Bravecto vs Capstar
Tired of your dog or cat scratching because of fleas? You're not alone. Millions of pet owners across the world use oral flea medication to help kill and prevent flea infestations. Two popular choices are Bravecto Chewable and Capstar Flea Tablets. The table and additional information below will help you make an informed decision on which product is best for your furry friend.
What are the differences between Bravecto and Capstar
Capstar is a fast-acting medication that you administer daily to treat existing flea infestations. Bravecto is a quarterly flea treatment option that not only kills fleas but also prevents infestations by killing eggs and larvae. Capstar is great for tackling a current flea problem but doesn't protect against future issues unless you administer daily. One benefit to Capstar is that you can administer to dogs and cats at least 4 weeks old whereas with Bravecto you have to wait until your dog is at least 6 months old.
Bravecto uses Fluralaner and begins to kill fleas in as little as 2 hours. Bravecto kills many types of ticks including the lone star tick for 8 weeks. Captar's active ingredient Nitenpyram begin's to kill fleas in 30 minutes.
Both products are safe for cats and dogs when following directions to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations. Both are safe for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. With each product, ensure you select the right option for your pet according to size.
Bravecto will require a prescription from your veterinarian before it can be purchased whereas Capstar can be ordered without a prescription. Consult your vet if you have any questions related to side effects, precautions, or special care for your cat or dog.
Final Thoughts on Bravecto vs Capstar
Capstar is great for killing existing fleas. However, to use as a year long treatment would be significantly more expensive than Bravecto. Bravecto provides 3 months of protection against fleas and ticks.
If you still have questions on which oral flea and tick treatment is best for your furry friend, our pharmacists are standing by to offer pet parent consulting.
| Feature | Bravecto | Capstar |
|---|---|---|
| Kills Fleas | Yes | Yes |
| Repels Fleas | No | No |
| Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae | Yes | No |
| Kills Ticks | Yes | No |
| Repels Ticks | No | No |
| Repels Mosquitoes | No | No |
| Prevents Heartworm | No | Yes |
| Protects Against Other Parasites | No | No |
| Waterproof | Yes - taken orally | Yes - taken orally |
| How Long to Work | 2 hours to kill fleas and 12 hours to kill ticks | Works within 30 minutes & kills 90% of fleas in 4 hours |
| Taste | Tasty flavor | No flavor |
| Active Ingredient | Fluralaner | Nitenpyram |
| RX Required | Yes | No |
| Application Type | Chewable Tablet | Chewable Tablet |
| Dosing | 1 tablet lasts up to 12 weeks | Safe for as often as once per day as needed |
| Age | Dogs ages 6 months and up | Dogs 4 weeks and older that weigh at least 2 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Merck Animal Health | Elanco |
| Safety | Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use | Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use |