Frontline Plus vs Capstar

As a pet parent, the health of your dog is of utmost importance. Choosing the best flea and/or tick treatments plays a key role in keeping your dog healthy, happy, and fully protected. Frontline Plus and Capstar. are a couple of the best-loved treatments. Each reliable and effective product offers its own unique advantages. They are also very different from one another. Keep reading to learn how they compare!

How do Frontline Plus and Capstar differ?

These two products offer many similarities and differences. One key similarity is that they are both safe for use in pregnant, breeding, or lactating dogs. They are both safe for use in puppies, with Capstar being recommended for puppies over the age of 4 weeks weighing at least 2 pounds and Frontline for puppies over the age of 8 weeks. Neither product requires a prescription, and they are both effective in killing fleas.

One big difference between these treatments is that Capstar is a chewable tablet used as an as-needed flea treatment, while Frontline Plus is a once-monthly, topical flea and tick treatment that kills fleas, flea larvae and eggs, and ticks. It also treats lice. Capstar can safely be administered as frequently as once daily to eradicate infestations.

Capstar contains Nitenpyram, while Frontline Plus combines (S)-Methoprene with Fipronil. Capstar kills 90% of fleas within 4 hours, and Frontline Plus takes 12 hours to kill fleas and 48 hours to kill fleas

Key takeaways on Frontline Plus vs. Capstar

As you’ve read above, these two treatments are similar in a number of ways, but they also have very distinct differences. Your veterinarian may recommend simultaneous use of both of these products to gain control of an infestation, maintain flea control, and protect against ticks. If you think your dog could benefit from using these formulas together, be sure to consult your veterinarian.

If you find yourself with any lingering concerns or questions, reach out to the Allivet pharmacists! They are ready and willing to consult with pet parents about any product or medication your pet is taking.

Feature Frontline Plus 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 No
Other Parasites Treats lice No
Waterproof Yes Yes since taken orally
How Long to work 12 hours to kill fleas and 48 hours to kill ticks Kills 90% of fleas in 4 hours
Taste N/A No flavor
Active Ingredient Fipronil and (S)-Methoprene Nitenpyram
RX Required No No
Application Type Topical Chewable Tablet
Dosing 1 topical application per month Safe for as often as once per day
Age Dogs 8 weeks and older Dogs 4 weeks and older that weigh at least 2 pounds
Manufacturer Boehringer Ingelheim Elanco
Safety Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use. Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use.