Nexgard vs Capstar Comparison
Nexgard vs Capstar: Similarities
Nexgard and Capstar are both oral flea treatments for dogs that are designed to protect pets from flea infestations. They are fast-acting solutions, providing relief from fleas within hours of administration.
Nexgard and Capstar are waterproof since they are taken orally, ensuring effectiveness even if your dog gets wet due to swimming or bathing. Both products can be used for dogs starting from a young age—Nexgard is suitable for puppies as young as 8 weeks old, and Capstar can be used on puppies as young as 4 weeks old.
However, despite their similarities, these treatments serve different purposes in a flea management plan. While Nexgard provides month-long protection against fleas and ticks, Capstar is a short-term solution that kills fleas rapidly but remains effective for just 24 hours, making it a quick relief option rather than a long-term solution.
What Are the Differences Between Nexgard and Capstar?
One of the major differences between Nexgard and Capstar is their duration of effectiveness. Nexgard is a long-lasting treatment that provides protection against fleas and ticks for an entire month with just one chewable tablet. Capstar, on the other hand, is a short-term flea treatment that works within 30 minutes and kills 90% of fleas within 4 hours, but its effects last only for 24 hours.
The active ingredients in these products are also different. Nexgard contains afoxolaner, which disrupts GABA channels in fleas and ticks, causing their death. It also protects against various types of ticks and helps prevent Lyme disease in dogs. Capstar uses nitenpyram, a neurotoxin that disrupts neural message transmission in fleas, causing rapid flea death but with no long-term protective effect.
Another notable difference is in the spectrum of protection. Nexgard not only kills fleas but also protects against four different species of ticks, making it a broader parasite control option. Capstar, however, only targets fleas and does not offer protection against ticks or other parasites.
In terms of usage, Capstar is safe for dogs as young as 4 weeks old and weighing at least 2 pounds, making it suitable for very young puppies. Nexgard can be used for puppies from 8 weeks old and weighing at least 4 pounds. Additionally, Capstar can be administered as often as once per day if needed, whereas Nexgard is given just once a month.
In terms of safety, Capstar can be used on breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs, which adds to its versatility. Nexgard, however, has not been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs, so it should be used with caution in these cases.
In summary, while both Nexgard and Capstar offer effective flea control, they differ significantly in their duration, ingredients, and range of protection. Nexgard provides long-lasting protection against both fleas and ticks with monthly dosing, while Capstar offers rapid, short-term flea relief with no residual effects. The choice between these two treatments depends on your dog’s specific needs and your goals for flea and tick control.
The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of Nexgard and Capstar, simplifying the evaluation of their benefits and key differences. By examining these features, you can confidently decide which product best suits your dog’s unique needs.
| Feature | Capstar | NexGard |
| Kills Fleas | Yes | Yes |
| Repels Fleas | No | No |
| Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae | No | Kills fleas before they can lay eggs |
| Kills Ticks | No | Yes |
| Repels Ticks | No | No |
| Repels Mosquitoes | No | No |
| Prevents Heartworm | No | No |
| Protects Against Other Parasites | No | No |
| Waterproof | Yes – taken orally | Yes – taken orally |
| How Long to Work | Kills 90% of fleas in 4 hours | 4 hours to kill fleas and 24 hours to kill ticks |
| Taste | No Flavor | Beef flavored |
| Active Ingredient | Nitenpyram | Afoxolaner |
| Application Type | Tablet | Chewable Tablet |
| Dosing | Safe for as often as once per day | 1 chewable per month |
| Age | Dogs 4 weeks and older, weighing at least 2 pounds | Puppies 8 weeks and older, weighing more than 4 lbs |
| Manufacturer | Elanco | Boehringer Ingelheim |
| Safety | Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use | Not yet evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs |
| Side Effects | Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, saliva, depression, hyper activity, decreased appetite, neurological effects | Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, rare neurological effects |
| Duration of Effectiveness | 24 hours | 35 days |
| Price | Cheap per dose | Moderate per dose |
| Clinical Studies | FDA-approved to treat fleas in cats, but vets also prescribe it off-label to treat maggots | Demonstrated high effectiveness in clinical trials |
| Storage Instructions | Store at room temperature between 59°F (15°C) and 77°F (25°C) | Store at room temperature 30°C (86°F) with excursions permitted up to 40°C (104°F). |
To help pet owners make an informed choice, the following table provides pricing details for Nexgard, including different dosages and quantities available at Anipetshop. This breakdown allows you to find the most cost-effective solution for your dog’s parasitic prevention needs.
Attention: Prices below are for reference only and may change over time !
| Product | Dosage | Package Size | Price |
| NexGard Chewables for Dogs 4-10 lbs | 11.3 mg Afoxolaner | 3 Chews | US$61.00 |
| NexGard Chewables for Dogs 10.1-24 lbs | 28.3 mg Afoxolaner | 3 Chews | US$65.00 |
| NexGard Chewables for Dogs 24.1-60 lbs | 68 mg Afoxolaner | 3 Chews | US$59.00 |
Is Capstar the same as NexGard?
Both Nexgard and Capstar are formulated to eliminate fleas, but they work differently. Nexgard contains Afoxolaner, which not only kills fleas but also acts as a month-long preventive measure. Capstar, on the other hand, uses an ingredient that rapidly kills fleas without affecting your pet, targeting only the fleas for swift elimination.
Can you give your dog Capstar and NexGard at the same time?
Yes, both treatments can be used together as they have different mechanisms of action and no risk of interaction. To minimize the chance of gastrointestinal upset, it’s recommended to separate their administration by 24 hours—give Capstar first and Nexgard the following day. However, always consult your veterinarian before combining treatments to ensure your pet’s safety.
Where can I buy Nexgard?
At Anipetshop, you can buy NexGard without a vet prescription. Anipetshop is an online retailer that specializes in pet medications, including flea and tick treatments. We offer a variety of products for dogs and cats, sourced from reputable manufacturers. Their platform allows you to purchase products conveniently, without the need for a prescription, making it easier to access essential pet medications. NexGard is available in different dosages to suit the size of your dog.
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Lily Watson is an author specializing in veterinary care in Australia. With a profound passion for animal welfare and a solid foundation in veterinary science, Lily has dedicated herself to disseminating valuable knowledge and information for both pet owners and professionals in this field.