Credelio Chewable Tablets for Dogs are a popular medication prescribed by veterinarians to protect dogs from the discomfort and health risks associated with flea and tick infestations. This guide provides comprehensive information about Credelio, helping you understand if it’s the right choice for your furry friend, and how you can conveniently purchase it through trusted retailers like 1-800-PetMeds.
What are Credelio Chewable Tablets for Dogs?
Credelio is an oral medication formulated as a palatable, beef-flavored chew that dogs readily accept. It’s specifically designed to kill fleas and various types of ticks, including the lone star tick, American dog tick, black-legged tick, and brown dog tick. A single dose of Credelio provides protection for a full month, making it a convenient option for busy pet owners. This medication is suitable for dogs and puppies aged 8 weeks and older, weighing 4.4 pounds or more, and requires a veterinarian’s prescription.
Key Benefits of Credelio for Dogs
- Effective Flea and Tick Control: Credelio is highly effective in killing fleas and ticks, providing fast relief and long-lasting protection.
- Broad Spectrum Tick Protection: It targets four major tick species, ensuring comprehensive coverage against tick-borne diseases.
- Palatable and Easy to Administer: The beef-flavored chewable tablet is readily accepted by most dogs, simplifying administration.
- Monthly Dosage: Just one chewable tablet per month provides continuous protection.
- Suitable for Puppies: Safe for use in puppies as young as 8 weeks old and weighing at least 4.4 lbs.
How Credelio Works to Eliminate Fleas and Ticks
The active ingredient in Credelio Chewable Tablets for Dogs is lotilaner. Lotilaner is an antiparasitic agent that works by disrupting the nervous system of fleas and ticks. It blocks the passage of chloride ions in nerve cells, leading to uncontrolled nerve and muscle activity, which ultimately causes paralysis and death of the parasites.
Credelio starts working quickly. It begins killing fleas within 4 hours of administration and eliminates over 99% of fleas within 8 hours. It also starts killing ticks within 4 hours, achieving 98.7% tick elimination within 8 hours against Ixodes ricinus ticks. This rapid action helps to quickly alleviate discomfort and reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Important Considerations and Cautions
While Credelio is generally safe and well-tolerated, there are some precautions to keep in mind:
- Safety in Breeding, Pregnant, and Lactating Dogs: The safety of Credelio has not been specifically evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Consult your veterinarian if your dog falls into these categories.
- Seizure History: Use Credelio with caution in dogs with a history of seizures, as with other medications in this class.
- Oral Use Only: Credelio is intended for oral administration in dogs only.
- Veterinary Prescription Required: Credelio requires a prescription from your veterinarian. You can easily obtain your prescription and purchase Credelio from reputable online pet pharmacies like 1-800-PetMeds.
Brand and Generic Information
- Brand Name: Credelio Chewable Tablets for Dogs (manufactured by Elanco)
- Generic Name: Lotilaner
Key Administration Guidelines for Credelio
- Administer with Food: Credelio should be given with food or within 30 minutes after feeding to ensure optimal absorption.
- Dosage Based on Weight: It’s crucial to administer the correct dosage based on your dog’s weight. Credelio is available in different strengths for various weight ranges: 4.4-6.0 lbs (56.25 mg), 6.1-12.0 lbs (112.5 mg), 12.1-25.0 lbs (225 mg), 25.1-50.0 lbs (450 mg), and 50.1-100 lbs (900 mg).
- Monthly Administration: Give Credelio once a month, year-round, for continuous flea and tick protection.
Potential Side Effects
Although side effects are uncommon, some dogs may experience:
- Weight loss
- Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- Polyuria (excessive urination)
- Diarrhea
If you observe any of these or other unusual signs in your dog after administering Credelio, contact your veterinarian.
What to Do if You Miss a Dose or Overdose
- Missed Dose: If you miss a monthly dose, administer it as soon as you remember and resume the regular monthly schedule.
- Overdose: If you suspect an overdose, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Drug Interactions
Currently, there are no known contraindications or significant drug interactions with Credelio Chewable Tablets for Dogs. However, always inform your veterinarian about any other medications or supplements your dog is receiving.
Protecting Your Dog with Credelio and 1-800-PetMeds
Credelio Chewable Tablets for Dogs offer a convenient and effective way to protect your canine companion from fleas and ticks. For pet owners looking for a reliable source to purchase Credelio, 1-800-PetMeds is a trusted online pharmacy that provides a wide range of pet medications, often at competitive prices. You can easily order Credelio from 1-800-PetMeds once you have a valid prescription from your veterinarian, ensuring you can maintain your dog’s health and well-being with ease and convenience. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian to determine if Credelio is the best flea and tick prevention option for your dog’s specific needs.
