Tick and flea prevention is one of the most important tasks that come with dog ownership. This important part of pet care goes far beyond basic comfort and convenience; it has a direct impact on your furry companion’s general health and quality of life, as well as playing an important role in ensuring a safe and healthy home environment.
Nexgard has established itself as one of the most well-known and trustworthy drugs. However, you may have come across disturbing discussions on dog forums or social media platforms in which pet owners have shared accounts of alleged Nexgard-related fatalities and severe side effects that resulted in the loss of their beloved pets.
As a responsible dog owner, you will naturally want to be well-informed about any medication prescribed by your veterinarian, especially if other members of the pet community have expressed concerns.
This article seeks to provide you with a thorough and unbiased overview of Nexgard, including the issues and concerns about its safety and effectiveness. We’ll also look into the drug’s mode of action, approved uses, probable adverse effects, dosage, and other details. This information, however, should not be used to replace the advice of your veterinarian.
What is Nexgard
NexGard for Dogs was developed by Merial, which is now a subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim, a multinational pharmaceutical firm dedicated to improving animal health. Merial also developed the Frontline® brand of flea and tick medications, which have been used since the 1970s in billions of doses.
The very first chewable flea and tick medication for dogs, NexGard chewable, makes it simple for canines to acquire monthly insect protection.
Dogs with ear mites, demodectic mange, and sarcoptic mange can all be treated with Nexgard® off-label.
How Nexgard® Works
Afoxolaner, the active component in Nexgard®, is a member of the more recent isoxazoline class of anti-flea and anti-tick medications. Fleas and ticks are killed by isoxazolines by overexciting their neurological systems, which results in paralysis and death.
Fleas on your pet are killed by Nexgard® within the first few hours of dosing. Use the appropriate dosage for your pet because it is dosed for dogs according to weight. You can be confident that you are using the right product size by routinely weighing your dog.
Nexgard Killed My Dog
Nexgard is a popular flea and tick control medicine for dogs that is generally regarded as safe and effective when taken as directed by a veterinarian. However, it, like all drugs, has the potential for side effects, which can be severe in extremely rare circumstances.
Some of the circumstances where Nexgard use can result in deadly adverse effects include when a dog is allergic to the main ingredient in Nexgard and medical intervention is not given immediately once the dog exhibits allergy symptoms. Additionally, if you overdose your dog on Nexgard, deadly effects may occur. Finally, if your dog has an underlying disease, such as seizures, using Nexgard can be fatal.
Before giving Nexgard to your dog, communicate with a veterinarian and carefully follow their recommended dosage and administration instructions. Additionally, if your dog exhibits any unexpected or severe symptoms after receiving Nexgard, seek emergency veterinary care.
How Long Does it Take for NexGard to Start Working?
Most fleas and ticks on your dog will die within hours of using NexGard. NexGard often begins eradicating fleas after 8 hours of exposure and ticks within 48 hours.
It should be noted that if the owner has a significant flea infestation, you will continue to observe fleas on the dog for a few days after applying NexGard.
This is because the fleas will continue to jump on the dog in search of blood meals and will be killed as a result. The faster you reduce the infection, the more fleas jump.
How do I give My dog Nexgard?
Afoxolaner is administered orally in the form of a chewable tablet. Always administer the pill as your veterinarian instructs. It may be administered with or without meals or water. Make sure your dog takes the full dose. Give your dogs another full dose if they vomit within two hours of the medication. Give the subsequent dose perhaps with food.
What is the Use of NexGard in Dogs?
NexGard is a tick and flea prevention product that is FDA-approved. Let’s examine what NexGard does in dogs.
NexGard for Dog Tick and Flea Control: NexGard fights the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis and various tick species, such as the black-legged (deer) tick Ixodes scapularis, the American dog tick Dermacentor variabilis, and the Lone star tick Amblyomma americanum, to control pest infestations.
Dogs’ NexGard Against Vector-Borne Diseases: The fact that Nexgard kills ticks and fleas directly shields dogs from several illnesses For instance, it reduces the risk of contracting Lyme disease by eliminating Ixodes scapularis vector ticks. In dogs who are allergic to flea saliva, it also helps prevent flea allergy dermatitis.
NexGard for Dog Mange: NexGard can be used off-label to treat dogs with sarcoptic and demodectic mange. Scabies and demodicosis are frequent parasite illnesses in dogs, particularly in puppies and adults with weakened immune systems. Typically, NexGard is recommended in addition to other therapies and medicines.
Nexgard Side Effects
Despite being considered safe and effective, it has the potential to have negative consequences, just like any medicine. We shall go into more detail about Nexgard’s potential negative effects here:
Vomiting
Vomiting is among the most frequent side effects of Nexgard. After taking the drug, some dogs may develop nausea or stomach problems. Vomiting is often moderate and brief; however, if it worsens or continues, it should be reported to your veterinarian.
Diarrhea
Dogs may get diarrhea as a side effect of Nexgard. The intensity of this might range from moderate and self-limiting to more serious cases that demand medical intervention. When your dog is taking Nexgard, it’s crucial to keep an eye on their bowel movements and contact your veterinarian if the diarrhea worsens.
Lethargy
After giving Nexgard, lethargy, or a lack of energy and enthusiasm, might occasionally follow. It typically only lasts a day or two and is transient. Consult your veterinarian if the lethargic behavior is severe or persistent.
Loss of Appetite
While taking Nexgard, some dogs may momentarily lose their appetite. Consult your veterinarian if your dog continues to avoid food for an extended period because this could indicate dehydration or other health issues.
Dry or flaky skin
Skin problems, such as dryness or flakiness, can occasionally be seen in dogs treated with Nexgard. Most of the time, these skin issues are minor and go away on their own. Regular grooming might lessen this negative effect by maintaining healthy skin and coat.
Seizures
Although more uncommon, seizures are a more dangerous adverse effect of Nexgard. Even though there is a low chance of seizures, it is always important to be on the lookout, especially if your dog has a history of seizures or is predisposed to having them. Call your veterinarian immediately if your dog has a seizure while taking Nexgard.
Alternatives to NexGard for Dogs
Do not panic if your dog is not a good fit for NexGard; there are several options available. Here is a brief overview of some of the most well-liked NexGard dog alternatives.
Bravecto for Dogs: Given that both Bravecto and NexGard are oral chews and have equivalent effects, they are easily compared. Bravecto is more effective and offers up to three months of flea and tick protection because it contains Fluralaner as its active component.
Comfortis for Dogs: Spinosad serves as the active component in Comfortis, a soft chew. Comfortis eliminates fleas before they develop eggs, begins functioning in just 30 minutes, and offers protection for one month. However, it does not eradicate ticks, and pups under 14 weeks old should not use it.
Trifexis for Dogs: Another monthly treatment that comes in the form of chewables with a beef flavor is Trifexis. Spinosad and Milbemycin Oxime, which are the product’s active ingredients, eliminate fleas and stop infestations for a month. They combat intestinal worms and heartworm disease, but they do not eradicate ticks.
Simparica for Dogs: Simparica is a soft chew with a liver flavor that contains Sarolaner as an active component. Simparica lacks the ability to kill flea eggs and larvae, making it less effective than NexGard. Additionally, Simparica has a one-month duration of effectiveness.
Try a spot-on flea and tick medication if you find chewable tablets difficult to use (or your dog is picky about what to eat).
You can try the topicals listed below.
Frontline for Dogs: Fipronil is the active component in Frontline, an over-the-counter drug. Frontline kills chewing lice, fleas, and ticks by resulting in brain problems. Your dog must be completely dry before applying Frontline, and the following 48 hours should be spent avoiding bathing and petting.
Dogs’ K9 Advantix II: K9 Advantix II is a broad-spectrum product containing three active ingredients: imidacloprid, pyriproxyfen, and permethrin. K9 Advantix II offers defense against mosquitoes, ticks, biting fleas, chewing lice, and adult fleas (in all life stages).
Nexgard vs Nexgard Spectra
The key distinctions between Nexgard and Nexgard Spectra, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, are detailed below
Nexgard Spectra is a rapid and practical flea treatment that shields pets from both internal and exterior parasites. Nexgard is efficient against fleas but ineffective against worms.
Although both medications work well against fleas, their strengths and applications vary. Any dog can receive either of these monthly oral medicines as early as eight weeks old.
Nexgard Spectra is also advised for pets with a history of heartworm illness. Using it in conjunction with continuing heartworm preventive measures is safe. A single pill is adequate for a one-month course of treatment.
The ingredients used to make each product are distinct. Nexgard contains afoxolaner, a chemical that targets the neurological system of the parasite (flea), killing it before it can deposit its eggs. Nexgard Spectra contains afoxolaner as well as milbemycin oxime, which kills fleas as well as intestinal worms. Nexgard Spectra prevents heartworm disease, kills the parasites in six to eight hours, and guards against intestinal re-infestation with the most prevalent worms.
Nex Gard Dosage for Dogs and Puppies (over 8 weeks of age):
- NexGard for dogs 4-10 lbs (Very Small Dogs 2-4 kg) (Afoxolaner 11.3 mg): Administer one chew per month
- NexGard for dogs 10-24 lbs (Small Dogs 4-10 kg) (Afoxolaner 28.3 mg): Administer one chew per month
- NexGard for dogs 24-60 lbs (Medium Dogs 10-25 kg) (Afoxolaner 68 mg): Administer one chew per month
- NexGard for dogs 60-120 lbs (Large Dogs 25-50 kg) (Afoxolaner 136 mg): Administer one chew per month
- NexGard for dogs over 120 lbs: Administer the appropriate combination of chewable
NexGard Spectra dosages for dogs:
- Nexgard Spectra for Extra Small Dogs : 2–3.5 kg (4.5-8lbs) (Afoxolaner/Milbemycin oxime 9 mg / 2 mg)
- Nexgard Spectra for Small Dogs : 3.5–7.5 kg (8-16lbs) (Afoxolaner/Milbemycin oxime 19 mg / 4 mg)
- Nexgard Spectra for Medium Dogs : 7.5–15 kg (16-33lbs) (Afoxolaner/Milbemycin oxime 38 mg / 8 mg)
- Nexgard Spectra for Large Dogs : 15–30 kg (33-66lbs) (Afoxolaner/Milbemycin oxime 75 mg / 15 mg)
- Nexgard Spectra for Extra Large Dogs : 30–60 kg (66-132lbs) (Afoxolaner/Milbemycin oxime 150 mg / 30 mg)
- For dogs over 60 kg (132lbs), you can administer the correct combination of chewable tablets required
Can I Crush NexGard?
NexGard chews can be crushed up for your dog. It should still be effective because the tablets don’t have an enteric coating.
However, since these chews typically have an enticing flavor to dogs, you won’t usually need to crush them up. Although they’re not very difficult either, dogs with dental issues could find it a little challenging to chew them. First, try giving it to your dog as a treat. If that doesn’t work, you might think about crushing it up and giving it to your dog.
How to Make Your Dog Crush Nexgard
It can be a little tricky to crush up your dog’s medication. It’s simple to lose track of the broken pieces, and it can be challenging to determine whether your dog has consumed all of it.
If your dog is unable to ingest the chewable tablet as intended, however, smashing it may be the only practical option to provide them with the necessary medicine.
To begin with, place the NexGard chew in your dog’s food bowl. It will crumble if you use a metal spoon to press on it.
Then, combine their preferred wet food thoroughly with the broken-up Nexgard chew.
To ensure that the wet food x crushed medicine combo is completely consumed, watch over your dog while it eats it.
A second dose will need to be given if they vomit immediately after eating for any reason, so keep a watch on them afterward as well!
What Should I Do If I Gave The Wrong Dose Of NexGard To My Dog?
If you accidentally give your dog an excessively high dose of NexGard, you should not panic.
The first thing you should do is keep a close eye on your dog for the following 24 hours to see if any of the aforementioned symptoms of nausea and vomiting, such as repeated swallowing attempts, excessive drooling, or lip licking, start to appear.
Contact your veterinarian if you do notice these symptoms.
Other Tips for Helping Your Dog Take NexGard
Dogs will enjoy the product like any other treat because of how enticing the flavor is to them.
But some dogs are pickier than others. It may be difficult to persuade them to take NexGard if they don’t like the taste of it.
There are many ways to guarantee that your dog gets the care they need!
Cover it up
One of the best methods to help your dog take the medication is by giving him a tablespoon of peanut butter. Anything your dog is likely to look at with a sour face can be hidden by its potent flavor.
Although it’s not the healthiest meal for dogs, it occasionally makes the ideal treat, especially under certain circumstances.
You may even disguise the chew as a slice of cheese, liverwurst, or some other tasty “people food” that your pet likes.
Remain Calm
Your mood can be detected by the dog!
They’ve probably become accustomed to your voice over the years if you’re going to offer them your monthly oral flea prevention tablet. If you see that your dog gets tense whenever you’re about to give them Nexgard, that might be the problem.
Even though flea treatment for your dog can be distressing, you must not let it show.
Ensure Your Dog Is Not Full
Ensure Your Dog Is Not Full: If your dog doesn’t seem to be drawn to NexGard chews, it’s most likely that they have just taken their meal.
It is highly advised to give this NexGard tablet to the dog before it eats to prevent this from happening or the potential of it happening. When their appetite is at its highest, the chewable will be much more alluring!
Precautions When Using Nexgard
Afoxolaner belongs to the isoxazoline class of drugs. This class has been linked to neurologic side effects such as tremors, ataxia, and seizures. Even in dogs without a history of seizures, seizures have been reported in dogs using medications from the isoxazoline class. In dogs who have a history of seizures or neurological conditions, use with caution. NexGard’s safety during breeding, pregnancy, or lactation in dogs has not been examined.
