Choosing an all-in-one parasite preventive can make monthly protection much simpler. Instead of giving separate products for fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal worms, many dog owners prefer one convenient chew.
This NexGard Plus vs Simparica Trio comparison explains what each product covers, how they differ, and what to discuss with your veterinarian before making a choice.
NexGard Plus vs Simparica Trio at a Glance
Both products are prescription monthly chews designed for dogs and puppies from eight weeks of age. They prevent heartworm disease, kill fleas, control several tick species, and treat common intestinal worms.
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Feature |
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Active ingredients |
Afoxolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel |
Sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel |
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Minimum age |
8 weeks |
8 weeks |
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Minimum weight |
4 lbs |
2.8 lbs |
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Dosing |
Once monthly |
Once monthly |
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Flea protection |
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Tick protection |
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Heartworm prevention |
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Roundworm and hookworm control |
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Flea tapeworm prevention claim |
No specific label indication |
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NexGard Plus is approved for dogs weighing at least 4 lbs, while Simparica Trio may be used in dogs weighing 2.8 lbs or more. Always use the correct tablet strength for your dog’s current weight.
What Is the Main Difference?
The biggest difference in NexGard Plus vs Simparica Trio is the ingredient responsible for killing fleas and ticks.
NexGard Plus contains afoxolaner, while Simparica Trio contains sarolaner. Both belong to the isoxazoline class of parasite medicines. The other two active ingredients are similar: moxidectin prevents heartworm disease, while pyrantel treats and controls certain roundworms and hookworms.
Both current US labels include protection against several important ticks, including:
- Black-legged ticks
- Brown dog ticks
- American dog ticks
- Lone star ticks
- Gulf Coast ticks
- Longhorned ticks
Both products are also indicated to help prevent Borrelia burgdorferi infection—the bacteria associated with Lyme disease—by killing infected black-legged ticks.
Does Simparica Trio Cover Tapeworms?
Simparica Trio received an additional FDA-approved indication for preventing Dipylidium caninum, commonly called flea tapeworm, by killing the fleas that transmit it. This does not mean it directly treats an existing tapeworm infection.
NexGard Plus does not currently carry the same US label indication. Dogs with an existing tapeworm infection may still require a separate treatment prescribed by a veterinarian.
Which Product Is Better for Small Puppies?
Simparica Trio may be an option for smaller puppies because its minimum approved weight is 2.8 lbs, compared with 4 lbs for NexGard Plus.
However, age and weight are not the only considerations. Your veterinarian may also consider your puppy’s health, parasite exposure, previous medications and heartworm-testing history before recommending either product.
Safety and Possible Side Effects
Both medicines contain an isoxazoline ingredient. This drug class has been associated with neurologic reactions such as tremors, poor coordination, and seizures, including in some dogs without a previous seizure history. Extra caution may be needed for dogs with neurological conditions.
Possible adverse reactions can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, itching, or reduced appetite. Contact your veterinarian if symptoms are severe, persistent, or unusual.
Dogs should be tested for an existing heartworm infection before beginning a heartworm preventive. The safe use of either product has not been fully evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or nursing dogs.
NexGard Plus vs Simparica Trio: Which Should You Choose?
Neither medicine is automatically better for every dog.
NexGard Plus may be suitable when:
- Your dog weighs at least 4 lbs.
- Your veterinarian recommends afoxolaner.
- Your dog has previously tolerated NexGard products well.
Simparica Trio may be suitable when:
- Your puppy weighs between 2.8 and 4 lbs.
- Flea-transmitted tapeworm prevention is a priority.
- Your veterinarian recommends sarolaner.
Cost, availability, and how willingly your dog accepts the chew may also affect your decision.
Final Verdict
The NexGard Plus vs Simparica Trio decision usually comes down to your dog’s weight, medical history, parasite risks, and response to the active ingredients. Both provide broad monthly protection against fleas, ticks, heartworm disease, roundworms and hookworms.
Before switching products, confirm the correct dose and timing with your veterinarian. When ordering from 79pets.com, select the exact product strength recommended for your dog’s current weight.
