NexGard PLUS for Dogs: Comprehensive Monthly Parasite Protection
NexGard PLUS (afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets) is a prescription medication designed to give your dog broad-spectrum protection against some of the most common and dangerous parasites. Delivered as a tasty beef-flavored soft chew, it simplifies parasite prevention by combining multiple active ingredients into one convenient monthly dose.
What Does NexGard PLUS Protect Against?
This chewable tablet provides robust defense against:
- Fleas – Kills adult fleas before they lay eggs, preventing infestations.
- Ticks – Effective against black-legged ticks, brown dog ticks, American dog ticks, and lone star ticks.
- Heartworm Disease – Prevents heartworm disease by killing larvae acquired in the previous month.
- Roundworms & Hookworms – Treats and controls infections from three species of hookworms and two species of roundworms.
This broad coverage means your dog is protected from threats both inside and out—all with a single chew each month.
How NexGard PLUS Works
The effectiveness of NexGard PLUS comes from its trio of active ingredients:
- Afoxolaner: Targets and kills adult fleas rapidly (within four hours) and eliminates several tick species within 48 hours.
- Moxidectin: Acts systemically to prevent heartworm disease by eliminating larvae before they mature.
- Pyrantel: Works to treat and control hookworm and roundworm infections in the intestines.
Together, these ingredients provide comprehensive internal and external parasite control for your canine companion.
Dosing Guidelines and Administration
NexGard PLUS is easy to administer—just give your dog one chewable tablet once per month on the same day. The chews come in different strengths based on your dog's weight. Here’s how dosing breaks down:
- 4–8 lbs: Smallest size chewable
- 8.1–17 lbs: 18.75 mg afoxolaner / 90 mcg moxidectin / 37.5 mg pyrantel
- 17.1–33 lbs: 37.5 mg afoxolaner / 180 mcg moxidectin / 75 mg pyrantel
- 33.1–66 lbs: 75 mg afoxolaner / 360 mcg moxidectin / 150 mg pyrantel
- 66.1–132 lbs: 150 mg afoxolaner / 720 mcg moxidectin / 300 mg pyrantel
If your dog weighs more than 132 pounds, use an appropriate combination of chews to meet their needs. You can administer the chew with or without food; if needed, break it into smaller pieces but ensure your dog consumes the entire dose at once (don’t store broken pieces).
Effectiveness Timeline
- Kills fleas within four hours; over 99% effectiveness at eight hours after administration.
- Kills black-legged ticks within two days; maintains tick protection for one month per dose.
The product also treats existing roundworm and hookworm infections while helping prevent new ones with each monthly dose.
When Should You Start NexGard PLUS?
You can start using NexGard PLUS in puppies as young as eight weeks old who weigh at least four pounds. Before beginning treatment—especially for heartworm prevention—your veterinarian will test your dog for existing heartworm infection since NexGard PLUS does not kill adult heartworms already present in the body.
Missed Dose Guidance
- If you miss a dose, give it as soon as possible.
- Resume regular monthly dosing thereafter—don't double up doses to catch up.
Safety Information & Precautions
- NexGard PLUS is not intended for humans; keep out of reach of children and other animals.
- The most common side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and itching.
If your dog vomits within two hours of taking the tablet or doesn't consume the full dose, re-dose with another complete chewable. Use caution if your pet has a history of seizures or neurologic disorders (isoxazoline class drugs like afoxolaner may rarely cause tremors or seizures).
- The safety of this medication hasn't been evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs—consult your vet if this applies to your pet.
