NexGard Plus vs NexGard Spectra: Which One Is Right for Your Dog?

Introduction

When it comes to protecting your dog from parasites, two names often come up: NexGard Plus and NexGard Spectra. Veterinarians and pet parents worldwide trust both. But how do you choose between them? While both offer strong protection against fleas and ticks, significant differences exist in their target parasites and how they work.

This guide breaks down the differences between NexGard Plus and NexGard Spectra to help you decide which treatment best suits your dog’s needs.

What is NexGard Plus?

NexGard Plus is a broad-spectrum monthly chewable tablet designed to protect dogs from ticks, fleas, heartworms, and intestinal worms. It’s one of the newest additions to the NexGard family and is FDA-approved for dog use.

Active Ingredients:

Protection Coverage:

What is NexGard Spectra?

NexGard Spectra is a comprehensive, all-in-one parasite protection chewable widely used in many countries outside the US. It’s known for its broad parasite coverage and convenience of use.

Active Ingredients:

Protection Coverage:

Key Differences Between NexGard Plus and NexGard Spectra

 

Kills Fleas

Repels Fleas

Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae

Kills newly emerged fleas before they can lay eggs

Kills newly emerged fleas before they can lay eggs

Kills Ticks

Repels Ticks

Kills and/or Repels Mosquitoes

Prevents Heartworm

Prevents Roundworms

Prevents Hookworms

Prevents Whipworms

Other Parasites

 

 

Safe for Pregnant or Nursing Pets

When does it start working

Kills fleas within 6 to 8 hours

Kills 100% of fleas within 24 hours

Application

Beef-flavored chewable

Beef-flavored chewable

Active Ingredient(s)

Afoxolaner, Milbemycin Oxime

Afoxolaner, Moxidectin, Pyrantel

Dosage

Monthly

Monthly

 

Which One Should You Choose?

The proper choice depends on your dog’s needs, location, and your vet’s recommendation.

Choose NexGard Plus if:

  • You want effective coverage for heartworms, fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms.
  • You prefer a trusted and newer formulation with FDA approval.

Choose NexGard Spectra if:

  • You want extended coverage, including whipworms and possibly mites.
  • You’re looking for an all-in-one monthly chewable with broad protection.

Safety and Side Effects

Both NexGard Plus and NexGard Spectra are generally well-tolerated in dogs. However, mild side effects may include:

Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new parasite protection, especially if your dog has pre-existing health issues.

Final Thoughts

NexGard Plus and NexGard Spectra are highly effective, convenient, and vet-recommended. NexGard Plus is the best option if you are in the US and want a safe, FDA-approved treatment. If you’re outside the US and want a wider range of parasite control (including whipworms and mites), NexGard Spectra might be more suitable.

Whatever option you choose, giving your dog monthly doses without skipping is essential for reliable protection against harmful parasites.

 

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Best Selling Combo

Best Selling Combo

Heartgard Nexgard Combo for Dogs Flea, Ticks & Heartworm Treatment

Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.8 / 5 from 1134 reviews.

Customer photo review of Custom Duty

Fast shipping great quality and price

Custom Duty

Customer photo review of Revolution Plus For Medium Cats 5.6-11 lbs (2.6-5kg)

Two sweet girlies decided to make our deck their home. Mosquitoes are a big problem where we live and we had to get them protected. This was the best bang for the buck. I’ve ordered from 79Pets several times and while delivery is not fast it is very consistent.

Revolution Plus For Medium Cats 5.6-11 lbs (2.6-5kg)

Store owner replied: Thank You Teresa!

Customer photo review of Nexgard Combo For Cats 5.5-16.5 lbs (2.5-7.5 kg)

As a retired veterinary technician I was extremely happy to finally see a flea and heartworm medication that actually does tapeworms too!!!!!!! This is a 1st to my knowledge....I live in a tropical climate where fleas never die so this is heaven sent.

Nexgard Combo For Cats 5.5-16.5 lbs (2.5-7.5 kg)

Store owner replied: Thank You Kimberly.

Customer photo review of Stronghold Teal For Dogs 44-88lbs (20-40kg)

Very happy with the price of Stronghold heart worm med for my dog. Seems to be working well.

Stronghold Teal For Dogs 44-88lbs (20-40kg)

Store owner replied: Thank You Dory!

Customer photo review of Simparica Trio For Dogs 22.1-44 lbs (10-20 kg)

My dog loves this product, never got any issue. Good price , deliver on time. We will definitely keep purchasing with 79 pets.com. Thanks!

Simparica Trio For Dogs 22.1-44 lbs (10-20 kg)

Store owner replied: Thank You Elle!

Customer photo review of NexGard Chew For Small Dogs 10-24lbs (4-10kg)

I have 3 of these little rascals so Michigan flea/tick season can be financially brutal! Thank you for keeping NexGard so affordable.

NexGard Chew For Small Dogs 10-24lbs (4-10kg)

Store owner replied: Thank You Elaine

Customer photo review of Nexgard Combo for Cats 5.5-16.5 lbs (2.5-7.5 kg)

After Seresto collars failed to get rid of fleas, I didn't know where to turn. I saw a post on a page I follow (Kentucky Kitty Cats) saying that they use Nexgard Combo for the cats they shelter. I decided to try it and IT WORKS!

Nexgard Combo for Cats 5.5-16.5 lbs (2.5-7.5 kg)

Store owner replied: Thanks Cari.. We are glad that you found treatment which works for your Cats..

Customer photo review of Revolution Plus For Large Cats 11.1-22lbs (5-10kg)

This is Lexi Marie! She was wondering why mom was so excited for buying flea medicine. I explained to her that we saved $100 and that she would understand some day when she grows up.

Revolution Plus For Large Cats 11.1-22lbs (5-10kg)

Store owner replied: Thanks Tammy!!

Customer photo review of Revolution Plus For Medium Cats 5.6-11 lbs (2.6-5kg)

Last year, I made a visit to the vet. I told them that Kattie/cat had ear mites. They gave me an ointment costing $80canadian. I used it up and purchased another bottle. $160. total not including the cost of the vet visit. No results. The ear mites have been there for a long time. Canadian vets have control of what is sold in Pet stores and you cannot purchase off the shelf products not recognized by them. I jumped at the chance to purchase your produce with a recommended 100% effectivity. I was willing to try, but was suspicions. After a month there was still a little scratching but after 6 weeks, the mites are gone and the scratching is gone. Thank you very much for this mite solution. I recommend it heartily. Harry P.S. Do not tell the Canadian vets as they will outlaw your product.

Revolution Plus For Medium Cats 5.6-11 lbs (2.6-5kg)

Store owner replied: Thanks Harry for review!!