Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance for dogs; they can transmit diseases and cause significant discomfort. As a responsible pet owner, ensuring your canine companion is protected against these parasites is a top priority. Credelio Chewable Tablets for Dogs offer a convenient and effective solution for monthly flea and tick prevention. This guide, brought to you by pets.edu.vn, your trusted source for pet information, will delve into everything you need to know about Credelio, helping you make informed decisions about your dog’s health. While discussing effective treatments, it’s worth noting that for a wide range of pet medications and supplies, many pet owners turn to reputable online pharmacies like 1800 Pet Meds for convenience and value.
Benefits of Credelio for Dogs
Credelio Chewable Tablets are formulated to provide fast-acting and long-lasting protection against both fleas and ticks. Here’s a closer look at the key benefits:
- Effective Flea and Tick Elimination: Credelio is clinically proven to kill fleas and various types of ticks, including lone star ticks, American dog ticks, black-legged ticks, and brown dog ticks. This broad-spectrum protection ensures your dog is safeguarded against common parasites they may encounter in different environments.
- Rapid Action: Say goodbye to immediate itching and discomfort. Credelio starts killing fleas within just 4 hours of administration and eliminates over 99% within 8 hours. For ticks*, it begins working within 4 hours, achieving 98.7% elimination within 8 hours against Ixodes ricinus ticks. This rapid onset of action provides quick relief for your dog.
- Monthly Convenience: Just one tasty, beef-flavored chewable tablet per month is all it takes to provide continuous protection. This monthly dosing schedule is easy to remember and ensures consistent defense against fleas and ticks.
- Palatable and Easy to Administer: Credelio tablets are beef-flavored, making them highly palatable to most dogs. This eliminates the struggle often associated with medicating pets, ensuring your dog readily accepts their monthly dose.
- Suitable for Puppies: Credelio is safe for use in puppies as young as 8 weeks of age and weighing at least 4.4 pounds, allowing you to start protecting your furry friend from a young age.
How Credelio Chewable Tablets Work
The secret behind Credelio’s effectiveness lies in its active ingredient, lotilaner. Lotilaner is an antiparasitic agent that works by targeting the nervous systems of fleas and ticks. Once ingested, lotilaner is absorbed into your dog’s bloodstream. When fleas and ticks bite a treated dog, they are exposed to lotilaner.
Lotilaner functions by blocking the passage of chloride ions through nerve cell membranes in fleas and ticks. This disruption leads to uncontrolled neuromuscular activity, resulting in paralysis and death of the parasites. Because lotilaner selectively targets invertebrate nervous systems, it is safe for dogs when used as directed.
Important Considerations and Cautions
While Credelio is generally safe and effective, it’s important to be aware of the following cautions:
- Safety in Breeding, Pregnant, and Lactating Dogs: The safety of Credelio has not been specifically evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if Credelio is appropriate for your dog if they fall into these categories.
- Seizure History: Use Credelio with caution in dogs with a history of seizures. Discuss your dog’s medical history thoroughly with your veterinarian before starting Credelio treatment.
- Oral Use Only: Credelio Chewable Tablets are designed for oral administration in dogs only. Do not use in other animals. Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions and the product label for correct usage.
- Veterinary Prescription Required: Credelio requires a prescription from your veterinarian. This ensures that the medication is appropriate for your dog’s specific needs and health status. You can often fill such prescriptions at your vet’s office or through reputable online pharmacies like 1800 pet meds, which may offer competitive pricing and home delivery.
Brand and Generic Information
- Brand Name: Credelio Chewable Tablets for Dogs (manufactured by Elanco)
- Generic Name: Lotilaner
Key Information About Using Credelio
- Administration: Credelio must be given with food or within 30 minutes after feeding to ensure proper absorption.
- Dosage: Credelio is available in various strengths based on your dog’s weight. Your veterinarian will prescribe the correct dosage for your dog. Available dosages include: 56.25 mg (for dogs 4.4-6.0 lbs), 112.5 mg (for dogs 6.1-12.0 lbs), 225 mg (for dogs 12.1-25.0 lbs), 450 mg (for dogs 25.1-50.0 lbs), and 900 mg (for dogs 50.1-100 lbs).
- Starting Treatment: Credelio treatment can begin at any time of the year and can continue year-round for uninterrupted flea and tick protection.
Potential Side Effects
While side effects are uncommon, some dogs may experience:
- Weight loss
- Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- Increased urination (polyuria)
- 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 of Credelio, give it as soon as you remember, and then resume your regular monthly schedule.
- Overdose: If you suspect your dog has received an overdose of Credelio, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Precautions and Drug Interactions
- Avoid Use In Certain Conditions: As mentioned earlier, avoid using Credelio in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs, or dogs with a history of seizures unless specifically directed by your veterinarian.
- Drug Interactions: Currently, there are no known contraindications with other drugs and Credelio. However, always inform your veterinarian about all medications and supplements your dog is receiving before starting Credelio.
Conclusion
Credelio Chewable Tablets for Dogs offer a highly effective, convenient, and palatable way to protect your dog from fleas and ticks. Its rapid action and monthly dosing make it a user-friendly option for pet owners. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine if Credelio is the right choice for your dog, especially if your dog has pre-existing health conditions. For purchasing Credelio and other pet medications, consider exploring options like 1800 pet meds to compare prices and find convenient home delivery services after obtaining a prescription from your vet. Prioritizing your dog’s health by preventing flea and tick infestations is a crucial step in ensuring their overall well-being.
