Fleas are nasty little bugs that can cause real problems for our canine friends. These problems range from simple episodes of scratching to intense allergic reactions leading to skin infections and anemia. Fleas are extremely hardy, can rapidly reproduce and can quickly infest our yards and homes. Prevention of these pests must be a top priority for all dog owners. Oral medications used in conjunction with topical treatments provide excellent flea control and prevention.
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Program/Sentinel
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Program and Sentinel are oral, once-a-month medications that contain lufenuron. Lufenuron is an insect growth regulator that acts as an inhibitor to the creation of chitin in insects. Chitin forms the hard exoskeleton of the flea, and is necessary for flea larvae to break out of their egg. When a female flea bites a dog that has ingested lufenuron, she produces larvae that are unable to create chitin. Thus, the eggs are unable to hatch. Program and Sentinel must be given on a full stomach to ensure the proper absorption by your dog's body. Lufenuron does not kill adult fleas; it is suggested by veterinarians to include a topical treatment such as Frontline or Advantage in addition to Program or Sentinel. In addition to fleas, Sentinel also prevents heartworms, hookworms, roundworms and whipworms.
Capstar
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Capstar is an oral medication that begins killing adult fleas in as little as 30 minutes. Fleas will literally be falling off your dog. Capstar is designed to be used anytime you see adult fleas on your dog, and can be given as often as once a day. Capstar contains nitenpyram, a neonicotinoid that interferes with normal nerve transmission, causing immediate death of the flea. Capstar can be used in pupppies as young as four weeks as they weigh more than 2 lbs. Capstar should be used in conjunction with other flea control products since it only kills adult fleas and has no effect on flea eggs and developing larvae.
Comfortis
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Comfortis is a once-a-month oral medication that kills 100 percent of adult fleas on your dog and continues killing adult fleas for 30 days after ingestion. Comfortis contains spinocid, which interferes with normal nerve transmission, causing seizures and immediate death in fleas. Comfortis is not to be used in cats, and should only be used in puppies over 14 weeks. Do not use in pregnant dogs or in dogs prone to seizures. Unlike the other oral flea medications, some side effects may occur. These include vomiting, diarrhea and decreased appetite. Comfortis can be used in conjunction with other flea control products to kill flea eggs and larvae. In some cases, Comfortis has proven to increase the chance of serious side effects of high dosage ivermectin treatment.
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