NexGard is a popular, beef-flavored oral treatment designed to protect dogs from fleas and ticks for a full month. This chewable medication offers a convenient and effective way for pet owners to ensure their canine companions remain free from these persistent external parasites. As a trusted solution in pet healthcare, understanding how NexGard works and how to use it correctly is crucial for maintaining your dog’s health and comfort.
NexGard is formulated for puppies and dogs aged 8 weeks and older, with a minimum weight requirement of 4 lbs. The active ingredient, Afoxolaner, is present at a minimum recommended dosage of 1.14 mg/lb (2.5 mg/kg). Afoxolaner is an ectoparasiticide that works by targeting the nervous system of fleas and ticks. Once ingested through a blood meal from the treated dog, Afoxolaner causes an over-stimulation of the parasites’ nervous system, leading to paralysis and ultimately their death. This mechanism ensures rapid and effective elimination of pests.
What Fleas and Ticks Does NexGard Target?
NexGard is highly effective in killing fleas and ticks, providing protection for one month. It works by eliminating fleas before they can lay eggs, thereby preventing flea infestations from establishing in your home environment. The oral formula also combats and controls infestations of several types of ticks, including the Black-legged tick (also known as the Deer tick), American Dog tick, Lone Star tick, and Brown dog tick. Its efficacy against the Black-legged tick is particularly significant, as NexGard can aid in the prevention of Lyme disease, a serious condition transmitted by these ticks.
To maintain optimal flea and tick control, NexGard is intended for year-round use. Administering one chewable tablet each month is recommended to ensure continuous protection. The medication begins working rapidly, typically killing fleas within four hours and achieving over 95% efficacy within eight hours of administration. Ticks are also targeted effectively, with over 90% eliminated within 48 hours post-administration.
Understanding Flea Life Cycles and NexGard
It’s important for pet owners to understand that the adult fleas found on a dog represent only about 5% of the total flea population. The remaining 95% are in developing stages, such as eggs, larvae, and pupae, which can be present in various locations within the home. When an infested pet moves through these areas, newly emerged fleas can jump onto them. NexGard effectively kills these fleas before they can reproduce, interrupting the life cycle. Consistent, year-round use of NexGard is advised to prevent new infestations from occurring.
When to Start and Continue NexGard Treatment
There is no specific season or time of year that dictates when to start using NexGard on your dog. Treatment can commence at any point, provided it is done in consultation with a veterinarian. Even if your dog does not frequently go outdoors, they remain at risk of flea and tick infestations. Fleas and ticks can be brought into the home by people or other pets, and even indoor-only dogs can be exposed. Consistent monthly treatment is key to ongoing protection.
Safety and Administration of NexGard
NexGard is considered highly effective and safe for puppies and dogs that are 8 weeks of age or older and weigh at least 4 lbs. Unlike topical treatments, NexGard is an oral medication. This means that a dog can be bathed or go for a swim immediately after being treated with NexGard without compromising the medication’s effectiveness.
The best way to administer NexGard is orally, directly into the dog’s mouth, once a month. It can also be given with food, but it’s essential to ensure the dog consumes the entire meal to receive the full dose. If vomiting occurs within two hours of administration, another full dose should be given. If vomiting happens after two or more hours, it is recommended to contact your veterinarian.
NexGard has been studied and can be used concurrently with other treatments, including vaccines, antibiotics, and NSAIDs, without reported adverse reactions. While NexGard effectively kills existing fleas, a flea bath might be considered to remove live fleas currently on your pet. However, flea baths typically do not address fleas in the environment. For comprehensive flea control, consulting your veterinarian about concurrent environmental flea population treatments alongside NexGard is advisable.
Important Considerations for Specific Dogs
NexGard and NexGard Spectra are suitable for dogs from 8 weeks of age, weighing a minimum of 2kg (4.4 lbs). The safety of NexGard has not been evaluated in pregnant, breeding, or lactating dogs, so consulting a veterinarian for expert advice is recommended in these situations.
Specific storage guidelines for NexGard chewables include keeping them at or below 30°C (86°F), with permissible excursions up to 40°C (104°F). It is crucial to remember that NexGard for dogs is not intended for use on cats.
If a dose of NexGard is missed, administer a chew as soon as you remember and then continue with your regular monthly dosing schedule. In the event of any adverse reactions after using NexGard, immediate veterinary consultation is necessary.
To ensure the best care for your dog, always consult with your veterinarian regarding the appropriate use and ongoing need for flea and tick prevention.