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Dog has fleas and irritation. Should I use Capstar or topical?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 11 months and 25 days old | 9.1 lbs

I just picked up my dog and discovered that she was invested with Fleas and I believe they have also laid eggs already on her. I have found spots of irritation and I tried to relief some of her irritated areas washing her with Dawn and water. I am not sure if I should utilize Capstar, Sentry Capguard, or just give her topical application? I am not sure what direction to take from here?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on May 17th, 2018

You can use Capstar to kill any adult fleas on her. Since she was recently washed though, you will need to wait 2-3 days before applying a topical preventative. The oils in her skin need to build up to effectively spread the topical flea preventative. Capstar can be given daily if you are seeing adult fleas. In the meantime, wash all bedding and vacuum everywhere. Empty the canister or toss the vacuum bag away outdoors immediately afterwards. You can use an area treatment in the house, such as Knockout ES (by Virbac), to prevent reinfestation. Use a monthly preventative for at least 3 consecutive months, but preferably year round.

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    Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about the flea infestation. Dawn soap and water or one Capstar dosage will help kill the adult fleas but after her Dawn bath or Capstar I would utilize a topical or chewable flea treatment and preventative prescribed by your veterinarian. Many over the counter flea treatment have older active ingredients in them that do not work well anymore. You may ask your veterinarian about NexGard, Bravecto or Simparica which all work very well against fleas. I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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