NexGard vs. Frontline: Which Flea and Tick Preventative Is Better for Your Dog?
Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance—they can cause serious health issues for your dog, including allergies, dermatitis, ongoing infections, anemia, and even life-threatening conditions. Two of the most popular flea and tick prevention products on the market today are NexGard and Frontline. This article explores their differences, benefits, and how to choose the best one for your pet.
Understanding Flea and Tick Prevention
Effective flea and tick prevention protects dogs from parasites that feed on their blood and transmit harmful diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, and bartonellosis. These diseases can also pose a risk to humans. That's why year-round protection is vital for your dog’s health as well as your household’s.
Types of Flea and Tick Prevention
Prevention options come in several forms. Some of the most common include:
- Oral tablets (chewables) like NexGard
- Topical spot-on treatments such as Frontline
- Collars offering extended protection
- Shampoos, sprays, and environmental treatments
Among these, NexGard and Frontline are widely trusted by pet owners and veterinarians alike.
NexGard: Pros and Considerations
NexGard is an oral chewable flea and tick preventative given monthly. It starts killing fleas within hours and also eliminates ticks. Being an oral medication, it is easy to administer and does not require drying time.
- Form: Oral chewable (requires full ingestion)
- Active Ingredient: Afoxolaner
- Covers: Fleas and multiple types of ticks
- Prescription: Yes
- Notable Benefits: Effective, fast-acting, convenient
However, NexGard does not repel ticks before they bite, and it's crucial to ensure dogs chew and fully ingest the tablet. Medical history, such as a history of seizures, must be considered before use.
Frontline: Pros and Considerations
Frontline, especially Frontline Plus and Frontline Gold, is a topical flea and tick preventative applied monthly to the skin. It also offers tick and flea protection but works differently.
- Form: Topical liquid
- Active Ingredient: Fipronil (and others, depending on the variant)
- Covers: Fleas, ticks, and some lice
- Prescription: No (available over the counter)
- Notable Benefits: Repels and kills parasites, widely available
While Frontline can prevent tick attachment, it needs time to dry and may not be suitable for dogs that swim or bathe frequently. Children and other pets should avoid contact immediately after application.
Comparing NexGard and Frontline
Choosing between NexGard and Frontline depends on various factors:
- Application Method: NexGard is ingested; Frontline is topical
- Convenience: NexGard is arguably easier without drying time
- Repellency: Frontline may repel parasites before attachment; NexGard kills post-bite
- Environmental Suitability: Frontline may not be ideal for water-loving dogs
- Dog’s Health: Dogs with seizure history may require caution with NexGard
- Local Parasites: Consult your vet to identify prevalent threats in your area
The Role of the Veterinarian
Your veterinarian plays a critical role in choosing the right flea and tick preventative. Factors such as your dog’s age, weight, breed, existing health conditions, and lifestyle must all be considered before making a decision. Only a professional can help evaluate genetic factors, like the presence of the MDR-1 gene in dogs such as Collies and Australian Shepherds, which can influence a medication's safety.
Final Thoughts: Which One Is Better?
Both NexGard and Frontline are effective choices in the fight against fleas and ticks. There is no one-size-fits-all answer—what’s best for one dog may not be ideal for another. Oral treatments like NexGard offer convenience and eliminate topical application challenges, while spot-on solutions like Frontline provide repellency and are easy to apply without worrying about ingestion.
Ultimately, the better choice between NexGard and Frontline depends on your dog’s specific needs, your lifestyle, and veterinary guidance. Regular use of any veterinarian-approved flea and tick prevention strategy is key to maintaining your dog’s health and keeping your home parasite-free.
