Can Dogs Still Get Ticks While on NexGard?
NexGard is a popular oral flea and tick preventative for dogs known for its convenience and efficacy. However, one common question pet owners ask is whether dogs can still get ticks even when using NexGard. The answer is nuanced but important for ensuring the health and safety of your canine companion.
How NexGard Works
NexGard is a chewable tablet given monthly that contains the active ingredient afoxolaner, which kills fleas and ticks by overstimulating their nervous system. Once a tick bites a dog that's been treated with NexGard, it ingests the active ingredient and eventually dies. This mechanism helps reduce the chance of tick-borne disease transmission, but it does not repel ticks or prevent their attachment.
Why Dogs Can Still Get Ticks on NexGard
Because NexGard kills ticks after they attach and start feeding, it doesn’t offer a physical barrier against tick bites. It’s possible for a dog to be bitten by a tick before the parasite is killed by the medication. While the treatment minimizes the likelihood of infection from tick-borne diseases, there is still a small risk during the window of initial attachment.
Importance of Year-Round Tick Prevention
Ticks are hardy parasites capable of surviving in many climates. Year-round protection, regardless of season or geography, is essential. Continuous use of flea and tick medications like NexGard reduces the risk of infestation and associated health problems such as:
- Lyme disease
- Anaplasmosis
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Babesiosis
- Bartonellosis
Because ticks can transmit these diseases to both pets and humans, keeping them off your dog is crucial not only for the animal’s well-being but also for household health.
Alternatives and Additional Protection Methods
Depending on your dog's lifestyle and the prevalence of ticks in your area, you may need to consider supplemental prevention methods. Some topical treatments and collars are designed to prevent tick attachment entirely by repelling the parasites. Products such as:
- K9 Advantix II – repels and kills ticks on contact
- Vectra 3D – repels ticks before they can bite
- Seresto collars – offers extended protection and repels ticks
If your dog frequently goes into wooded or grassy areas, where ticks are common, combining repellents with oral preventatives under veterinary supervision may enhance protection.
Best Practices for Tick Control
- Administer NexGard consistently every month as directed by your vet.
- Check your dog’s coat regularly, especially after walks in tick-prone environments.
- Use a tick removal tool or tweezers to remove any attached ticks within 24 hours.
- Maintain a clean yard: mow the lawn, trim bushes, and remove tick habitats.
- Consult your veterinarian about combining products for maximum efficacy.
Misconceptions About Natural Remedies
Many pet owners turn to natural solutions, such as essential oils or apple cider vinegar, hoping to repel ticks. However, these home remedies are often ineffective or even dangerous for dogs. Products approved by veterinarians are rigorously tested for safety and efficacy, making them far more reliable for both tick prevention and treatment.
When to See a Veterinarian
If your dog becomes lethargic, develops a fever, or shows signs of pain or swelling after exposure to ticks, consult your veterinarian immediately. These symptoms can indicate a tick-borne illness. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for successful recovery.
Conclusion
NexGard is an effective tool in protecting your dog against tick-borne diseases, but it does not prevent ticks from attaching in the first place. Understanding this limitation helps dog owners take comprehensive steps to protect their pets. Combining NexGard with additional repellents, performing regular tick checks, and following veterinary advice can dramatically reduce the risk of tick-related health issues in dogs—and humans alike.
