In a previous post, I went over the full flea destroying plan that I used and that worked, but I think a more detailed review on the oral flea preventative is merited as these are the new generation miracle in flea prevention. They also avoid the whole issue of skin irritation as I mentioned in my previous post on spot-on treatments.

I just heard about Comfortis this year from a lady who shows Papillons.  She swore by it, so I did try it, and the results were pretty impressive.

My Papillon Riyo does suffer from flea allergies and will begin to scratch incessantly at even the suggestion of a flea.  The other Papillon is not nearly as sensitive, but will of course also scratch.

My description of how Comfortis worked.  Scratch scratch scratch….etc etc.  Give both Papillons one Comfortis tablet with food.  30 minutes later….SILENCE SILENCE SILENCE.  It was incredible.

The only downside to Comfortis is its cost.  At $100 for 6 tablets, it can be hard on the budget.  After doing a bit more research, I did find another oral tablet that was suggested to use in conjunction with the heartworm preventative Sentinel.  Sentinel actually does work for heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, and sterilizes flea eggs.  So also a great product, and the only one Riyo doesn’t throw back up.

Capstar cost is a much lower $30 per 6 tablets, though it does appear to be a slightly stronger active ingredient.  I am a bit nervous to try on the Papillons first, so I have ordered for the larger two dogs instead of the topicals.

UPDATE:  I decided not to use Capstar. It is good for kill the fleas that are on the dog at the time.  It’s good to wipe out what’s chewing on your dog immediately, but for long term control, it’s not the answer.

UPDATE:  Capstar IS fine to use on Papillons.  Also, it lasts 24 hours so it is best to use with one of these types of heartworm preventative that also worms and neuters fleas such as Sentinel or Program.