Afoxolaner

January 21, 2023

Common brand names

Single Ingredient

Nexgard Chews For Dogs

Combined Ingredients

Nexgard Spectra For Dogs (with Milbemycin Oxime)

No generic products are available.

Use of Afoxolaner

Afoxolaner is an ectoparasiticide that uses for the treatment of fleas and ticks. The ticks differ from region to region.

EU: castor bean ticks (Ixodes ricinus), brown dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), and Marsh ticks (Dermacentorreticulatus).

USA: black-legged/deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis), American dog ticks (Dermacentorvariabilis), brown dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), Lone star ticks (Amblyommaamericanum).

AUS: bush ticks (Haemaphysalislongicornis), Paralysis ticks (Ixodes holocyclus), brown dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus).

Method of application

Afoxolaner for dogs comes in flavored chew and needs to administer orally.

Dosage and administration

Afoxolaner is available in chewable form depending on the brand, for example, Nexgard. The recommended dosage and frequency of administration will depend on the product and the dog's weight. The dosage is based on the dog's weight, and it is important to use the correct dosage for the dog's weight. It is essential to follow the instructions on the product label and consult a veterinarian before administering the medication to your dog.

For example, Nexgard is available in four different strengths (based on the dog's weight) and is given once a month. The dosage is as follows:

It is important to note that these are just examples; dosage and administration may vary depending on the brand and product. Consult with a veterinarian for the best treatment for your dog.

Possible side effects

Afoxolaner, like all medications, can cause side effects in some dogs. The most common side effects are mild and temporary and may include the following:

Redness or itching at the site of the application
Diarrhea or vomiting
Loss of appetite
Lethargy or drowsiness

These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days. However, if you notice any severe side effects or if the side effects persist, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

In rare cases, more severe side effects have been reported, such as:

Seizures
Allergic reactions (such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, tongue, throat, or lips)
Blood disorders (such as anemia or clotting problems)

You should seek immediate veterinary attention if you notice any of these signs.

It's also important to note that, as with all medications, some dogs may be more sensitive to Afoxolaner and experience more severe side effects, so it's important to monitor your dog closely after administering the medication and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Precautions

When using Afoxolaner, a few precautions should be taken to ensure the safe and effective use of the medication.

The first is to follow the product label instructions and consult a veterinarian before administering the medication to your dog. This will ensure that you are using the correct dosage and frequency of administration for your dog's weight and condition.
Afoxolaner should not be used in dogs with a known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of the excipients. It's important to tell your veterinarian if your dog has had any previous adverse reactions to parasiticides before administering Afoxolaner.
Afoxolaner should not be used in dogs younger than eight weeks of age.
Pregnant or lactating females should be treated cautiously, as safety in pregnant and lactating bitches has not been established.
As with all medications, it's essential to store Afoxolaner out of reach of children and pets.
Care should be taken not to administer the product at a dosage exceeding the recommended one to avoid overdose.
It is essential to check with your veterinarian if your dog is on any other medications or supplements, as Afoxolaner may interact with other drugs and cause adverse reactions.

Following these precautions can help ensure that Afoxolaner is used safely and effectively to protect your dog from fleas and ticks.

Signs of toxicity

If you doubt your dog has overdosed with Afoxolaner, please get in touch with your vet immediately.

Afoxolaner treatment toxicity consists of symptomatic and supportive measures.

Storage

Always store at room temperature (below 30°C/86°F).

Disclaimer

This information is provided for general reference only and is not intended to replace the packaging label or veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian to ensure the supplied information applies to your pet. In addition, this page may not include all side effects, uses, brand names, or applications.