Heartgard vs. Heartgard Plus vs. NexGard
Parasites don’t just annoy your dog—they threaten their life. Heartworms can damage the lungs and heart. Fleas and ticks spread diseases like Lyme. Intestinal worms can rob your pup of nutrition or even cause death in puppies. So choosing the right medication—Heartgard, Heartgard Plus, or NexGard—isn’t just about convenience. It’s about survival.
✅ Key Takeaways (Quick Answers)
- Need only heartworm prevention? → Go with Heartgard.
- Want heartworm + intestinal worm protection? → Choose Heartgard Plus.
- Battling fleas and ticks? → NexGard is your go-to.
- Prefer one chew for all major parasites? → Get NexGard PLUS (not to be confused with regular NexGard).
- Pregnant/breeding dogs? → Heartgard Plus is tested and safe.
- Dog with seizures? → Be cautious with NexGard/NexGard PLUS; consult your vet.
- Prescription needed? → Yes, for all four products.
💊 What’s the Difference Between Heartgard and Heartgard Plus?
Heartgard = Heartworm Defense Only
Heartgard Plus = Heartworm + Intestinal Worm Protection
| Feature | Heartgard 🧡 | Heartgard Plus 💛 |
|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Ivermectin | Ivermectin + Pyrantel |
| Protects Against | Heartworms | Heartworms, Roundworms, Hookworms |
| External Parasite Control | ❌ None | ❌ None |
| Safe for Puppies? | ✅ 6 weeks+ | ✅ 6 weeks+ |
| Pregnancy/Breeding Safe? | ✔️ Not specified | ✅ Yes |
| Flavor/Form | Real beef chew | Real beef chew |
| Dosing Frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Side Effects | Rare: Digestive/neuro | GI issues, neuro (rare), Collie sensitivity |
| Testing Before Use | ✅ Heartworm test required | ✅ Heartworm test required |
💡 Pro Tip: Choose Heartgard Plus if your dog is at risk of eating contaminated soil, licking paws, or sniffing infected feces—roundworms and hookworms are more common than many owners realize.
🐜 What If Fleas and Ticks Are the Bigger Problem?
NexGard = Your External Parasite Warrior
| Feature | NexGard 🐞 |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredient | Afoxolaner |
| Targets | Fleas, Ticks (4 species), Lyme Disease vector |
| Not For | Heartworms or Intestinal Worms |
| Extra Uses (Off-label) | Mange, Ear Mites |
| Age Requirement | 8 weeks+ & 4 lbs+ |
| Flavor/Form | Soft beef chew |
| Common Side Effects | Vomiting, itching, lethargy, neuro (rare) |
| Use in Seizure-Prone Dogs? | ⚠️ Caution advised |
| Pregnancy/Breeding Tested? | ❌ Not yet evaluated |
💡 Pro Tip: Use NexGard + Heartgard Plus together if you need both internal and external parasite coverage but prefer separate medications.
🛡️ What If I Want One Chew to Cover It All?
NexGard PLUS = Fleas + Ticks + Heartworms + Roundworms + Hookworms
| Feature | NexGard PLUS 🛡️ |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Afoxolaner, Moxidectin, Pyrantel |
| Parasites Covered | Heartworm, Roundworms, Hookworms, Fleas, Ticks |
| Lyme Prevention? | ✅ Via tick kill |
| Age Requirement | 8 weeks+ & 4 lbs+ |
| Safe in MDR1 Breeds? | ✅ Yes |
| Side Effects | Similar to NexGard, mostly GI/neuro |
| Pregnancy/Breeding Safety? | ❓ Not evaluated |
| Flavor/Form | Soft beef chew |
| Frequency | Monthly |
💡 Pro Tip: NexGard PLUS simplifies your life—one chew, total protection. Ideal for busy pet parents or forgetful households.
🧬 How Do These Medications Actually Work?
| Drug | Mode of Action | Parasites Targeted |
|---|---|---|
| Ivermectin | Paralyzes heartworm larvae (nervous system) | Heartworm |
| Pyrantel | Paralyzes intestinal worms | Roundworms, Hookworms |
| Afoxolaner | Shuts down flea/tick CNS | Fleas, Ticks |
| Moxidectin | Disrupts parasite nerve/muscle function | Heartworms, Intestinal Worms |
💡 Reminder: Each drug works differently—combination formulas allow for broad-spectrum, layered defense.
🧪 Do I Need a Heartworm Test First?
YES. Always test before starting ANY heartworm medication.
Administering preventives to an infected dog may cause dangerous reactions. The American Heartworm Society recommends annual testing, even for dogs on prevention.
🩺 Which Product Is Safest for My Dog?
It depends on breed, health, age, and medical history:
- Collie or herding breeds? → Avoid high-dose ivermectin; Heartgard Plus is safe but monitor.
- Neurologic issues or seizures? → NexGard/NexGard PLUS = ⚠️ Use only with vet guidance.
- Puppy under 8 weeks? → Heartgard or Heartgard Plus (starts at 6 weeks).
- Breeding or pregnant dogs? → Stick with Heartgard Plus (vet-tested and approved).
- Multi-pet household with risk of exposure? → NexGard PLUS offers broadest protection.
📋 Side Effects Snapshot: What to Watch For
| Product | Common Side Effects | Notable Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| Heartgard | Rare GI/neuro issues | Heartworm test first |
| Heartgard Plus | Vomiting, diarrhea, ataxia (rare) | Collie sensitivity, pyrantel drug interactions |
| NexGard | Vomiting, lethargy, neuro signs | Use caution in seizure-prone dogs |
| NexGard PLUS | Same as NexGard + GI upset | Unclear pregnancy safety; safe in MDR1 dogs |
📦 Can I Mix and Match?
Yes, with your vet’s guidance.
- Heartgard Plus + NexGard = Internal + External coverage (2 chews)
- NexGard PLUS = All-in-One (1 chew)
- Avoid combining products with overlapping ingredients unless specifically advised.
FAQs
💬 COMMENT: “Can I switch from Heartgard Plus to NexGard PLUS without a gap?”
Absolutely—but only after veterinary approval. Here’s why: both products contain heartworm preventives, but use different active ingredients. Heartgard Plus contains ivermectin, while NexGard PLUS uses moxidectin. Though both belong to the macrocyclic lactone class, their pharmacokinetics differ slightly, and switching without guidance could affect your dog’s protective window.
Your vet will likely recommend:
- Administering the last dose of Heartgard Plus
- Starting NexGard PLUS exactly 30 days later
- Running a heartworm test if any doses were missed during the transition
📌 Summary Table: Switching Timeline Guide
| Action Step | Reason | 🧠 Expert Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Last Heartgard Plus Dose | Ends ivermectin cycle | Ensure full absorption before switching |
| Wait 30 days | Prevent overlap/gap | Aligns with parasite life cycle |
| Start NexGard PLUS | Begins broad protection | Schedule reminders for new regimen |
| Monitor closely | Watch for reactions | Keep notes for your vet 📝 |
💬 COMMENT: “Is it safe to give NexGard to dogs prone to seizures?”
Proceed with caution. NexGard (afoxolaner) belongs to the isoxazoline class, which has been associated with neurological adverse reactions in rare cases—especially in dogs with a prior history of seizures, tremors, or ataxia. While many seizure-prone dogs take NexGard without incident, the FDA has issued a class-wide advisory noting potential neurologic effects.
For these dogs, veterinarians might consider:
- Alternative flea/tick options with different drug classes
- Splitting parasite control into separate medications (e.g., Heartgard Plus + topical tick repellent)
- More frequent check-ins post-administration to monitor signs of CNS sensitivity
🧠 Neuro-Sensitive Dogs & NexGard Risk Chart
| Risk Factor | NexGard Suitability | 🩺 Vet Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| No neuro history | ✅ Generally safe | Monitor as usual |
| One past seizure | ⚠️ Use only with vet oversight | Consider alternatives |
| Active neuro disorder | ❌ Often avoided | Use different tick protection |
| MDR1 gene mutation | ✅ Safe | Tested and tolerated in NexGard PLUS |
💬 COMMENT: “What’s the difference between pyrantel and moxidectin?”
Both are anthelmintics, but they target parasites differently and offer distinct spectrums of action.
- Pyrantel pamoate is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker, specifically effective against intestinal nematodes like roundworms and hookworms. It causes sustained muscle contractions in worms, paralyzing them and allowing expulsion via the gastrointestinal tract.
- Moxidectin, on the other hand, is a systemically absorbed macrocyclic lactone. It not only prevents heartworm disease but also works inside tissues and blood, eliminating tissue-stage larvae and immature forms of intestinal parasites, making it effective even before worms reach the gut.
🧬 Mode of Action: Pyrantel vs. Moxidectin
| Property | Pyrantel Pamoate 💛 | Moxidectin 💙 |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | Tetrahydropyrimidine | Macrocyclic Lactone |
| Absorption | Poor (GI-focused) | Systemic |
| Targets | GI worms (round, hook) | Heartworm larvae, tissue-stage hookworms |
| Use in Puppies | Safe, widely used | Safe ≥8 weeks (with weight threshold) |
| Extra Benefits | Fast expulsion of GI worms | Prolonged tissue activity, longer residual effect |
💡 Clinical Insight: Moxidectin’s systemic reach makes it especially useful in pre-patent hookworm infections—before eggs appear in feces. Pyrantel alone can’t reach these stages.
💬 COMMENT: “Can I just use NexGard if my dog doesn’t have worms?”
That depends on your parasite risk exposure. NexGard covers fleas and ticks—not heartworm, roundworm, or hookworm. Even if your dog isn’t showing signs of worms now, exposure could occur without visible symptoms, especially with hookworms, which can infect via soil contact or skin penetration.
If you’re using only NexGard, then your dog still needs:
- A separate heartworm preventive (e.g., Heartgard or Heartgard Plus)
- Fecal testing at least twice a year to catch intestinal parasites early
🚫 Incomplete Protection Warning
| Risk | Covered by NexGard? | Add-On Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Fleas | ✅ | ❌ |
| Ticks | ✅ | ❌ |
| Heartworms | ❌ | ✔️ Heartgard or similar |
| Roundworms/Hookworms | ❌ | ✔️ Pyrantel-based dewormer |
| Mange Mites | ✅ (off-label) | ❌ |
🧠 Insight: Many owners assume NexGard is all-in-one—it’s not. Without heartworm prevention, your dog remains at high risk for Dirofilaria immitis, especially in warm, humid climates.
💬 COMMENT: “Why do all these meds require a prescription?”
It’s not about marketing—it’s about risk management. These are powerful, systemic medications with potential side effects, contraindications, and breed-specific sensitivities. Giving a heartworm preventive to a dog already infected can cause dangerous reactions due to the sudden die-off of microfilariae.
Also, some combinations—like pyrantel with organophosphates—can cause toxic interactions. Isoxazolines (in NexGard) may trigger seizures in predisposed dogs, and certain breeds like Collies are genetically sensitive to macrocyclic lactones like ivermectin.
🧪 Prescription-Only Justifications
| Medication | Why It’s Rx Only 🔒 | Safety Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Ivermectin | Risk in MDR1 dogs, adult HW infection danger | ✅ Vet must screen/test |
| Pyrantel | Interactions with deworming protocols | ✅ Dosage precision needed |
| Afoxolaner | Neurologic warnings | ⚠️ Vet must assess seizure history |
| Moxidectin | Long half-life, systemic activity | ✅ Breed/genetic screening important |
💡 Pro Insight: The vet prescription isn’t just a formality—it’s a risk barrier. It ensures your dog is healthy enough to tolerate these medications and gets exactly the right formula.
💬 COMMENT: “Why not just use natural parasite remedies instead?”
While natural supplements like diatomaceous earth, garlic (used cautiously), black walnut, and neem oil are often promoted in holistic circles, they lack robust clinical evidence and do not kill heartworm larvae—a critical gap.
Heartworm disease is life-threatening and can only be prevented with FDA-approved medications like ivermectin or moxidectin. Relying solely on natural products for heartworm prevention can result in silent infection and irreversible organ damage.
🌿 Natural vs. Pharmaceutical Control
| Metric | Natural Remedies 🌿 | Rx Medications 💊 |
|---|---|---|
| Flea Repellency | Mild to moderate | ✅ Effective kill rate |
| Tick Protection | Variable | ✅ Proven efficacy |
| Heartworm Prevention | ❌ Not effective | ✅ FDA-approved prevention |
| Scientific Validation | Limited | Extensive trials |
| Ideal Use Case | Minor support | Core protection strategy |
🧠 Takeaway: Think of natural methods as supportive care, not substitutes. Use them to enhance comfort, not replace core parasite protection.
💬 COMMENT: “Is NexGard or NexGard PLUS better for Lyme disease prevention?”
Both products contain afoxolaner, the active ingredient responsible for killing black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis)—the primary vector of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. The critical distinction is that NexGard PLUS adds internal parasite protection (heartworm, roundworm, and hookworm) but does not change the tick-killing efficacy of the afoxolaner component.
From a Lyme disease standpoint, NexGard and NexGard PLUS are equally effective, provided they are administered monthly, year-round. Protection hinges not only on the chemical kill but also on speed—afoxolaner eliminates ticks before they can transmit the Lyme pathogen, which typically requires 24–48 hours of attachment.
🦠 Lyme Disease Prevention Breakdown
| Feature | NexGard 🐞 | NexGard PLUS 🛡️ |
|---|---|---|
| Tick Coverage | ✅ 4 major species | ✅ Same |
| Lyme Prevention (via tick kill) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Additional Internal Protection | ❌ None | ✅ Heartworm, GI worms |
| Ideal Candidate | Dogs in tick-endemic zones | Dogs needing full-spectrum protection |
💡 Expert Tip: For Lyme-prone areas like the Northeast U.S., Upper Midwest, and Pacific Northwest, monthly tick prevention with either NexGard or NexGard PLUS is non-negotiable—especially for dogs that roam wooded or grassy environments.
💬 COMMENT: “How long do these medications stay in a dog’s system?”
Each active ingredient has a distinct pharmacokinetic profile. Knowing how long a drug remains effective helps determine re-dosing intervals, missed dose windows, and safety margins.
- Ivermectin (Heartgard): Detectable for up to 30 days, although blood concentrations decline rapidly after initial absorption. It works preventively, targeting heartworm larvae from the previous month’s exposure.
- Pyrantel: Acts acutely within the GI tract, with no residual effect—it clears roundworms and hookworms present at the time of dosing but offers no future protection.
- Afoxolaner (NexGard): Maintains consistent blood levels for approximately 30 days, providing continuous flea and tick kill until the next dose.
- Moxidectin (NexGard PLUS): Long half-life and sustained systemic presence—up to 30 days of heartworm prevention with a single dose due to slow tissue distribution and elimination.
⏳ Medication Duration Overview
| Ingredient | Effective Duration | Action Type | Metabolic Behavior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ivermectin | ~30 days | Preventive (heartworm larvae) | Rapid absorption, fast decline |
| Pyrantel | Hours | Deworming (GI only) | Local, no systemic activity |
| Afoxolaner | ~30 days | Continuous kill (fleas/ticks) | Lipophilic, stored in fat |
| Moxidectin | ~30 days | Preventive + tissue parasite control | Long half-life, slow clearance |
💡 Insight: Skipping or delaying doses, especially for moxidectin or afoxolaner, risks loss of full protection due to parasite exposure windows. Always set a recurring monthly reminder for dosing.
💬 COMMENT: “Can I give Heartgard and NexGard on the same day?”
Yes, this combination is both safe and common. In fact, many veterinarians recommend administering Heartgard Plus (internal) and NexGard (external) on the same day each month to simplify your schedule and maintain consistent parasite coverage.
There is no known pharmacological interaction between ivermectin/pyrantel (Heartgard Plus) and afoxolaner (NexGard). Their mechanisms of action and metabolism are distinct and complementary:
- Heartgard Plus: Acts primarily within the intestines and bloodstream
- NexGard: Absorbed into the bloodstream and stored in body fat for slow release
Giving them together does not alter their absorption rates, effectiveness, or elimination. For multi-pet households, syncing schedules reduces the risk of missed or doubled doses.
🗓️ Same-Day Combo Cheat Sheet
| Product | Target | Method | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heartgard Plus 💊 | Heartworms, GI worms | Internal, oral chew | Once monthly |
| NexGard 🐞 | Fleas, Ticks | Internal, oral chew | Same day, monthly |
| Interaction Risk | ✅ None | N/A | ✅ Compatible |
💡 Admin Tip: Administer both chews after a meal to minimize mild GI upset, especially in dogs with sensitive stomachs.
💬 COMMENT: “Why do some dogs throw up after taking these meds?”
Gastrointestinal upset is one of the most frequently reported side effects for all the medications discussed—though still considered relatively uncommon. Causes vary depending on the ingredient, timing, and the dog’s health status.
- Afoxolaner (NexGard/NexGard PLUS): Vomiting may occur due to initial peak blood levels, especially if taken on an empty stomach. The compound is lipophilic, and higher fat meals can sometimes increase absorption, leading to transient nausea.
- Pyrantel (Heartgard Plus/NexGard PLUS): Known for causing mild vomiting or diarrhea, particularly in puppies or dogs with existing GI sensitivity. It directly irritates the intestinal tract of worms, which may cause short-term discomfort.
- Moxidectin: Less commonly causes vomiting, but combined with other ingredients, can occasionally contribute to nausea or hypersalivation.
🐶 Common Vomiting Triggers by Drug
| Drug | Cause of Vomiting | Preventive Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Afoxolaner | Peak plasma levels | Give with food |
| Pyrantel | GI irritation (worms dying) | Offer after meal; monitor stools |
| Moxidectin | Rare, but possible | Hydrate well; give with meal |
| Ivermectin | Rare, unless overdosed | Weight-based dosing is key |
💡 Management Tip: If vomiting occurs within 2 hours, re-dose is generally advised. But always check with your vet first—some cases may not require another chew if partial absorption occurred.
💬 COMMENT: “Do I need to deworm if I’m already using Heartgard Plus?”
Heartgard Plus does deworm, but it’s target-specific and works only for certain species of roundworms and hookworms. It’s highly effective for:
- Toxocara canis
- Toxascaris leonina
- Ancylostoma caninum
- Uncinaria stenocephala
- Ancylostoma braziliense
However, if your dog has exposure to other types of parasites, such as:
- Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis)
- Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum or Taenia spp.)
- Coccidia or Giardia (protozoa)
Then you’ll need a separate deworming protocol or an additional medication like fenbendazole, praziquantel, or metronidazole, depending on the parasite.
🧫 Deworming Gaps with Heartgard Plus
| Parasite | Covered? | Additional Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Roundworms | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Hookworms | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Whipworms | ❌ No | ✔️ Yes (e.g., fenbendazole) |
| Tapeworms | ❌ No | ✔️ Yes (e.g., praziquantel) |
| Protozoa (e.g., Giardia) | ❌ No | ✔️ Yes (e.g., metronidazole) |
💡 Fecal Testing Advice: Even on monthly preventives, semi-annual fecal exams are recommended to identify non-covered or resistant strains—particularly in dogs that frequent parks, daycare, or rural areas.
💬 COMMENT: “Does my dog need flea and tick protection in the winter?”
Absolutely—year-round protection is essential. The misconception that cold weather eliminates parasites is one of the most common and dangerous assumptions in pet care. Fleas and ticks can survive well into winter months, particularly in urban microclimates, heated homes, and densely wooded areas where temperature rarely drops low enough to eliminate them.
Ticks like Ixodes scapularis (the black-legged tick) remain active in temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C) and often emerge on warm winter days, especially in leaf litter or brush. Fleas, meanwhile, continue their life cycle indoors, hiding in bedding, carpets, and floorboards—infesting pets and homes long after outdoor exposure ends.
🌡️ Seasonal Parasite Risk Snapshot
| Parasite | Survives Indoors? 🏠 | Active in Winter Outdoors? ❄️ | Year-Round Threat? ⚠️ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fleas | ✅ Yes | 🚫 Not outdoors | ✅ Definitely |
| Ticks | 🚫 No | ✅ Yes (in mild climates) | ✅ Absolutely |
| Heartworms | 🚫 No | ✅ Via mosquito in some regions | ✅ In warm areas |
💡 Regional Reminder: If you live in southern U.S. states, coastal zones, or temperate forest regions, fleas and ticks may be year-round problems. Consistent monthly dosing with a product like NexGard or NexGard PLUS is your best defense.
💬 COMMENT: “What’s the difference between NexGard and Simparica TRIO?”
While both are oral chewables that control fleas and ticks, Simparica TRIO expands its protection by also preventing heartworm disease and intestinal worms, similar to NexGard PLUS. However, they differ in active ingredients, coverage spectrum, and tolerability.
- NexGard uses afoxolaner, while Simparica TRIO uses sarolaner, both from the isoxazoline class targeting GABA-gated chloride channels in parasites.
- Simparica TRIO also includes moxidectin (for heartworm prevention) and pyrantel (for intestinal parasites), making it a three-in-one product.
- NexGard is only for fleas and ticks, whereas NexGard PLUS adds internal protection—making it a more direct comparison to Simparica TRIO.
🧪 NexGard vs. Simparica TRIO Comparison
| Feature | NexGard 🐜 | Simparica TRIO 🧪 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Tick Agent | Afoxolaner | Sarolaner |
| Heartworm Prevention | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Intestinal Worms | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (hookworms & roundworms) |
| Lyme Prevention (via tick kill) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Seizure Risk in Sensitive Dogs | ⚠️ Caution | ⚠️ Caution |
| Puppies (Minimum Age/Weight) | 8 weeks / 4 lbs | 8 weeks / 2.8 lbs |
💡 Clinical Insight: If your dog needs broad-spectrum parasite control and you’re looking for a single chewable, both NexGard PLUS and Simparica TRIO are viable—formulated differently, but targeting similar parasite profiles.
💬 COMMENT: “What if I miss a monthly dose by a few days?”
Missing a dose creates a vulnerability gap—especially for heartworm prevention, which relies on killing larvae from the previous month’s exposure. Even a delay of 3–5 days may allow larvae to mature, reducing the drug’s ability to prevent adult heartworm development.
For flea/tick products like NexGard, a few missed days may reduce kill efficacy, but won’t necessarily allow re-infestation if the environment is clean. However, for moxidectin-based products like NexGard PLUS, missed doses compromise both heartworm and intestinal worm control.
🕒 Missed Dose Action Plan
| Time Lapse Since Missed Dose | Action | Vet Notification Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| <3 days | Give dose immediately | ❌ Not required |
| 3–15 days | Give dose ASAP, restart monthly schedule | ✅ Yes, for heartworm check-up |
| >30 days | Re-test for heartworm before resuming | ✅ Strongly recommended |
💡 Rule of Thumb: Set calendar alerts, use reminder apps, or pair monthly dosing with a specific day (e.g., the 1st of every month). Consistency is key—especially when it comes to heartworm and tick-borne illnesses.
💬 COMMENT: “How does NexGard kill ticks so fast?”
Afoxolaner, the active agent in NexGard and NexGard PLUS, is a systemic insecticide from the isoxazoline class. Once ingested, it’s absorbed into the bloodstream and stored in body fat, creating a reservoir effect. When a tick bites, it ingests the afoxolaner-laced blood, which overloads its nervous system by blocking GABA-gated chloride channels, leading to paralysis and death within hours.
What makes NexGard exceptionally fast-acting is its ability to:
- Start killing fleas within 4 hours
- Kill ticks within 8–12 hours of attachment
- Maintain lethal concentrations for 30 days
This rapid action is essential because Lyme disease transmission requires 24–48 hours of tick feeding—which NexGard disrupts well before this window closes.
⚡ Tick Kill Timing: NexGard Performance
| Parasite | Kill Onset Time ⏱️ | Duration of Efficacy 📅 |
|---|---|---|
| Fleas | 4–6 hours | 30 days |
| Ticks (all 4 species) | 8–12 hours | 30 days |
| Lyme Vector Interruption | ✅ Yes | ✅ Ongoing monthly |
💡 Action Insight: Always administer on time—gaps in coverage can allow new ticks to attach and potentially transmit disease.
💬 COMMENT: “Is there a reason my vet prefers NexGard over topical treatments?”
Oral treatments like NexGard (and NexGard PLUS) offer several clinical and practical advantages over topical spot-ons:
- No bathing or swimming restrictions—topicals can wash off or reduce in potency when exposed to water.
- Improved owner compliance—many dogs resist topical application or lick off the product shortly after.
- Uniform systemic distribution—chewables like NexGard circulate through the bloodstream, ensuring consistent kill across the entire body, including hard-to-reach areas.
- Lower risk of environmental exposure—topicals can transfer to people, especially children, immediately after application.
🧴 Topical vs. Oral Flea/Tick Treatments
| Feature | Topical (e.g., Frontline) | Oral (e.g., NexGard) |
|---|---|---|
| Water Resistant | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Fully resistant |
| Application Ease | 🧴 Messy or stressful | ✅ Palatable chew |
| Consistency | Spot-limited | Full-body via blood |
| Environmental Transfer | ✅ Yes (skin contact) | ❌ None |
| Monthly Compliance | Medium (owners forget or delay) | ✅ High (chew = treat) |
💡 Owner Experience Insight: Studies show higher adherence rates with oral chews than topicals. Simply put, dogs think it’s a treat—you think it’s protection. Everyone wins.
