NexGard is a popular, beef-flavored oral medication designed to protect dogs from fleas and ticks for a full month. This chewable treatment is formulated for easy administration and effective parasite control.
Understanding NexGard for Your Canine Companion
NexGard is recommended for puppies and dogs 8 weeks of age and older, weighing at least 4 pounds. The active ingredient is afoxolaner, an ectoparasiticide. The minimum recommended dosage is 1.14 mg/lb (2.5 mg/kg) of body weight.
How NexGard Works to Eliminate Parasites
The afoxolaner in NexGard is rapidly absorbed into the dog’s bloodstream after administration. When fleas and ticks feed on the dog’s blood, they ingest the afoxolaner. This active component overstimulates the parasites’ nervous systems, leading to paralysis and ultimately, death.
Protection Against Fleas and Ticks
NexGard effectively kills fleas for one month, preventing them from laying eggs and thereby stopping flea infestations. It also treats and controls infestations of Black-legged ticks (Deer ticks), American Dog ticks, Lone Star ticks, and Brown dog ticks. Furthermore, its ability to kill Black-legged ticks aids in the prevention of Lyme disease.
Dosage and Administration Guidelines
NexGard is administered as a single chewable tablet once a month, year-round, for optimal flea and tick control.
When Does NexGard Start Killing Parasites?
NexGard acts quickly, beginning to kill fleas within four hours and achieving over 95% efficacy within eight hours of administration. It is known to eliminate more than 90% of ticks within 48 hours after treatment.
Addressing Persistent Flea Issues
If you still observe fleas on your dog after treatment, it’s important to remember that adult fleas on pets constitute only about 5% of the total flea population. The remaining 95% are in immature stages (eggs, larvae, pupae) found in the environment where the pet spends time. As your dog moves, new fleas may jump onto them. NexGard will eliminate these new fleas before they can reproduce. Continuing the monthly NexGard treatment year-round is recommended to prevent re-infestation.
Year-Round Protection is Key
There is no specific season to begin NexGard treatment; it can be initiated at any time of the year after consulting with a veterinarian. Even if your dog does not go outdoors frequently, they remain at risk of flea and tick infestations. Fleas and ticks can be brought indoors by people, and an infested pet can spread flea eggs throughout the house, leading to a continuous cycle of infestation.
Safety and Usage
NexGard is considered highly effective and safe for puppies and dogs aged 8 weeks and older, weighing at least 4 pounds. Unlike topical treatments, NexGard’s efficacy is not affected by swimming or bathing, so your dog can engage in these activities immediately after treatment.
The chewable should be given directly into the dog’s mouth once a month. It can also be given with food, provided the dog consumes the entire meal to ensure a complete dose. If your dog vomits within two hours of administration, a second full dose should be given. If vomiting occurs after two hours, contact your veterinarian.
NexGard can be used concurrently with other treatments, including vaccines, antibiotics, and NSAIDs, without reported adverse reactions. While a flea bath can help eliminate existing fleas on your pet, it may not address environmental fleas. Discuss concurrent treatment options with your veterinarian to manage the environmental flea population effectively.
A single NexGard dose provides protection for one month. It is suitable for dogs weighing at least 2kg (4lbs) from 8 weeks of age. The safety of NexGard in pregnant, breeding, or lactating dogs has not been evaluated; consult your veterinarian for advice.
NexGard chewables should be stored at or below 30°C (86°F), with permissible excursions up to 40°C (104°F). Importantly, NexGard for dogs is not intended for use on cats.
If a dose is missed, administer a NexGard chew as soon as you remember and resume the regular monthly schedule. In the event of any adverse reactions, consult your veterinarian immediately.
