What is Nexgard for Dogs and How It Can Help Your Dog
Encountering a flea and tick infestation is one concern many dog owners share. Veterinarians recommend ongoing preventive treatment to stop an infestation from starting. This is due to the concerning pathogens carried by these parasites. While both fleas and ticks are superficially problematic, many of them carry diseases that can cause significant health problems for dogs. Fleas are an intermediate host for tapeworms, making fleas especially harmful when ingested. Ticks can carry a myriad of diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. These diseases are typically preventable, so long as the parasites associated with them are kept at bay.
While many owners have chosen topicals to prevent fleas and ticks, there are other forms of treatment that can be beneficial to your dog. NexGard is a beef flavored tablet for dogs that makes the process of administration simple. NexGard for dogs is the flea and tick treatment that dogs enjoy receiving every month. This veterinarian recommended product is manufactured by Merial, the makers of Frontline Plus, making it a trusted product by consumers and veterinarians alike.
How NexGard Works
NexGard is a chewable tablet, unlike many other flea and tick medications which come in the form of topical liquids or collars. The active ingredient of NexGard is afoxolaner, which is an insecticide belonging to the isoxazoline chemical class. This group was discovered in the early 2000s and was approved as a flea and tick treatment for dogs, in the United States in 2013. This highly effective insecticide works by being absorbed into the bloodstream of the dog. Afoxolaner selectively binds to the chlorine channels in nerves of the parasites, thus causing paralysis and death of the flea or tick. Fleas and ticks are killed quickly after biting the host. A study has shown that within 24 hours of administration of NexGard, all fleas are killed.
Benefits of NexGard
Many owners find NexGard beneficial for dogs who enjoy swimming because NexGard is an oral medication, meaning that water will not alter the efficacy of this medication. Once administered, NexGard is effective for 30 days, making it a convenient and worry-free flea and tick medication. Another benefit of NexGard is that it has no known interactions with NSAIDs, antibiotics, vaccines, anesthetics, antihistamines and anthelmintics such as heartworm medications. Additionally, NexGard is beef flavored, making it taste like a delightful treat for your dog.
Side Effects
Though side effects are uncommon, it is important to recognize them should they arise. In clinical trials, side effects included:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Loss of Appetite
- Dry and Flaky Skin
NexGard should be used with caution in dogs with a medical history of seizures. If you dog is prone to seizures, discuss this with your vet before the medication is prescribed, as NexGard requires a prescription from your veterinarian. NexGard is approved for dogs over the age of 8 weeks and should not be used on pregnant, lactating or breeding dogs. The dose of NexGard your dog will need is determined by your dog’s weight. NexGard is approved for dogs weighing 4 to 121 pounds. Additionally, NexGard is only for use in dogs, and cannot be used on cats.
Fleas and ticks do not have to cause serious problems for your dog, if you take the proper steps to prevent and treat infestations. NexGard is an effective prescription for flea and tick prevention. Remember to consult with your veterinarian to see if NexGard is a good option for your dog. We hope with the help of this article, you will be able to effectively keep your dog flea and tick free.
