Can Dogs Still Get Ticks with NexGard?
When it comes to protecting your dog from ticks, many pet owners rely on veterinarian-approved medications like NexGard. However, a common question arises: can dogs still get ticks while using this product? The short answer is yes—but understanding how NexGard works can clarify why it's still an essential tool in flea and tick prevention.
Understanding NexGard
NexGard is an oral tick and flea prevention chewable tablet administered monthly. It belongs to a class of medications known as isoxazolines and is highly effective at killing parasites like fleas and ticks once they begin feeding on the dog’s blood.
How It Works
- After a dog ingests NexGard, the active ingredient circulates in the bloodstream.
- When a tick bites the dog and begins to feed, it ingests the medication and subsequently dies.
- This process significantly reduces the chance of disease transmission.
However, it's important to understand that NexGard does not repel ticks or prevent their initial attachment. Ticks may still latch onto your dog before they are killed by the medication.
Why Tick Control Is Crucial
Ticks pose serious health threats to dogs and even humans. They can transmit diseases such as:
- Lyme disease
- Anaplasmosis
- Bartonellosis
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Babesiosis
These diseases often lead to symptoms like fever, lethargy, lameness, and more severe complications if not treated. By using a product like NexGard, you're minimizing the tick’s window for disease transmission.
Considerations for Complete Protection
While NexGard is highly effective, it is just one part of a comprehensive tick prevention strategy. Here are some best practices:
- Year-round prevention: Ticks are hardy and may be active throughout the year in many climates.
- Environmental control: Maintain your yard—keep grass short and remove leaf litter to reduce tick habitats.
- Regular checks: Manually inspect your dog for ticks, especially after outdoor time in wooded or grassy areas.
- Prompt removal: If a tick is found, remove it with tweezers or a tick-removal tool to decrease infection risk.
Other Tick Prevention Options
In addition to NexGard, there are several other effective tick prevention products:
- Topical treatments: Products like K9 Advantix II repel ticks and prevent attachment before they bite.
- Tick collars: Seresto collars offer extended protection and repel ticks directly on contact.
- Combination therapies: Products like Simparica Trio or Credelio Quattro protect against multiple parasites.
Each option comes with its own advantages and limitations. For example, topical treatments may require careful application and drying time, while collars must be used cautiously around other animals, such as cats.
Veterinarian Guidance Is Key
Choosing the right tick prevention plan depends on multiple factors including your dog’s:
- Age
- Weight
- Breed
- Medical history
- Lifestyle and exposure to outdoor environments
This is why it's essential to consult a veterinarian before starting any flea or tick prevention program. They can recommend the most effective and safe option based on local parasite prevalence and your dog’s individual needs.
Are Natural Remedies Effective?
Some pet owners may consider natural remedies such as essential oils, apple cider vinegar, or dish soap. However, these options are generally ineffective or even dangerous. The most reliable protection continues to come from veterinarian-approved medications.
Conclusion
While dogs may still get ticks even with NexGard, the product plays a critical role in reducing the impact and danger these parasites pose. It kills ticks soon after attachment—before most diseases can be transmitted. For the best protection, use NexGard as part of a year-round prevention program and under your veterinarian's guidance. Combining oral treatment with environmental management and regular tick checks ensures your dog stays healthy and free from tick-borne diseases.
