dog's food bowl. Ideally, only serve your dog a small dose of food so that you can easily check that he has swallowed the tablet. These medications are often palatable, so you can try to give them to your dog as a treat so that he swallows them on his own. (Be careful with Bravecto and Comfortis, which should not be swallowed on an empty stomach)! You can find some of our tips for giving your dog tablets here.

Once again, it all depends on the brand chosen, and therefore on the active molecule. Your veterinarian will advise you on this subject. In case of doubt, here are some reminders about the most common products.

Tablets are recommended for animals exposed to parasites or with a visible flea infestation. For the most part, they should be given to a healthy, adult animal weighing more than 2 kg. Capstar can be given to your pets from 1 kg and 4 weeks, Comfortis from 1.3 kg, but not before 12 weeks, and Nexgard and Bravecto from 8 weeks and 2 kg.

Be careful, Colleys are intolerant to Spinosad! Do not give Comfortis to your dog without the advice of your veterinarian if you do not have a good overview of his pedigree. For dogs that are convalescing or undergoing another treatment, also ask your veterinarian for advice.

Medical contraindications

Most of the active ingredients in flea tablets attack the nervous system of the insects. Although the dosage is intended for fleas, and is therefore very minimal, this medication is not recommended for dogs with epilepsy.

Capstar, Nexgard and Bravecto have no known drug interactions. However, Bravecto should be used with caution if your dog is taking steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (prescribed for allergies or chronic pain) or Coumarin derivatives (anticoagulant). Comfortis may interact with various substrates, including Ivermectin (used in the treatment of scabies).

Vomiting, although quite rare, is the most common side effect in dogs. With Capstar, your dog may also experience severe itching due to the death of fleas. These effects are temporary and mild. More rarely, gastric disorders (vomiting and diarrhea), some depression or anorexia have been reported. Nervous signs (convulsions, tremors, etc.) may also appear in very rare cases.

Long-lasting flea tablets are sometimes used to treat Flea Bite Allergy Dermatitis (FBAD). This condition causes your pet to have a particularly violent skin reaction to insect bites. The dog feels very itchy, scratches - sometimes to the point of bleeding - and sheds hair in patches. He may also have difficulty tolerating topical flea medications, as his skin may be particularly irritated.

The tablets will effectively rid him of fleas. However, you must take care to treat his environment so that new fleas don't come back! Since fleas have to bite your dog to be poisoned, he will continue to show signs of DAPP as long as fleas from his habitat are biting him.

Is the flea pill effective?

Each tablet has its own effectiveness according to its characteristics. It is therefore important to use them correctly and to choose the right medicine. Not all brands and active ingredients target the same insects and do not have the same persistence.

In general, the death of fleas occurs within hours after the absorption of the tablet, regardless of the active substance (Capstar is particularly fast). To help you choose the right medication for your dog, let's summarize the characteristics of the most common products:

- For a curative and preventive protection against ticks and fleas: Bravecto (up to 12 weeks of effectiveness) and Nexgard (4 weeks).
- For curative and preventive protection against fleas: Comfortis, effective up to 4 weeks.
- For curative use against fleas: Capstar.

FAQ

Can I give an anti-flea tablet to my pregnant or nursing dog?
Attention, it is possible for some brands only: Bravecto and Capstar, for example. But Nexgard and Comfortis must be avoided in this situation.

Can I give a flea control tablet to a puppy under 3 months of age?
As a general rule, antiparasitic tablets can be given from 8 weeks of age. However, all products have a specific dosage according to their composition and concentration. Comfortis cannot be given to a puppy under 12 weeks of age, while Capstar can be given to an animal of 4 weeks of age. To avoid poisoning your puppy, ask your veterinarian for advice.

Is it okay to give a flea pill to a puppy or a small dog under 2 kilos?
Again, it depends on the tablet in question. Capstar can be given from 1kg and 4 weeks, and Comfortis from 1.3kg, but 12 weeks. Refer to the leaflet of the chosen tablet or, better, ask your veterinarian!

Can tablets eliminate chewing lice?
Generally, no. The active ingredients in the tablets mentioned in this article, and most other brands, do not target chewing lice. Instead, this species is eliminated with Fipronil.

Will the tablets treat my home against fleas?
In the case of an invasion of parasites, no. The tablets work systemically, so each parasite must bite your pet to die. The eggs, cocoons and larvae are not destroyed. It is strongly recommended to treat your pet's habitat with a spray or fumigant to eradicate all parasites.

Tablets have the advantage of being convenient to use and of being safe for the owner (and his children!) in case of contact with a freshly treated dog. Moreover, the dosage is easier, and you avoid the inconveniences of greasy and yellowed hairs by the pipettes or made sticky by the sprays. In addition, they are only available by prescription, which avoids errors in dosage and use.

On the downside, tablets are less broad-spectrum than other pest control solutions. They often only target fleas, and possibly ticks. Unlike non-systemic treatments, they are ineffective against tick-borne diseases because the parasite does not die until after its first meal. Finally, they do not sanitize the home in case of flea infestation.