Bringing our favorite four-legged furry friend home comes with a lot of responsibilities. Some of them include; taking them on walks, brushing their teeth and keeping them away from parasitic infestations. Dogs are prone to fleas and this article gives more insight into the best flea pill for dogs.
Fleas are parasites that consume the blood of their hosts. Once a flea infection starts, they do not stay put on the dog. They are bound to spread in different parts of the house too. Tackling a flea infestation is difficult, but today, there are numerous brands that sell flea medications.
Flea medications are available in several forms. Some of the available forms are dips, shampoos, powders, and pills. Dips and shampoos are not convenient. After the application, they take time to dry and the dog should be kept away from water. Pills, however, are much more convenient. They are digested orally to control, prevent or kill fleas. Flea pills are available in different types. Each type has a different active ingredient that kills fleas in their unique way.
This article talks about 5 different and best flea pills for dogs that are veterinary recommended.
Advantages of Best Flea Pills for Dogs:
- Compared to topical treatments, oral pills are more effective.
- They are more convenient and do not leave a sticky mess.
- They may be chewable and will be eaten by dogs without any difficulty.
- Oral flea pills kill all life cycles of fleas.
- Protects dogs from Lyme diseases and tapeworms which are caused by fleas.
- Some flea pills are available in the form of flavored tablets and can be eaten by dogs as treats.
- They are safe for pregnant and breeding dogs.
Is Flea Pill Safe for Dogs?
Most flea pills available in the market today help to tackle both flea and tick problems. These pills are made with special ingredients that affect these parasites. These chemicals target the nerve receptors of these parasites, leaving them paralyzed.
These flea pills are safe and veterinary recommended. They are more convenient than topical solutions, they spread evenly throughout the parasite’s body and they eliminate fleas on first application. They provide immunity against fleas and re-infestations for a longer period of time. Some pills are chewy, tasty and flavored and are loved by most dogs as compared to topical solutions.
The pills are safe if they are FDA tested, if not they should not be given to dogs. The FDA approval seal should be checked on the packet before purchasing. However, pills may not suit all breeds of dogs. Some side effects are common among dogs which are listed on the packet too.
Best Flea Tick Prevention for Dogs
- Capstar Flea Tablets for Dogs
- SENTRY Capguard (nitenpyram) Oral Flea Control Medication
- Four Paws Brewers Yeast Garlic Flavor Dog and Cat Tablets
- Flea Away All-Natural Flea Repellent for Dogs and Cats
- Pet Armor 6 Count Fast Caps for Dogs
How I Selected the 5 Best Flea Pill for Dogs?
Selecting the best flea pills for dogs is based on several factors. Some of them are given below: –
Safety: Just like any other topical solution for flea treatment, flea pills for dogs are also made up of certain chemical ingredients. Before using any of the flea pills, the owner should check that it is safe and tested. FDA seal is extremely important. Otherwise, side-effects are bound to happen which may even result in their pet’s death.
Types: Types of flea pills available are different. The four types namely are, Afoxolaner, Fluralaner, Nitenpyram, and Spinosad. These are all different ingredients that serve different purposes. Afoxolaner helps to kill adult fleas, Nitenpyram is available over the counter, Spinosad or Comfortis flea pill is a preventive flea pill and Fluralaner is a new flea pill. Choose the one which meets the needs of the pet.
Convenience: There is no doubt that flea pills are more convenient than topical solutions and dips. But some flea pills work instantly, whereas some take longer. Some require continuous doses, whereas some kill fleas with one dosage. Choosing the right flea pill depending upon the urgency of the flea infestation situation is important.
Capstar Flea Tablets for Dogs
Capstar Flea Pills for Dogs and Cats are oral pills that kill all adult fleas. They are safe to be used by kittens and puppies above 4 weeks of age. They are effective while killing fleas on small or medium sized dogs. For larger dogs, the capsule flea tablet can be used with medication to get the best results.
They are available in a box of 6 tablets and 12 tablets. Within the first 4 hours of its initial application, the effects are visible in dogs. For cats, this period is extended to 6 hours. Since the hatching life cycle of fleas is 3 days, the pills should be given every 2 days to ensure all the new fleas born are dead. After the first 24 hours of application, some of the fleas die and fall off the dogs’ body, thereby allowing the dog owners to use other products like flea shampoos to clean them.
The online reviews say that this product really works, but it has faced some criticism too. Some dog-owners have complained that since it has a single dosage, yet, the price is too high as the dosage has to be repeated. Overall, this is a safe and highly effective product with long-lasting results.
SENTRY Capguard (nitenpyram) Oral Flea Control Medication
SENTRY Oral Flea Medication is available for dogs and cats both. They are safe to be used by puppies and kittens who are at least 4 weeks old. They kill fleas and fleas that cause flea allergy dermatitis. They can be used along with other products like antibiotics, de-worming medicines, etc for better results.
The active ingredient used is nitenpyram which kills adult fleas faster. After the initial application, the effects are visible within the first 30 minutes. After 4 hours of initial application, 90% of the fleas are killed in case of dogs. For cats, the period is extended to 6 hours. This medication not only kills all life cycles of fleas, but also prevents re-infestation. It also prevents the pet against fleas that can introduce tapeworms into his/her body. Similar to the product discussed before, the dose has to be repeated once the new life cycle of fleas begins. Continuous dosage will help to get rid of fleas for better and long-lasting results.
The box contains 6 tablets which can either be placed in their mouths or mixed with foods. They are safe to be used by pregnant and breeding pets. However, many pet-owners have complained about side effects which are different in both species.
Four Paws Brewers Yeast Garlic Flavor Dog and Cat Tablets
The Four Paws Brewers Yeast Garlic Flavor Tablets are those tablets which can be given to pets on a daily basis. They are a natural, everyday supplement loaded with natural proteins. They are veterinary recommended and provide pets with all the necessary ingredients and nutrients.
Available for dogs and cats, they come in three different sizes. The box sizes range from 125 counts, 500 counts to 1000 count. Since these tablets are a high source of natural proteins, zinc, and biotin, they keep the fur healthy and shiny. These tablets also help to control shedding and keep the skin healthy. They boost the immunity system thereby keeping the pets fit and active. Made in the USA, they can be consumed by pregnant and breeding pets too.
Every day one tablet should be given by pet-owners to their pets to maintain their overall health. These tablets are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, and they can be served by mixing it with the normal food. Since they are flavored tablets, they can be fed normally as treats too. Pets love eating these ginger flavored tablets and they reduce garlic deters fleas. This product has received several positive reviews online.
Flea Away All-Natural Flea Repellent for Dogs and Cats
Flea Away is a vitamin chewable tablet made for dogs and cats both. It has many health benefits along with keeping fleas and ticks away. Made in the USA, they are available for all breeds. These chewable tablets can be eaten by pets every day and it is available in a tasty liver flavor.
Fleas and ticks are attracted to the smell of CO2, which is unfortunately not detected by the human nose. Firstly, these tablets works to keep this smell away, in turn, keeping fleas away. Even if fleas are seen on the pet, he/she will not be suffering from severe itching. Secondly, they are effective to prevent ticks too. They do not allow ticks to engorge the pet’s skin and the pet-owner can brush them off easily. Thirdly, this all-natural supplement maintains a healthy skin by reducing dermatitis scabs, bites or sores that are caused by fleas. They promote a healthy and shiny fur, reduce shedding and also support healthy joints.
Flea away takes about a month to show proper results. It can be mixed with food or given as a tasty treat daily. Some pet owners have complained about side-effects. If so happens, this supplement should be stopped immediately.
Pet Armor 6 Count Fast Caps for Dogs
Pet Armor Fast Caps is a flea medication for medium and large dogs that weight over 25 pounds. Available in the form of easy-to-dose tablets, one box contains about 6 tablets altogether. It is safe for the use of puppies and kittens who weigh at least 2 pounds and are at least 4 weeks old.
The initial effects are visible after 30 mins of initial application. In dogs, about 90% of the fleas are killed within 4 hours of initial application. In cats, the fleas are killed within 6 hours. It is one of the best dog flea and tick pill. Compared to Capstar flea pill, it also contains nitenpyram which is the active ingredient that kills fleas effectively. It is 100% veterinary recommended since the tablets kill fleas fast and the effects are long-lasting too. They even kill fleas that cause flea allergy dermatitis. The product has no odor and there are no chances of messy application since it cannot be rubbed or washed off.
A single dose of this medication is proven to kill all the fleas. If flea re-infestation is visible, another dosage should be given. If usage of this product causes any side-effects, the vet should be contacted immediately.
Conclusion
Before selecting any flea pill, the needs and requirements of the pets should be kept in mind. Consulting the vet should be an important part of the flea treatment process. It is always best to get a flea pill from a vet. Also, remember that flea pills work best when used with other products that remove the fleas completely.
Most of the flea treatments mentioned in this article have received the best dog flea treatment reviews online. Other than the products mentioned in this article, some of the other products that can be chosen by pet-owners include Frontline. If pet-owners are looking for a 3 months flea pill, then brands like Bravecto should be perfect for them.
Once a dog or cat get affected by fleas, there are chances of several other serious illnesses too. Extreme itching and dermatitis are only some of the common symptoms. It is always better to avoid a flea infestation in the first place rather than looking for pills and potions later.
Always brush the pet’s fur with a comb daily and make sure they do not lurk around too much in shady places. In conclusion, this article gives you great options to select from if a pet suffers from flea attacks.