Parasitic infections pose a recurring nuisance for pet owners, and dealing with them can be pretty challenging. Seasoned pet caregivers are well aware of the frustration of these persistent issues.
While the market offers numerous options in topical and oral treatments, choosing the one that best suits your pet's preferences is essential. If your furry friend is not a fan of topical treatments and tends to be fidgety, opting for chewable tablets is smart. These tablets come in delectable flavors and are mess-free, eliminating the need to chase your pet for application and keeping your kids worry-free about touching their beloved companion.
Two popular choices in the market for combating parasites are Nexgard and Nexgard Spectra, known for their high effectiveness. However, many pet owners need help deciding between the two. If you're facing the same dilemma, this article will outline the distinct functionalities of these two chewable tablets to help you make an informed choice.
Nexgard Chewables
Nexgard is a flavorful beef treat produced by the well-respected manufacturer Merial. This chewable delight provides rapid and effective relief for dogs suffering from tick and flea infestations. Its active ingredient, Afoxolaner, exhibits a remarkable mechanism of action, targeting the parasites' nervous systems and inducing hyperexcitation, ultimately resulting in their demise.
Nexgard's impressive efficacy extends beyond just flea control; it also excels at exterminating three specific tick species: the Black Legged Deer Tick, the American Dog Tick, and the Lone Star Tick. In addition to quelling flea activity, Nexgard works its magic on these ticks, employing the exact mechanism to ensure your furry companion remains protected from these troublesome parasites.
Nexgard Spectra
Nexgard Spectra represents a remarkable advancement over its predecessor, Nexgard. Despite sharing the same administration method and duration of protection, Nexgard Spectra offers a more comprehensive spectrum of treatment. While Nexgard is primarily geared toward combatting fleas and ticks, Nexgard Spectra goes above and beyond, effectively eradicating fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms from your pet's system. Furthermore, it provides a crucial safeguard against heartworm infection when administered consistently.
This expanded range of treatment is made possible by including two potent active ingredients instead of just one. Afoxolaner and Milbemycin Oxime work in tandem within Nexgard Spectra. Afoxolaner takes charge of exterminating ectoparasites like fleas and ticks, while Milbemycin Oxime diligently targets endoparasites, ensuring your furry companion receives comprehensive protection against a wide array of parasites.
Comparison Between Nexgard Chewables And Nexgard Spectra
Nexgard and Nexgard Spectra are from the same manufacturer, Merial, and there is some difference. So let's have a look at them.
Nexgard and Nexgard Spectra come in flavored chewables and must be administered monthly. They kill adult ticks, which may carry deadly diseases, and control flea infestations by killing adult fleas before they lay eggs.
Nexgard Spectra has extra active ingredient Milbemycin Oxime. This protects your pet from hookworms, whipworms, and roundworms and prevents heartworm development.
Nexgard and Nexgard Spectra are safe for puppies and dogs from the age of eight weeks, and there is no requirement for minimum body weight. However, please ensure you weigh your pet before starting treatment.
Please choose the correct size according to your pet's body weight.
You can use our comparison chart for the most popular flea and tick products.
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Kills Fleas
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Repels Fleas
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Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae
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Kills newly emerged fleas before they can lay eggs
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Kills newly emerged fleas before they can lay eggs
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Kills Ticks
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Repels Ticks
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Kills and/or Repels Mosquitoes
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Prevents Heartworm
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Prevents Roundworms
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Prevents Hookworms
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Prevents Whipworms
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Other Parasites
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Safe for Pregnant or Nursing Pets
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When does it starts working
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Kills 100% of fleas within 24 hours
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Kills fleas within 6 to 8 hours
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Application
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Beef-flavored chewable
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Beef-flavored chewable
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Active Ingredient(s)
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Dosage
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Monthly
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Monthly
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The Bottom Line
Having delved into the details of both Nexgard and Nexgard Spectra, you are now equipped with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision between the two.
To recap briefly, Nexgard Spectra offers added protection against heartworms and intestinal worms due to the inclusion of milbemycin oxime as an additional component. However, if your primary concern revolves around fleas, ticks, and mites, either of these products will prove equally effective.
As a precautionary measure, it is advisable to seek guidance from a vet before administering any oral or topical treatments to your beloved pet. Your vet can provide recommendations to ensure your furry companion's optimal health and well-being.
