My cat has fleas in her nose. Can I give Capstar or use Dawn?

Capstar is a very safe medication and I would not have concerns about using it even in an older cat as long as there are no known underlying diseases. That being said, Capstar will not prevent future infestations so if Frontline isn't working you will need a different preventative. I typically recommend asking your veterinarian what product seems to work best in your area. A final not - if Dory is in the barn apartment at al there probably are now flea eggs and potentially larvae, and soon there will be adults in the apartment. If they have no host (i.e. if you get Dory on a good preventative with kills fleas quickly) and you continue preventative for three months you may not need to treat the environment, but spraying or bombing the apartment and/or vacuuming/washing weekly could help get everything under control more quickly.

Yes you can most certainly use a Capstar this close to surgery because this medication usually works within 1 hr, lasts only 24 hrs and has no affect on the cardiovascular or respiratory system, so its safe to use same day of surgery if needed. In fact, in practice we often give this medication to surgery pets right before their surgery if they have fleas to prevent the spread of fleas to other hospitalized pets. So no worries. It wouldn't hurt to let them know you gave the medication. However you should consider putting Darcy on a flea preventative as well to prevent re-infestation, because chances are that the fleas have laid eggs in the environment as well, and since Capstar is not a preventative, it will be out of her system after 24 hrs has passed.

I am sorry to hear of the flea issues you are experiencing. That is certainly an unusual response to Capstar and it would be worth reporting this to the veterinarian that you purchased it from. You are right not to put the advantage onto the scabby skin, it could worsen the irritation. A safe way of helping to remove some of the fleas is to give your kitty a bath with blue dawn dishwashing detergent. Whilst it has no protective effects it is safe and gentle to use. Capstar is only one effective for about 24 hours so it may actually have worked, it just isn't helping longer term. Environmental treatment for fleas is always very important too. Wash all of your cat's bedding and any blankets etc that she likes to sleep on. Your own bedding too if she is frequently on your bed. Consider steam cleaning all carpets and rugs in the house, and any fabric furniture too (like couches and chairs). You may need to resort to a 'flea bomb' product or call an exterminator if the problem is not easily controlled. You can also look on your cat's body to see if there is an area of skin that is NOT scabby, where you could maybe apply the advantage instead. The back of the neck is preferred since the cat cannot lick it off, but you can certainly apply it elsewhere if needed.

I'd be worried because I think Smokey has fleas. I can give you a flea treatment program for him. First, I would give him Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash his bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home.

According to Plumb's Veterinary handbook, the only contraindications for use in Capstar is that it's not to be used in animals under two pounds of body weight or under four weeks of age. It's therefore safe to give this to your cat now :-)

I'm so sorry ! Fleas are no fun! You are doing the right thing in treating your house- that is where most of the flea life cycle lives. Zodiac is not one of my favorite meds.... have safety & efficacy concerns. I would use the capstar and get a better topical from your local veterinarian. I would check with them, but you might be able to start the new topical prior to waiting a month. Don't forget that fleas will always have a "hatch out" 3-4 weeks after you treat your house, so don't forget to re-treat. I hope you can Penny comfortable soon! Thanks for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about the flea problem. Yes, you can use Capstar with any topical flea/tick medicine as far as I know. I don't know of any that Capstar is contraindicated. Great question and good luck.