Why NexGard PLUS Is the Most Recommended Flea Treatment for Dogs
When it comes to protecting your dog from harmful parasites, choosing the right treatment is crucial. NexGard PLUS is a prescription medication that provides comprehensive, broad-spectrum protection against fleas, ticks, heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms — all in a convenient, beef-flavored chewable tablet. It’s often recommended by veterinarians as a go-to solution for monthly preventive care in dogs of all sizes.
Key Features of NexGard PLUS
- Combination Protection: Combines afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel to target a wide range of parasites.
- Palatable Chew: A tasty, beef-flavored chew that most dogs will accept readily.
- Age and Weight Approval: Approved for puppies as young as 8 weeks old and weighing at least 4 pounds.
- Convenient Dosing: Administer once every month to ensure continual protection.
Active Ingredients and Their Benefits
NexGard PLUS works through the power of three key active ingredients:
- Afoxolaner: Kills adult fleas before they lay eggs and effectively combats four common species of ticks.
- Moxidectin: Prevents heartworm disease by eliminating heartworm larvae acquired in the previous month.
- Pyrantel: Treats and controls roundworm and hookworm infections.
Parasites Targeted by NexGard PLUS
NexGard PLUS delivers month-long protection against multiple dog parasites, including:
- Fleas (Ctenocephalides felis)
- Ticks including black-legged, brown dog, American dog, and lone star ticks
- Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis)
- Hookworms (e.g. Ancylostoma caninum)
- Roundworms (e.g. Toxocara canis)
Dosing and Administration
The chewable comes in different dosage strengths depending on your dog's 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
For dogs weighing over 132 pounds, a combination of chew sizes should be given.
Effectiveness Timeline
NexGard PLUS begins killing fleas within 4 hours of administration and demonstrates over 99% effectiveness at 8 hours. The medication maintains high efficacy against ticks for a full month, including:
- >97% against American dog tick
- >94% against black-legged tick
- >93% against brown dog tick
Treatment also provides control over roundworms and hookworms for reliable gastrointestinal health.
Usage Guidelines
Administer one chew monthly on the same date for year-round protection. If a dose is missed, give it as soon as possible and revert to a regular schedule. Make sure your dog chews the full dose. If vomiting occurs within two hours, consider re-dosing.
Veterinarian Recommendations
The American Heartworm Society advises year-round parasite prevention for all dogs, regardless of geographic location or lifestyle. NexGard PLUS aligns with these guidelines, helping to prevent both internal and external parasites with a single treatment.
Safety Considerations
- Safe for dogs 8 weeks and older, weighing at least 4 pounds.
- Do not use in humans and keep away from children and other animals.
- Use caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders due to afoxolaner.
- Not evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.
- Side effects in trials included vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and itching.
Compatibility with Other Medications
Clinical studies have shown NexGard PLUS can be used concurrently with other veterinary medications, including vaccines, antibiotics, NSAIDs, anesthetics, and more, without adverse interactions.
Dog Owner Experiences
- Convenient dosing: Easier monthly compliance for owners
- Highly effective: Significant reduction in parasite exposure and infection
- Dog palatability: Generally accepted by dogs, though some may require creative administration
Conclusion
If you're searching for a vet-recommended, all-in-one flea and parasite treatment for your dog, NexGard PLUS is hard to beat. With its proven effectiveness, ease of administration, and broad-spectrum coverage, it stands as a top choice for proactive pet owners seeking to protect their dogs year-round.
