Comparing Sentinel and Nexgard: Which Is Better for Your Dog?
Pet owners often face the difficult decision of choosing the best parasite prevention for their dogs. Two leading options are Sentinel and Nexgard. Though both are effective, they differ significantly in their composition, target pests, and mechanism of action. Understanding these differences is crucial in determining which product is better suited to your pet's specific needs.
What Is Sentinel?
Sentinel Flavor Tabs are prescription-only, beef or pork-liver flavored chewable tablets for dogs and puppies. The tablets contain two active ingredients:
- Milbemycin oxime: Prevents heartworm disease and treats/control intestinal worm infections.
- Lufenuron: Inhibits flea egg development, effectively breaking the flea life cycle.
When administered monthly with food to improve absorption, Sentinel provides the following protections:
- Prevents heartworm disease
- Controls hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms
- Stops flea eggs from developing
What About Adult Fleas?
Unlike some other flea preventatives, Sentinel does not kill adult fleas. Instead, it renders their eggs infertile. For pets with current flea infestations, an adulticide such as Nexgard may be required alongside Sentinel for effective treatment.
Safety and Use
Sentinel is approved for dogs over 4 weeks old and weighing more than 2 pounds. It's available in several weight-based dosage sizes and must be given monthly. It has been tested in various breeds and age groups, including pregnant and lactating dogs.
Side Effects
While generally safe, some dogs may experience mild side effects such as:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Itching or skin issues
- Diarrhea
- Anorexia and others
Dogs with high microfilaria counts may show hypersensitivity reactions. Heartworm testing is recommended before initiating treatment, and certain drug interactions should be monitored.
How Does Nexgard Compare?
Nexgard is an oral monthly chew primarily used to kill adult fleas and ticks. It contains afoxolaner, an ingredient that attacks the nervous system of parasites, leading to their death.
- Effective against adult fleas and ticks
- Does not prevent heartworm disease or target intestinal parasites
Unlike Sentinel, Nexgard is mainly designed for immediate flea and tick control but does not address broader parasite protection needs.
Which Should You Choose?
The choice between Sentinel and Nexgard depends on your pet’s specific requirements:
- Use Sentinel if you want comprehensive prevention—heartworms, intestinal worms, and flea egg control.
- Use Nexgard for quick elimination of adult fleas and ticks.
- Use Both (under vet guidance) if your pet requires protection against a wide range of parasites including adult fleas.
Conclusion
Sentinel offers broader parasite coverage and is ideal for long-term prevention. Nexgard provides fast-acting relief from adult fleas but lacks the internal parasite protection offered by Sentinel. Always consult your veterinarian to understand what combination of treatments will best protect your dog based on lifestyle, health history, and current risk factors.
