Capstar for dogs is one of the newest and most popular treatment options for canine fleas. Because many dogs throughout all parts of the world have to deal with flea infestations, it's important that you tackle the problem early on. Capstar, the brand name label drug associated with the medicine called nitenpyram. Nitenpyram is a anti parasite drug that helps to eliminate living fleas on your pet's body. Capstar is well known for the fact that it is highly safe and can be used on most pets with few side effects. However, like all other medicines, there are certain risks associated with giving your pet this medicine. Read on for a brief overview of some of the potential Capstar side effects.
Scratching and Rubbing
After you've given your pet a dosage of Capstar, the medicine works very quickly. In some cases, it may start to kill living mature fleas on your pet's body within about thirty minutes or so. As this happens, it's not uncommon for your pet to feel some slight discomfort. The result is oftentimes that your pet will scratch his body with his paws, or that he'll rub parts of his body up against the sides of furniture, or against walls or on the floor. This behavior is not exactly a side effect of the drug, as it is technically your pet's reaction to the fleas on his body as they die. However, it's commonly associated with Capstar use, so be aware that it's not an unusual thing if you see your pet behaving in this way after you give him the medicine.
Allergic Reactions
The only other major concern for pet owners who choose to give their dogs Capstar is the possibility of an allergic reaction. If your pet happens to be allergic to nitenpyram or to any of the other ingredients in the drug, you'll likely see the signs of his allergic reaction almost immediately after providing him with his first dose of the medicine. Because some allergic reactions can be very serious and potentially even fatal, it's crucial that you be on the lookout for these symptoms when you give your pet this medicine for the first time:
- Choking
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing or wheezing
- Loss of consciousness
- Change in gait or dizziness
If you do see any of these symptoms, or any other signs that you think may be related to a potential allergic reaction, prepare to take your pet in to the veterinarian's office for an emergency analysis as quickly as possible. Getting your pet a treatment for the reaction promptly can be the difference between life and death.
Overall, Capstar is seen as a very effective and safe medicine. It can be used in dogs as young as two months and as small as four pounds. Additionally, it is safe to use in pregnant animals and in pets that have other health conditions that occur at the same time.