Why NexGard PLUS Is the Most Recommended Flea Treatment for Dogs
Fleas, ticks, and internal parasites can impact your dog’s health all year round. Choosing the right protection is essential—not just for your dog's comfort, but for their overall wellbeing. NexGard PLUS has emerged as the most veterinarian-recommended solution for comprehensive parasite prevention in dogs. Combining powerful ingredients in a convenient chewable form, NexGard PLUS offers monthly defense against multiple threats.
What Is NexGard PLUS?
NexGard PLUS is an FDA-approved, prescription-only oral medication that protects dogs from:
- Fleas: Kills adult fleas before they lay eggs
- Ticks: Effective against four main tick species
- Heartworm Disease: Prevents by killing heartworm larvae
- Roundworms and Hookworms: Treats and controls major gastrointestinal worms
Key Active Ingredients
Each NexGard PLUS chew contains three active pharmaceutical agents:
- Afoxolaner: Eliminates adult fleas and ticks
- Moxidectin: Prevents heartworm infection
- Pyrantel: Targets and eliminates roundworms and hookworms
Together, these ingredients provide broad-spectrum protection that keeps your dog healthy month after month.
Dosing and Administration
The chewable tablet is designed for ease of use and palatability. It can be given with or without food, and typically comes in different sizes based on dog weight:
- 4–8 lbs
- 8.1–17 lbs
- 17.1–33 lbs
- 33.1–66 lbs
- 66.1–132 lbs
Administer once monthly on the same day to ensure continuous protection. If a dose is missed, give it promptly and resume monthly dosing. The product is effective in puppies as young as 8 weeks, weighing at least 4 lbs.
How Fast Does It Work?
NexGard PLUS begins to kill fleas within 4 hours of administration and reaches over 99% effectiveness in 8 hours. It provides strong tick efficacy within 48 hours and maintains this protection for an entire month.
Additional Health Benefits
Beyond fleas and ticks, NexGard PLUS:
- Prevents heartworm disease by targeting larvae stage
- Treats three types of hookworms and two types of roundworms
- Avoids flea infestations by eliminating fleas before egg-laying
- Provides consistent protection regardless of weather or lifestyle
Safety and Precautions
While safe for most dogs, there are some precautions to keep in mind:
- Do not use in humans.
- Common side effects: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, itching
- Use cautiously in dogs with neurological or seizure histories
- Not evaluated for breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs
- Dogs should test negative for existing heartworm infection before starting
Combination use with other medications is typically well tolerated, according to clinical trials.
Why Vets Recommend NexGard PLUS
Veterinarians recommend NexGard PLUS for its:
- Comprehensive spectrum protection in a single chew
- High rate of efficacy against fleas and ticks
- Ease of monthly dosing and good palatability
- Compatibility with other common veterinary treatments
- Trusted track record in clinical and field use
User Experience
Dog owners report:
- Convenient administration without food
- Mild and rare side effects
- Effectiveness in maintaining parasite-free pets
- Some picky eaters may need coaxing or food concealment
Dosage Guide by Weight
- 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
Essential Pet Owner Tips
- Mark monthly reminders for consistent dosing
- Watch for signs of gastrointestinal upset
- Consult your vet if your dog has a history of neurological issues
- Request annual heartworm testing
- Notify your vet if your dog is pregnant or lactating
Conclusion
NexGard PLUS stands out as the most recommended flea treatment by veterinarians today due to its broad pest coverage, reliable monthly protection, and ease of use. When given as directed and under veterinary guidance, it provides an effective and convenient way to defend your dog against multiple types of parasites—inside and out.
