What are Comfortis (Spinosad) Tablets?
They’re beef-flavored, chewable tablets you give to your dog to kill fleas and prevent flea infestations for one month. Comfortis chewable tablets are recommended for monthly use in dogs 14 weeks of age or older and 5 lbs of body weight or greater.
What is Spinosad?
Spinosad is the active ingredient in Comfortis. It belongs to a class of antiparasitics known as spinosyns, which are derived from a naturally-occurring soil microbe. It works by attacking the nervous system of insects, causing the rapid death of adult fleas.
When should treatment with Comfortis begin?
Treatment can begin at any time of the year. Comfortis is most effective when given one month before fleas become active, with continued monthly dosing through the end of the flea season. In areas where fleas are common year-round, monthly treatment with Comfortis chewable tablets should continue through the entire year without interruption. To minimize the likelihood of flea re-infestation, simultaneously treat all animals in your household with an approved flea protection product. Consult your veterinarian for the flea treatment options most appropriate for your area. See also, what should I discuss with my veterinarian regarding Comfortis for my dog?
How quickly will Comfortis (Spinosad) kill fleas?
Spinosad, the active ingredient in Comfortis, began killing fleas in 30 minutes and killed 100% of fleas on dogs in just four hours in controlled laboratory studies. Comfortis chewable tablets kill fleas before they can lay eggs.
How long does Comfortis last?
Comfortis has demonstrated full effectiveness for an entire month.
Does seeing fleas on my dog mean the treatment isn't working?
Comfortis kills fleas before they can lay eggs when used monthly, according to the label directions. If you see fleas on your dog within a month after your pet receives Comfortis, they are most likely new fleas. Because your pet has been treated with Comfortis, these new fleas will be killed before they can produce eggs that contaminate your home. Continued monthly use of Comfortis can prevent any new flea infestations.
Your pet can experience continued exposure to fleas living in the environment. It’s important to treat all animals in the household with an approved flea product to help control the flea population. Learn more about controlling flea infestations in your home.
Is it safe to give Comfortis (Spinosad) to my dog?
Comfortis has demonstrated to be safe in healthy dogs when used according to label directions. Use only for dogs and puppies 14 weeks of age and older and 5 lbs of body weight or greater. The safe use of Comfortis in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs has not been evaluated.
My pet has allergies, can he still take Comfortis?
Comfortis contains beef flavoring made from a pork-based protein. If your pet has an allergy to pork, you may need to consider an alternative for flea treatment and prevention. Please discuss these options with your pet's veterinarian. The use of ivermectin at higher than FDA-approved doses at the same time as Comfortis can result in serious side effects.
What side effects might occur with Comfortis?
As with any medication, sometimes side effects occur. See the Comfortis label for complete safety information.
The most common adverse reaction reported is vomiting. Other adverse reactions reported in decreasing order of frequency are: depression/lethargy, decreased appetite, incoordination, diarrhea, itching, trembling, excessive salivation and seizures. Following concomitant extra-label use of ivermectin with Comfortis, some dogs have experienced the following clinical signs: trembling/twitching, salivation/drooling, seizures, ataxia, mydriasis, blindness and disorientation. See the Comfortis label for complete safety information.
How should I give Comfortis (Spinosad) to my pet?
Administer Comfortis with food for maximum effectiveness. Because Comfortis is a flavored tablet, it can be offered just prior to or just after feeding. You can also administer Comfortis as you would other tablet medications. Visit the Dosing & Administration page for more details, or download the Comfortis label. Each box includes reminder stickers for your calendar to help remind you to administer each dose. You can also sign up for monthly text or email reminders.
How much food do I have to give my pet when administering the Comfortis Tablet?
In field trials, dog owners were instructed to give the Comfortis tablet with food. However, the quantity of food was not specified and Comfortis was still effective. An option is to give Comfortis immediately before a regularly scheduled meal. For free feeders (dogs who nibble throughout the day), you might take food away at night, administer Comfortis first thing in the morning, then put the food back down.
What if I miss a dose of Comfortis?
Give your pet his or her regular dose immediately, then resume a regular monthly schedule. To help you remember to dose your pet, sign up for monthly email or text messaging reminders. For complete safety information, view the Comfortis label.
What if I give more than the prescribed amount of Comfortis to my pet?
Contact your veterinarian if you believe your pet has ingested more than the recommended dose of Comfortis. Visit the Dosing & Administration page for more details, or see the Comfortis label for complete safety information.
Should I restrict my pet's activity or contact with my pet after the tablet is consumed?
No. You can continue normal activities and interactions with your pet.
Can other medications be given while my pet is taking Comfortis?
Comfortis is not contraindicated for use with any veterinary drug/product when they are administered at labeled doses. However, while labeled heartworm preventatives are not an issue, you should not use Comfortis concurrently with extra-label doses of ivermectin in dogs. Make sure your veterinarian is aware of all products that you intend to administer to your pet. In well-controlled field studies, Comfortis chewable tablets were administered safely in conjunction with other frequently used labeled products, such as vaccines, anthelmintics, antiparasitics, antibiotics, steroids, tick control products, anesthetics, NSAIDs, antihistamines, alternative/herbal remedies, shampoos, prescription diets, and most generally prescribed medications.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian regarding Comfortisfor my dog?
Your veterinarian is your pet's healthcare expert and can make the best medication recommendations. This includes the prevention, control and/or treatment of parasites such as fleas, heartworms and intestinal parasites. These parasites can cause conditions including flea allergy dermatitis, anemia and heart disease. Key points of your discussion might include:
- The best time to start flea treatment in your geographic region.
- What administration method will work best for your pet.
- What to do if you miss a dose of Comfortis.
- What other medications you give your pet.
- What to do about a severe flea infestation.
- What steps you can take to prevent a flea re-infestation in your home.
