Table of Contents
Top 5 Best Flea Pills For Dogs
| Image | Name |
|---|---|
 | Capstar Flea Tablets for Dogs |
 | |
 | SENTRY Capguard (nitenpyram) Oral Flea Control Medication |
 | Four Paws Brewers Yeast Garlic Flavored Dog Tablets |
 | Flea Away All Natural Flea Repellent for Dogs |
Fleas lurk in the dark, ready to jump from dog to dog. These little buggers are every parent’s problem. Flea bites can cause a medley of serious conditions for your canine buddy. This includes allergy dermatitis, alopecia, anemia, secondary skin infections, tapeworms, and the list goes on. What’s more, fleas love to snack on human blood and leave you itchy, swelling bite marks.
Fleas are quite a challenge to avoid, particularly in humid areas where fleas thrive most. You can’t be sure your pet’s friends don’t share fleas with him. Flea infestations are an uphill struggle. Clearly, the flea shampoo your local pet store recommends won’t suffice. What you need is the best flea pills for dogs!
Flea pills are oral medications that are designed to kill fleas, as well as prevent your dog from becoming re-infested. Flea pills are among the most effective flea treatments, according to veterinarians.
It contains an active ingredient that transfers into your dog’s bloodstream in just a few minutes.
We understand how much you love your furry family member. You want them well-protected against pesky fleas. However, examining a plethora of flea pills for dogs can be tiresome. There are so many choices with a range of prices. How do you know which one is the best?
1. Capstar Flea Tablets for Dogs
By the time of this writing, Capstar Flea Tablets for Dogs and Cats has received a 3.8-star rating from the world’s leading online store, Amazon. Nearly 6,000 reviewers have said positive things about it. It is a great score, considering how many companies are bombarding the online market with their products.
This flea treatment is the ultimate one-and-done parasite eliminator. Each pill contains one dose. Once your dog ingests the pill, its active ingredients are metabolized and circulate through your dog’s body. This product claims to kill all existing fleas within four hours for dogs and six hours for cats.
Many fur parents suggest that it is best to administer a second pill after 48 hours to ensure no creepy fleas are crawling back to your dog, particularly if you live in a flea-infested area. The pill provides a 24-hour window period so that you can de-flea your home. Use this time to vacuum every nook and cranny of your home.
Capstar Flea Treatment for Dogs and Cats is an FDA-approved oral pill for controlling fleas on dogs. Also, this product is safe for kittens and puppies weighing more than 2 lbs. and at least four weeks old.
Pros
- each dosage contains 11 mg of vet-recommended Nitenpyram
- FDA and EPA approved
- perfect for addressing heavy flea infestations
- kills existing adult fleas within 4 hours
- suitable for dogs and cats
- safe for 4-week old kittens and puppies
Cons
- does not eliminate flea eggs
- not a preventative measure
- may cause pets to itch
2. PetArmor FastCaps (nitenpyram) Oral Flea Control
PetArmor FastCaps is the brand to search for if you are in a tight budget. We chose this product as our first runner-up not because it’s cheap but because it provides immediate flea relief – 30 minutes to be exact.
If you have a large canine weighing more than 25 lbs., you’ll find that this flea treatment is among the most affordable options.
It is also a hassle-free solution because you don’t have to separate other pets when administering it. This product can be administered to pregnant and lactating bitches regarding its safety.
You can also split the pills and give it to your cat to save money. A single pill is enough to treat half a dozen cats. The pill is tasteless. Just grind the pill and hide it in your dog’s favorite moist food, so he can chow it all down.
Furthermore, this PetArmor FastCaps uses nitenpyram, which is one of the most potent and veterinary-recommended insecticides on the market. This product is a great start to your pooch’s anti-flea program. It strikes even the most stubborn fleas. Fleas will drop off almost instantaneously.
Pros
- uses EPA-approved Nitenpyram
- killing effect starts as early as 30 minutes
- effects last for 48 hours straight
- suitable for dogs that are heavily infested
- doesn’t have a bitter taste
- safe pregnant and lactating bitches
- can be used for cats
Cons
- needs to be pulverized for easy administration
- some dogs may experience itchiness during treatment
- other preventative measures should be observed after treatment
3. SENTRY Capguard (nitenpyram) Oral Flea Control Medication
Sentry Capguard is our third best flea pills for dogs. It highlights its Nitenpyram content, which is the most recommended flea killer endorsed by veterinarians. This brand of oral medication promises to make your canine buddy feel better faster. As expected of a potent insecticide, you just have to wait half an hour for the pill to take effect. It rapidly kills fleas for 24 hours straight.
This brand can also serve as an effective preventative solution against new flea problems. You can give your dog a pill each day or whenever he gets exposed to areas that are likely flea-infested. Many dog owners pointed out that this brand helps reduce itching and inflammation caused by flea bites. It is also safe for pregnant and nursing bitches.
Sentry Capguard comes in a small hard pill that is about the size of an aspirin. We recommend stuffing the pill in a hot dog. Better yet, grind it and mix it with your dog’s moist food so no medication is wasted.
Truth be told, this product works just as effectively as PetArmor FastCaps. However, this brand doesn’t come as cheap.
Pros
- uses veterinary-approved nitenpyram
- elimination effect on fleas starts within 30 minutes
- effects last for 24 hours straight
- suitable for dogs that are heavily infested
- can be administered once daily for prevention
- doesn’t have a bitter aftertaste
- safe pregnant and lactating bitches
Cons
- more expensive compared to product no.2
- needs to be pulverized for easy administration
4. Four Paws Brewers Yeast Garlic Flavored Dog Tablets
Four Paws Brewer’s Yeast Garlic Flavored Tablets is a veterinary-approved health supplement. It is an excellent source of protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. It gives pets the vital nutrition they need to stay wide-eyed and bushy-tailed. So, what does it have to do with fleas?
This insect repellent provides a natural way of eliminating CO2 from your dog, the compound that attracts fleas. It is also proven effective in alleviating wounds, inflammation, and secondary skin infections caused by flea bites.
One tablet is enough to supply the amount of protein and other essential minerals like zinc. It is a valuable mineral because it helps in controlling the shedding in dogs and helps keep their fur glossy. This product is available in various sizes.
Moreover, this supplement provides you with a high level of protein to keep your dogs fighting fit. It hastens the metabolism and keeps the energy level at its highest. Hence, this is highly recommended for dogs that need to be constantly active.
Pros
- no strong chemicals; provides a holistic approach to flea prevention
- guaranteed no side effects
- provides dogs with complete nutrition
- multifunctional – daily supplement and insect repellent
- garlic-flavored for easy administration
- available in various sizes
Cons
- not ideal for treating heavy infestations
- some dogs don’t like the smell of garlic
5. Flea Away All Natural Flea Repellent for Dogs
If you have a sensitive pet, you will be relieved to know that there’s a holistic approach in repelling fleas and other parasites. Flea Away Repellent is particularly beneficial for sensitive pets. This oral medication is notable for its organic content. It is free from toxic substances or harsh chemicals that are usually present in most oral flea medications. Its active ingredients are brewer’s yeast, folic acid, niacin, vitamins B6, and B12.
Fleas and other parasites are more aggressive towards dogs with a compromised immune system. Parasites are highly attracted to dry skin and a lackluster coat that emit a strong, enticing smell of CO2. Flea Away Repellent works to promote the health and well-being of your dog. Its special mix of vitamins ensures your dog is healthy inside and out!
Many fur parents recommend this oral medication because it doubles as a preventive method for flea and tick infestations and a daily vitamin to boost your pet’s overall health. It is particularly helpful for dogs with sensitivities, arthritic dogs, and for those that are prone to shedding.
What’s more, this vitamin features a vivid flavor profile, thanks to it beef liver content. Surely, your dog won’t mind taking his vitamins every day.
Pros
- 100% organic
- repels fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes naturally
- multifunctional – flea prevention and a daily supplement
- beef flavor for easy administration
Cons
- not the best choice for treating a flea infestation
- won’t kill fleas (you have to brush them off manually)
What To Look For in Dog Flea Pills
Safety for pets and people
Flea pills use a form of pesticide to wipe out fleas. The best flea pills for dogs should be safe enough to use around children and other pets. The active ingredient used should be approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Otherwise, it might cause serious effects in humans and animals. A small number of dogs have been reported to experience minor side effects as an initial response to the medication. This includes drooling, loss of appetite, and sluggishness that could only last for a few days. Talk to your veterinarian so he can determine any hypersensitivity in your dog.
Class formulation
Choose a formulation that is recommended for your dog’s age and weight.
Maximum killing action
Look for a brand that is labeled broad-spectrum. The efficacy of a flea pill is anchored on its ability to target fleas of all life stages in one easy-to-use form. It should kill adult fleas, and larvae, as well as inhibit eggs from growing. The best brands can even kill ticks.
Quick onset & long-lasting effects
Fleas are amongst the most resilient ectoparasites. You may kill some today but you will find some crawling on your dog a few days later. Thus, opt for a product that offers a quick onset of action and long-lasting effects.
Dog’s preference
Just like kids, dogs won’t gobble something they don’t like. You can stuff the pill in a hotdog or coat it with peanut butter, but a flea pill tasting like beef will be enthusiastically received!
Personal convenience
Some pills are designed for monthly or daily administration. In the end, the type of flea pill that is best for your dog depends on your situation.
Benefits of Flea Pills for Dogs
Faster killing action than spot-on treatments
Flea pills are particularly helpful for dogs who are suffering a heavy infestation that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. You won’t have to wait a day or two for the medication to take effect. Once the pill is ingested, the active ingredient gets metabolized and circulates throughout your dog’s body. It kills every flea that feeds and clings onto your dog. Therefore, this type of medication is considered more effective compared to spot-on treatments.
All-in-one protection
In the past, fur parents had to buy separate products to prevent various pests from vexing your pet. This can be expensive and inconvenient, especially for families with multiple pets. The good news is that flea pills can do more than just kill adult fleas. It can eliminate fleas in all life stages along with ticks. It also prevents mosquitoes from biting your pet.
No mess and hassle-free administration
Many fur-parents prefer flea pills to spot-ons because the administration is more convenient. Flea pills are soft and deliciously flavored, which makes it easy to give to your dog. Dogs can be bathed or are allowed to swim like mad after administration since it’s not topical. Most importantly, it doesn’t leave a nasty smell and a sticky mess if your dog lollygags on your bed.
Conclusion
Fleas are downright frustrating! Though very small, these parasites pose a big threat to the family, particularly to our furry family members. Prevention is the best course of action, but sometimes, it is inevitable for your pet to contract an infestation.
If you suspect your canine buddy has contracted fleas, be sure to address the problem immediately with the best flea pills for dogs. Don’t wait for flea allergy dermatitis, tapeworms, and other conditions to inflict on your dog.
We highly recommend the Capstar Flea Treatment for Dogs and Cats. A single dose of this oral medication is potent enough to kill existing fleas that pester your pet. Take note that its flea-killing action does not rely on pyrethrin and organophosphates, both of which are known for being harsh. This product is FDA and EPA approved.
This treatment is also ideal for homes with multiple pets with different age groups. Although it works spectacularly against heavy infestations, you may have to invest in a flea preventative medication for a long-term fix.