Capstar vs Credelio

Pet parents are constantly making choices to protect their pets. Because keeping your pet healthy and happy is a primary concern, you’ll likely find yourself researching flea and/or tick treatment options. Two excellent options are Capstar and Credelio. While the choices might seem endless, you’re on the right track if you’ve narrowed your search down to these two excellent options! We’ve assembled a table and some additional information to help you make an informed decision.

What makes Capstar different from Credelio?

Although these products are different in many ways, they also share some similarities. One commonality between these two products is that they are both oral flea treatments. Each product is safe for use in puppies. Capstar can be administered to puppies as young as 4 weeks old weighing a minimum of 2 pounds, while Credelio is safe from 8 weeks and 4.4 pounds. They are both effective in killing fleas.

Capstar is safe for use in cats or dogs, while Credelio is only formulated for dogs. Breeding, lactating, or pregnant pets can use Capstar, but Credelio has not been evaluated for safety in these cases. Credelio is a prescription-only medication, and Capstar is available over-the-counter.

One key difference between these products is that Capstar is an as-needed flea control product. It is only effective against existing infestations of adult fleas. It can be administered as frequently as once daily to eradicate fleas. Credelio is a once-monthly product that kills both fleas and ticks. Capstar kills 90% of fleas within 4 hours, while Credelio kills 100% of fleas within 12 hours and 98.7% of ticks within 8.

Closing thoughts about Capstar vs. Credelio

Because Capstar is made to be used for infestation control, and Credelio is made for long-term use, your veterinarian may recommend that you use Capstar to gain control of an infestation and Credelio to maintain protection. However, you should always consult your veterinarian to determine safety when combining any two medications.

If you have any questions or concerns about these or any of your pet’s other medications, reach out to the Allivet pharmacists! They are standing by to offer pet parent consultations.

Capstar for Dogs

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Credelio

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Feature Capstar Credelio
Kills Fleas Yes Yes
Repels Fleas No No
Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae No No
Kills Ticks No Yes
Repels Ticks No No
Repels Mosquitoes No No
Prevents Heartworm No No
Other Parasites No No
Waterproof Yes since taken orally Yes since taken orally
How Long to work Kills 90% of fleas in 4 hours Kills 100% of fleas in 12 hours and 98.7% of ticks in 8 hours.
Taste No flavor Beef Flavored
Active Ingredient Nitenpyram Lotilaner
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 8 weeks and older that weigh at least 4.4 pounds
Manufacturer Elanco Elanco
Safety Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use. Has not been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs.

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