One of the most well-known antidotes fleas and ticks is the Nexgard chewable tablet for dogs. Once administered, NexGard guarantees flea killing and ticks by overstimulating their nervous system for at least 5 weeks.
How NexGard Dog is used, what side effects this antiparasitic has and much more important information about NexGard can be found in this article.
In a nutshell: What is Nexgard and what effect does it have?
NexGard (afoxolaner) is used preventively and for combat used for flea and tick infestations. Once the parasites start sucking on the dog, the active ingredients delivered. This will not only fleas, ticks and mange mites killed, but also prevented from spreading.
NexGard can also be used to treat Demodex disease as it kills the Demodex mites.
NexGard can be administered preventively and in combination with dewormers.
The effect time from NexGard is average 4 to 5 weeks.
How is Nexgard used?
NexGard (Afoxolaner) and NexGard Merial are flavored chewable tablets and are usually taken voluntarily and willingly by the dogs. They can be given pure or together with a treat.
When using NexGard for a flea infestation it is important that all pets in the home are treated at the same time.
If the dog vomits within 2 hours of ingestion of NexGard, repeat dosing is recommended.
The right dosage of Nexgard for dogs
NexGard may be administered to puppies which over 8 weeks are old
The correct dosage of NexGard is based on the exact body weight of the dog and administered orally once a month.
The following dosages are available:
- NexGard 2 – 4K KG (very small dogs)
- NexGard 4 – 10 KG (small dogs)
- NexGard 10 – 25 KG (medium dogs)
- NexGard 25 – 50 KG (large dogs)
If you are unsure of the exact dosage of NexGard for your dog, please discuss this with your veterinarian.
How long and how often can I give my dog NexGard?
NexGard can be administered once a month during flea and tick season.
The treatment should always be after the 30 days expired are.
How fast and how long does NexGard work in dogs?
According to various studies 100% the fleas in the first 24 hours killed after oral ingestion of Nexgard.
However, the first effect can already be seen after 8 hours from ingestion.
ticks will be within 48 hours killed after ingestion.
It is therefore recommended that the dog until it takes effect continue to check for ticks regularly after every walk and collect them if necessary.
Applications of Nexgard for dogs
Nexgard is used for infestations with fleas, ticks, demokisosis and sarcoptic mange.
What side effects does Nexgard have?
Most side effects after the administration of NexGard are only from short duration and regulate themselves again.
The most common side effects include:
Rarely, lethargy and neurological disorders occur.
If your dog develops a neurological problem after being given NexGard, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
NexGard is not toxic to humans, however care should be taken to wash hands thoroughly after handling the drug.
Where and how is NexGard for dogs available?
NextGard is a prescription veterinary medicine and is not freely available in pharmacies,
Tip:
Since it’s not possible to buy NexGard without a prescription, I recommend asking the treating veterinarian for the prescription at the dog’s annual routine check-up ahead of flea and tick season.
Not only do you get the exact dose for your dog calculated, but you can also use the prescription to order the NexGard from the online pharmacy if required.
Alternatives to Nexgard
Bravecto, Simparica and Credelio are the most popular alternatives to NexGard.
However, Bravecto does not have a very good reputation, as it is said to be the trigger for epileptic seizures according to various reports.
Are with the dog neurological diseases, allergies or others health-endangering aspects (genetics) known, prescription drugs should only be administered after the animal has been presented to the competent vet take place.
Experiences with Nexgard: What do other dog owners say?
Many dog owners rate the use of NexGard on their dog differently, however mostly positive.
Should it be complications come to the administration of this drug, you should contact your veterinarian immediately and ask for advice.
If a Connection between the administration and the problem, only he can answer.
“I have been giving my two doggies NexGard since this year because of a really bad tick infestation. 1 tablet given in the spring was enough to be tick free well into the fall.”
“My shepherd dog, 3 years old, had extremely severe itching for a short time after being given NexGard. My vet couldn’t tell me if this was due to NexGard”
“My dog has been getting it for 2 years, never any problems”
“We gave it last year and the year before last. We have never had any problems and not a single tick”
“For 3 years without problems. Blood values are top every time, no tick that bites itself is taken without any problems”
Conclusion
NexGard is one of the few flea and tick repellents that can be conveniently administered orally. And has a confirmed effect of over 5 weeks.
Due to the beef taste, most dogs like to eat it. It is extremely effective, quickly kills fleas and ticks and, unlike the collars, does not lose its effectiveness (cannot be lost).
A downside of NexGard, however, is its somewhat high price and its ineffectiveness against heartworms and mosquitoes.
Do you have experience with NexGard? Please leave us a comment!