Capstar vs Sentinel

Keeping yourself and your pets healthy by choosing the best parasite treatment to meet their needs can be a difficult task. Two of the best-loved choices are Capstar and Sentinel. While each product offers safe and reliable protection, there are a number of differences that might help you choose one or both of these treatments for your dog. The information and table below are made to help you make a great choice for your dog.

What are the differences between Capstar and Sentinel?

To begin, we’ll discuss the similarities between these two products. Both options are chewable oral treatments. They are each safe for use in puppies ages 4 weeks and up weighing 2 pounds or more. They are also both safe for use in lactating, pregnant, and breeding dogs.

Now, let’s talk about the many differences between these two incredible treatments. Capstar is meant to be administered as needed to eradicate flea infestations. It is only effective against fleas in the adult stage, and it kills 90% of fleas within 4 hours. It can be administered up to once daily, and it is an over-the-counter product.

Sentinel is a once-monthly treatment available only with a prescription from a veterinarian. Sentinel is a heartworm preventative that offers added protection against hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. It breaks the flea life cycle by killing larvae and eggs, but it is not effective against existing infestations. Sentinel contains Lufenuron and Milbemycin Oxime, while Capstar uses Nitenpyram.

Final thoughts on Capstar vs. Sentinel

As you’ve read above, these two products are quite different from one another. Because they each protect against different parasites and have unique benefits and different active ingredients, your veterinarian might recommend administering both products simultaneously to eradicate an existing infestation and prevent parasite infestations. Be sure to consult your veterinarian if you believe these products are right for your dog.

If you find yourself with any additional questions or concerns, reach out to the skilled Allivet pharmacists for a pet parent consultation!

Capstar for Dogs

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Sentinel

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Feature Capstar Sentinel
Kills Fleas Yes No
Repels Fleas No No
Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae No Stops development
Kills Ticks No No
Repels Ticks No No
Repels Mosquitoes No No
Prevents Heartworm No Yes
Other Parasites No Roundworms, Whipworms, and Hookworms
Waterproof Yes since taken orally Yes since taken orally
How Long to work Kills 90% of fleas in 4 hours Breaks cycle of fleas and eggs. Does not kill existing flea infestation.
Taste No flavor Savory Beef
Active Ingredient Nitenpyram Milbemycin Oxime and Lufenuron
RX Required No Yes
Application Type Chewable Tablet Chewable Tablet
Dosing Safe for as often as once per day 1 tablet per month
Age Dogs 4 weeks and older that weigh at least 2 pounds Dogs 4 weeks and older
Manufacturer Elanco Virbac
Safety Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use. Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use.

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