Parasitic infections are a common problem in pets and are quite annoying when they linger on for long. Pet owners who are experienced already know how hard it is to deal with these issues if they are recurring.
Though there are many topical and oral options available on the market, it is better to select the one that suits your pet the most. If he doesn’t like topical treatment and is very fidgety then chewable are the best bet to opt for. They come in palatable flavors and aren’t messy as well so, no more chasing your pet for the application of the product and no more avoiding your kids from touching their furry pal.
Nexgard and Nexgard Spectra are two such treatment that have conquered the market for being highly effective at removing the parasites. Owners often get confused when it comes to choosing one of them against the other. Well, if you are also the one stuck with the same dilemma, here is the vivid difference between the functionality of these two chewable tablets.
Nexgard VS Nexgard Spectra
Nexgard Chewables
Nexgard is a beef flavored chewable manufactured by the renowned company Merial. The product is formulated to kill fleas and ticks in dogs with its swift action. Afoxolaner – an active ingredient in Nexgard acts on the nervous system of the parasite and causes hyperexcitation. This eventually leads to the death of the critter.
Nexgard also effectively kills Black Legged Deer Tick, American Dog Tick, and Lone Star Tick. Thus, other than interfering with the flea activity, it also kills these 3 species of ticks the same way.
Nexgard Spectra
Nexgard Spectra is the advanced version of Nexgard. Though its administration and protection time is exactly the same as Nexgard, it provides a wider range of treatment. Where Nexgard is only effective against fleas and ticks, Nexgard Spectra successfully eliminates fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms as well. Additionally, it prevents heartworm infection when provided regularly. This broad spectrum of treatment is accredited to the presence of two active ingredients instead of one i.e. Afoxolaner and Milbemycin Oxime. Afoxolaner kills ectoparasites whereas Milbemycin oxime kills endoparasites.
Read More: Why Nexgard Spectra is the Most Trending Product In 2022
Both of these products are invariably effective on parasites. The only difference lies in the types of parasites they act on. Nexgard only works on ectoparasites whereas its counterpart readily eliminates ectoparasites and endoparasites both. So, if your pet is only dealing with fleas and ticks, you just need to administer Nexgard to your dog. On the other hand, if he also has intestinal infection besides fleas or ticks, a pet owner must administer Nexgard Spectra to treat the pet.
Fleas and Ticks are blood sucking animals which can deteriorate your pet’s health. Thankfully, NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA doses are easily available in the market or online for easy treatment.
But, before you opt for any of these, read the below-mentioned FAQs to gain insights on the Do’s and Don’ts.
What is NexGard?
NexGard is a beef-flavoured chew that provides flea, tick, and mite protection for dogs.
What is NexGard SPECTRA?
NexGard SPECTRA is a palatable beef-flavored chewable treatment that kills adult fleas. It is also known to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations. Further, it provides protection against heartworm and intestinal worms in dogs and puppies.
How are NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA different from each other?
The NexGard family has two types of products – NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA. Both contain the active ingredient afoxolaner, which protects dogs against fleas, ticks and mites. However, NexGard SPECTRA has an additional active ingredient, milbemycin oxime, which provides protection against heartworm and intestinal worms.
How does NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA kill fleas?
NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA contains the ingredient Afoxolaner which targets and kills adult fleas before they can lay eggs.
Does NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA also kill ticks?
NexGard eliminates American dog ticks, Brown dog ticks, Lone Star ticks and Black-legged ticks.
Does NexGard kill flea eggs and larvae?
NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA kill fleas by over-stimulating their nervous system which makes them hyperactive before they die. Newly acquired fleas are killed before they lay eggs.
Does NexGard kill all stages of fleas?
NexGard kills adult fleas before they get the chance to reproduce, preventing an infestation. The vast majority of the developing stages of fleas (eggs, larvae and pupae) are not present in dogs, but in the environment.
How long do fleas live after NexGard?
NexGard starts to eliminate fleas within 8 hours and ticks within 48 hours. After being administered, its actions last for 5 weeks against fleas and one month against ticks.
Can my dog still have fleas after using NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA?
No flea products are available that can stop fleas from jumping on pets. This suggests that you may still see fleas on your pet until the flea product kills it.
Do fleas have to bite a dog for NexGard and NexGard to work?
NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA are systemic. That means fleas and ticks will need to get on your dog’s body and must bite to be exposed to the drug. None will repel fleas and ticks. However, within 8 hours of administration, they will begin to kill existing fleas.
How old does my dog need to be in order to take NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA?
NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA is safe and effective for use in puppies of 8 weeks of age or older, weighing 4 pounds or more.
How long does it take NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA to kill fleas?
NexGard and NexGard Spectra kill adult fleas in eight hours and remain effective to protect from flea infestation for 35 days.
Does NexGard kill ticks or repel them?
Nexgard will not repel fleas and ticks. However, within 8 hours of administration, it will begin to kill existing fleas.
How long does NexGard SPECTRA take to kill ticks?
NexGard SPECTRA kills fleas within 8 hours of administration. 95% of Paralysis and Brown Dog ticks are killed within 48 hours of dosing. 95% of Bush ticks are killed in 72 hours.
Does NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA kill tick eggs?
NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA kill ticks before they lay eggs to break the full development cycle.
Does NexGard kill mites?
The active substance Afoxolaner in NexGard acts as an ‘Ectoparasiticide’. This means that it kills parasites, such as fleas, ticks and mites that live on or in the skin of animals.
Does NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA have an expiration date?
You can locate the expiration date on the outside of the package of NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA.
After giving NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA, how long should I wait to bathe my dog or let my dog go swimming?
NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA are oral products consumed by mouth. Swimming or bathing has no effect on the doses.
Can I use NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA if my dog is on other treatment?
There are no adverse effects from the concomitant use of NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA with other pharmaceutical products. However, it is advisable to get your vet’s opinion before using it.
Is NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA safe to use on any breed of dog?
NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA is safe and effective in any breed of dog when used as directed. But it is recommended to get your vet’s opinion before using it.
Can NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA be used on cats and other pets?
No. NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA should be used in dogs only.
Can I administer NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA more than once a month?
NexGard is effective for full 30 days. So, don’t re-administer more than once a month.
Where can I get NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA?
You can order NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA from CanadaPetCare website. But it is advisable to get your vet’s opinion before you make the purchase.
Are there any side effects of NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA?
Vomiting, itching, lethargy, diarrhea, and lack of appetite are the most frequently reported adverse reactions. The safe use of NexGard or NexGard Spectra has not been evaluated in pregnant, breeding, or lactating dogs. Use with caution in dogs with a history of neurological disorders or seizures.
What happens if I give my dog too much NexGard?
Diarrhea and vomiting can occur when your dog has overdosed on NexGard or NexGard Spectra.
Got questions? Feel free to ask in the comment below!
