Sentinel Flavor Tabs

Sentinel Flavor Tabs are chewable, beef-flavored tablets that kill flea eggs and larvae on dogs. They are also effective against heartworm, hookworm, roundworm and whipworm. Because these pills are given orally, they create no mess and pose little risk to humans. However, unlike topical treatments such as Frontline Plus for Dogs (*Est. $75 for a six-month supply), this medication won't kill adult fleas, and it isn't effective on ticks.

Sentinel Flavor Tabs are only available by prescription, as they can cause some side effects in dogs. Vomiting is the most common, but diarrhea, lethargy and appetite loss may also occur. Most owners find the pills easier to administer than topical treatments, but some complain that their dogs won't take the pills willingly. If you are looking for an oral medication that kills adult fleas, consider Capstar for Dogs and Cats (*Est. $30 for six doses) or, for larger dogs, Capstar for Dogs. The medications are identical save for dosage, and either may be combined with Sentinel Flavor Tabs to wipe out fleas at all stages of their life cycle.

We found the most enthusiastic recommendation for Sentinel Flavor Tabs at MainStreetPetCare.com, which compares the various internal and external flea-control remedies for dogs and cats. The Veterinary Partner website also has useful information about this product's benefits, though it makes no specific recommendations. Lufenuron, one of the two main active ingredients in Sentinel Flavor Tabs, receives a low toxicity rating at SimpleSteps.org, a website on flea control products sponsored by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). We also found more than 375 reviews from dog owners at 1800PetMeds.com.