Flea infestations are a common problem for pet owners. If your pet has an infestation, Capstar can be used to end it. Capstar is the name brand of nitenpyram oral tablets. It is approved for use on dogs and cats. Capstar takes about four hours to kill almost all fleas on a dog and about six hours for a cat. It can be purchased from your veterinarian, many pet stores, and online.
Things You'll Need
- Pill dispenser
- Treat or soft food
Instructions
Using Capstar Oral Tablets
Get an expert's opinion. Capstar can be obtained without a prescription; however, check with your veterinarian to make sure that it is the best treatment for your pet's flea problem. Also make sure that Capstar will not have any adverse reactions with other medications your dog or cat may be taking.
Put the Capstar tablet in your pet's food bowl and wait until he is finished eating. Check to make sure he swallowed the pill along with the food.
If your pet is not interested in eating at the moment or eats around the Capstar tablet, try hiding it in a treat. You can buy pill pocket treats that are made to place medicine inside, or simply push the pill into a soft treat. If you have a dog, you can smear some peanut butter on the pill to hide it.
If your pet still refuses the Capstar tablet, place it directly in her mouth. You can use a pet pill dispenser or your fingers. Use your hands to pry open your pet's jaws, then quickly place the pill as far back in your pet's throat as you can. Hold your pet's mouth shut until he swallows.
After the First Pill
No matter how you administer Capstar, make sure it was swallowed. Some pets may keep it in their mouths and spit it out later, so you need to check your pet's mouth in case the Capstar is still in there.
If there are still fleas after the 24-hour coverage period, continue to administer Capstar pills at the rate of one pill per day.
Once you have used Capstar on your pet, purchase regular flea-prevention products to keep your pet free of fleas.