Comfortis is the trade name for the drug Spinosad, an insecticide used to control a wide variety of insects. But when it is packaged as Comfortis, it is used almost exclusively for the prevention and treatment of fleas in dogs. Comfortis is manufactured by Eli Lilly, and was introduced in late 2007.
Dosing
Comfortis, unlike most other flea medications, is given orally in tablet form Nearly every other flea medication is applied topically to the dog's back. The benefit of administering Comfortis orally is that there is no pungent odor or oil residue that may disturb both the dog and owner alike. Dosing level is predetermined by the bodyweight of the dog. Comfortis is normally given with food, such as a treat, meatball or piece of cheese--anything that the dog will readily eat.
Duration of Treatment
Comfortis is given once per month, just like all of the topical flea preventative medications. The most important thing for the owner to do is make sure the dog actually swallows the tablet every month.
Common Side Effects
By far, the most common side effect observed with Comfortis is vomiting, especially after the first dose. Normally the vomiting lessens after each subsequent dose, but if the dog is particularly sensitive to the drug, then another medication should be used. Other side effects sometimes seen are diarrhea, whining, drooling, redness on areas of the skin and loss of appetite.
Side Effects with Ivermectin
Comfortis has been shown to increase the likelihood of Ivermectin toxicity when above average levels of Ivermectin are in the dog's system. Ivermectin is the main drug used in most heartworm medications, but the amount used in heartworm medications is not unsafe to use with Comfortis. If extra Ivermectin is used to treat other maladies, such as skin mites, then the drug level can become unsafe.
Side Effects in Seizure Patients
Comfortis sometimes increases the frequency of seizures in dogs already known to have pre-existing conditions conducive to seizing. In these cases, another flea medication should be used instead of Comfortis.
Side Effects in Dog's with Allergies
Comfortis tablets contain pork protein in effort to flavor them and make them more appealing to the dog. If a dog has a pork allergy, it could cause an allergic reaction, although the chances are low. If the owner is worried about this, then another flea medication should be used.
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