Capstar vs Seresto
Pet parents can all agree on one thing - it’s important to keep your dog or cat happy and healthy. For that reason, choosing an effective parasite treatment is a big part of pet parenthood. Two of the best-loved products are Capstar and Seresto. It might be tough to weigh these options, but we’ve assembled a table and some additional information that could help you make the right choice for your cat or dog.
h2>How does Capstar differ from Seresto?Capstar is a chewable oral medication used to treat existing flea infestations. It contains Nitenpyram, which kills 90% of fleas within 4 hours. It is safe to administer up to once daily, and it is only effective against existing infestations of adult fleas. Seresto is a long-term treatment in the form of a convenient collar. It uses Imidacloprid and Flumethrin to kill fleas in 24 hours and kill or repel re-infesting ticks within 6 hours. It kills fleas, ticks, flea larvae, and eggs, acts as a repellent, and treats chewing lice and sarcoptic mange. One Seresto collar can last up to 8 months.
Capstar is safe for use in dogs and cats ages 4 weeks and up weighing at least 2 pounds. The Seresto collar is made for dogs 7 weeks and up. There is also a Seresto collar made specifically for cats. Both products are safe for use in pregnant, breeding, or lactating dogs, and they are both available over-the-counter.
Takeaways on Capstar vs. Seresto
Because these two products act differently, your veterinarian might recommend that you use Capstar to eradicate an existing flea infestation, then switch to Seresto to provide your dog with long-term protection against parasites. Although both treatments are conveniently available over-the-counter, you should always consult your veterinarian before administering any medication(s) to your pet.
After you’ve spoken with your vet and formed a plan of attack, it’s time to get to work protecting your pet against bothersome pests! If you find yourself with any lingering questions or concerns, reach out to the Allivet pharmacists. They’re ready to consult with pet parents and provide you with advice and information about any Allivet product.
| Feature | Capstar | Seresto |
|---|---|---|
| Kills Fleas | Yes | Yes |
| Repels Fleas | No | Yes |
| Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae | No | Yes |
| Kills Ticks | No | Yes |
| Repels Ticks | No | Yes |
| Repels Mosquitoes | No | No |
| Prevents Heartworm | No | No |
| Other Parasites | No | Chewing Lice and Sarcoptic Mange |
| Waterproof | Yes since taken orally | Yes |
| How Long to work | Kills 90% of fleas in 4 hours | Kills fleas in 24 hours and repels or kills re-infesting ticks within 6 hours |
| Taste | No flavor | N/A |
| Active Ingredient | Nitenpyram | Flumethrin and Imidacloprid |
| RX Required | No | No |
| Application Type | Chewable Tablet | Collar |
| Dosing | Safe for as often as once per day | 1 collar lasts up to 8 months |
| Age | Dogs 4 weeks and older that weigh at least 2 pounds | Dogs 7 weeks and older |
| Manufacturer | Elanco | Bayer Animal Health |
| Safety | Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use. | Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use. |