Capaction Flea Pill, also known as PetArmor CAPACTION (nitenpyram), is an oral flea treatment designed to provide quick relief from flea infestations in dogs and cats. But how long does its effect last, and what factors can influence its duration? This comprehensive guide will answer these questions and provide you with all the information you need to understand and maximize the effectiveness of this product.
A single dose of Capaction Flea Pill typically lasts about 24 hours. It is designed to kill adult fleas on your pet within 30 minutes of administration, but it does not have a lasting preventative effect against new fleas. If your pet gets re-infested, you can safely give another dose as often as once per day.
What is Capaction Flea Pill?
Capaction Flea Pill is an oral medication that contains the active ingredient nitenpyram. It is designed to kill adult fleas on your pet, starting to work within 30 minutes of administration. The pill is 90% effective against adult fleas on dogs within four hours and on cats within six hours.
It is safe for use on puppies, dogs, cats, and kittens that weigh 2 pounds or more and are at least 4 weeks old. It can also be safely used on pregnant or breeding dogs and cats.
How Long does a Single Dose Last?
The duration of a single dose of Capaction Flea Pill is typically short-term, lasting about 24 hours. This is because the pill is designed to kill adult fleas on your pet, but it does not have a lasting preventative effect against new fleas. If your pet gets re-infested with fleas, you can safely give another dose as often as once per day.
Factors Influencing the Duration of Effectiveness
Several factors can influence the duration of Capaction Flea Pill’s effectiveness:
- Re-infestation: If your pet gets re-infested with fleas, you can safely give another dose as often as once per day. Fleas can reproduce on untreated pets and allow infestations to persist, so it’s essential to treat all infested pets in the household.
- Flea life cycle: Capaction Flea Pill targets adult fleas, but it does not have an effect on fleas in the pet’s environment. Immature fleas in and around the home will continue to develop into adults that can re-infest your pet, which may require more than one treatment.
- Pet’s weight: The dosage of Capaction Flea Pill depends on the pet’s weight, so it’s crucial to weigh your pet before administering the pill to ensure proper dosage. Administering an incorrect dosage may affect the pill’s effectiveness.
- Proper administration: To give Capaction Flea Pill, place the pill directly in your pet’s mouth or hide it in food. If you hide the pill in food, watch closely to make sure your pet swallows the pill. If you are not sure that your pet swallowed the pill, it is safe to give a second pill. Improper administration may affect the pill’s effectiveness.
Maximizing the Effectiveness and Duration of Flea Pill
Here are some guidelines to follow to maximize the effectiveness and duration of flea pills for your pets:
- Consult your veterinarian: Always consult your vet before using any flea or tick product, especially if your pet has a history of seizures, is taking other medications, is old, sick, pregnant, nursing, or allergic to flea products.
- Follow the instructions: Read the product label carefully and administer the flea pill according to the recommended dosage and frequency for your pet’s size and weight.
- Treat all pets in the household: To minimize the likelihood of flea re-infestation, simultaneously treat all animals in your household with an approved flea product.
- Maintain a clean environment: Vacuum daily, steam-clean regularly, and wash pet and human bedding at least every 2 to 3 weeks to control fleas indoors. For your yard, regularly remove leaf litter, tall grass, and brush, and consider using nematodes to kill flea larvae and cocoons.
- Use flea pills in combination with other treatments: Flea pills can be used alongside other flea treatments, such as topical solutions, to provide comprehensive protection against fleas. However, never use multiple flea medications on your pet unless directed to do so by your veterinarian.
- Monitor your pet for side effects: Watch for signs of a reaction, especially if it’s the first time you’re using the product. Call your vet if your pet has symptoms such as poor appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, depression, or seizures.
In conclusion, while Capaction Flea Pill is a fast-acting solution for killing adult fleas on your pet, it does not provide long-term protection and should be used in conjunction with other preventive measures for effective flea control. Remember, always consult your vet before starting any new medication for your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Capaction Flea Pill be used on other animals besides dogs and cats?
No, Capaction Flea Pill is specifically formulated for use on dogs and cats only. It should not be used on other animals.
Is Capaction Flea Pill available without a prescription?
Yes, Capaction Flea Pill is available over the counter, which means you can purchase it without a prescription.
How often should I give my pet Capaction Flea Pill?
A single dose of Capaction Flea Pill lasts about 24 hours. If your pet gets re-infested with fleas, you can safely give another dose as often as once per day.
Can I use Capaction Flea Pill if my pet is on other medications?
While Capaction Flea Pill is generally safe to use, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian if your pet is taking other medications to avoid potential drug interactions.
What should I do if my pet has an adverse reaction to Capaction Flea Pill?
If your pet shows signs of an adverse reaction, such as poor appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, depression, or seizures, stop using the product and contact your vet immediately.
