NexGard

NexGard and NexGard Spectra are prescription-only flea and worm treatments for dogs manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim that treat and protect your pet from parasites for up to 4 weeks. NexGard Spectra chews for dogs are a palatable solution to parasite infestations with easy administration.

Nexgard for dogs are chewable tablets used to treat flea and tick infestations, whereas Nexgard Spectra Chews also prevent lungworm and heartworm as well as treat gastrointestinal worm infestations, such as roundworms.

The active ingredient in a NexGard flea treatment for dogs is Afoxolaner, a pet-safe insecticide that, once ingested, spreads throughout your dog's body to effectively kill fleas on your pet within 8 hours and ticks within 48 hours. They work by overstimulating the parasite's central nervous system, which ultimately results in the death of the parasite.

As Afoxolaner needs to be ingested by parasites, fleas and ticks do need to bite your pet before the flea and tick preventives take effect.

As well as Afoxolaner, NexGard Spectra also uses the active ingredient Milbemycin Oxime, which kills internal parasites by disrupting the nerve transmissions within the parasite, ultimately leading to the death of the worm.

NexGard Combo for cats is a broad-spectrum flea and worm treatment for cats that kills fleas, ticks, ear mites, roundworms and tapeworms in cats. This product is a spot-on solution that offers your cat protection from parasites for up to four weeks.

Nexgard for cats uses active ingredients, Esafoxolaner, Eprinomectin and Praziquantel. Esafoxolaner workers to kill fleas, ticks and other external parasites living in or on your cat's skin and fur by interfering with signals passed in the parasite's nerve cells, ultimately resulting in death. This substance kills fleas within 24 hours of administration and ticks within 48 while also preventing flea egg production, effectively breaking the flea lifecycle before infesting your home.

The other active substances, Praziquantel and eprinomectin, kill any parasites living inside your cat by damaging the cell membrane of worms, or interfering with the nerve and muscle cells, leading to paralysis and death of tapeworms and roundworms.

Please note, as both Nexgard for dogs and Nexgard for cats contain different active substances, these products should never be used on any animal other than that specified on the packaging.

As with any prescription medicine, there are some possible side effects related to using NexGard treatments on your pet. These side effects are detailed in the products data sheet and will be discussed with you by your vet at the time of prescription. They are also uncommon in most pets, but you may notice:

NexGard and NexGard Spectra side effects for dogs:

• - Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
• - Lethargy
• - Lack of appetite
• - Itching

NexGard Combo Spot-On for Cats:

• - Excessive salivation
• - Skin reactions at the application site
• - Loss of appetite
• - Vomiting and/or diarrhoea

All of the above-mentioned adverse effects typically occur shortly after application and are mostly mild and short-term. If you are ever worried about your pet's reaction to a medication, speak with your vet for further advice.

All NexGard products are prescription-only medicine that can only be purchased using your vet's valid, in-date prescription. You can learn more about ordering a prescription medicine for your pet from Pet Drugs Online on our pet prescription information page. For your pet's safety, always be wary of any organisation offering to sell NexGard or any other prescription-only veterinary medicines without a prescription.

Please note, while we have an onsite vet to oversee the sales of prescription medicines, we do not offer veterinary consultations or advice.