NexGard and Heartgard Plus Together for Dogs: Safe or Risky?

“Can you give NexGard and Heartgard Plus together, or are you unknowingly putting your dog at risk?” has been the most debatable topic in pet healthcare in the last few years. With chaotic threads online and pet parents divided, considering the right prevention treatments can feel like rolling a dice. So, what’s the truth?

It is high time we separate facts from panic, so we are putting an end to this debate, once and for all, with this blog post. Read on to find out if it is safe to use NexGard and Heartgard Plus together for dogs or not and things to keep in mind if you are planning to do so.

Let’s break it down, fact by fact:

Why the NexGard and Heartgard Plus Combination?

Dogs are vulnerable to various types of parasites, including fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms. Not all treatments cover all of these parasites, and therefore, the two trusted names, NexGard and Heartgard Plus, are often taken together. This combination works well to cover the most common dog parasites.

• NexGard – Covers external parasites – Protects against fleas and ticks
• Heartgard Plus – Covers internal parasites – Protects against heartworms and intestinal worms

Both treatments cover completely different parasites, contain different ingredients, and work differently, and are therefore considered together to leverage broader antiparasitic coverage for dogs.

NexGard vs. Heartgard Plus – A Quick Comparison

What is NexGard?

• Treatment type: Oral chewable flea & tick preventative
• Active ingredient: Afoxolaner
• How it works: Kills fleas and ticks after they bite
• Dosing: Once a month

What is HeartGard Plus?

• Treatment type: Oral heartworm preventative
• Active ingredients: Ivermectin, Pyrantel
• How it works: Treats and controls roundworms and hookworms, and prevents heartworm larvae from developing into adults
• Dosing: Once a month

Is it Safe to Give NexGard and Heartgard Plus Together?

Yes, for the majority of dogs, it is generally considered safe to administer NexGard and Heartgard Plus together. This combination is routinely prescribed by veterinarians around the world. Both treatments can perfectly work together to keep your dog safe from various external and internal parasites that may cause significant health issues. NexGard and Heartgard Plus work differently in a dog’s body. Moreover, there are no known contradictions of using afoxolaner and ivermectin together at correct doses.  

When are NexGard and Heartgard Plus Not Safe Together? 

While the combo of NexGard and Heartgard Plus is safe for most dogs, extra caution is crucial for dogs with a history of neurological disorders, dogs below weight or age minimums, and those with chronic health conditions or ongoing treatments. It may also not be safe for dogs sensitive to either treatment, dogs that are heartworm-positive, and breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs. This doesn’t mean using NexGard and Heartgard Plus together is “risky” for all dogs, but it means that personalised vet guidance is absolutely important before using any treatments for your dog.    

Why the Internet is So Divided About This Combo?

There is a lot of fear about giving the NexGard and HeartGard Plus combination to dogs. This is mostly because of the following:

Incomplete side effect stories

Dog parents often share real-life experiences of side effects of using the NexGard and Heartgard Plus combination online, but they rarely disclose other important factors that may have caused the side effects, such as the dog’s medical history, other treatments involved, dosage accuracy, and compliance with both treatments.

Ignoring potential risks

NexGard comes with a seizure warning, as it contains afoxolaner, a drug belonging to the isoxazoline class. This class has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions like tremors, ataxia, and seizures. Most reported cases involve dogs already predisposed to neurological issues. Therefore, it is advisable to read product labels carefully before use.

The fear of “combination” itself

Giving multiple treatments together doesn’t automatically mean more danger. Some people associate multiple treatments with fear, but what actually matters includes active ingredients, dosage strengths, drug interactions, individual dog health, the medical history of the dog, and a lot more.

How to Give NexGard and Heartgard Plus Together Safely?

Here are a few things to keep in mind while giving the NexGard and Heartgard Plus combination to your dog:

• NexGard and Heartgard Plus can be given on the same day; however, you can choose to space them a few days apart for your peace of mind.
• Always check your dog’s current weight and select the appropriate dosage strength accurately for optimum efficiency.
• Monitor your dog for 24 hours after giving both or any of these treatments. In case you notice any side effects, speak to your vet immediately.

What Happens If You Skip One (Or Both)?

Skipping your dog’s flea, tick, or worm prevention can put your dog in real danger. Fleas can cause itching, irritation, and allergies, whereas ticks can transmit dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis. Heartworm disease isn’t just expensive to treat, but it can also lead to life-threatening consequences. Worms can cause gastrointestinal troubles for your pets.

Always administer your pet’s parasite prevention treatments on time. In case you skip a dose, resume the treatment by giving one immediately after consulting your vet. Your vet may even advise getting your dog tested for heartworms, depending on the gap, as neither of the products is indicated for the treatment of adult heartworms. Whether you are giving NexGard or Heartgard Plus or both, compliance is of utmost importance to save your dog from the threats posed by these parasites.

Final Words of Advice

Giving Heartgard Plus and NexGard together is a general veterinary practice for most dogs and not an experimental choice. Millions of dogs receive Heartgard Plus and NexGard doses every month, and they haven’t proven to be unsafe for them when used as directed.

So, before you make a decision based on online misinformation and panic, understand the risks of using this combination together and consult a veterinarian to evaluate all the safety aspects for your dog’s individual health status to ensure you’re giving the right antiparasitic treatments for your dog.

If you do not want to use separate products, explore convenient all-in-one flea, tick, and worming treatments like NexGard Spectra and Simparica Trio. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is it safe to give NexGard and Heartgard Plus on the same day?

Yes, you can give NexGard and Heartgard Plus together to your dog at the same time on the same day. giving NexGard and Heartgard Plus together to your dog, you can safeguard them from fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, and heartworms.

Q. Are there any side effects of using NexGard and Heartgard Plus together?

It is generally considered safe to combine both products. However, as with any other products or product combinations, side effects may occur rarely. Always monitor your dog after giving antiparasitic treatments and consult a vet immediately if you notice any side effects.  

Q. Does NexGard protect against heartworms?

No, NexGard does not protect dogs against heartworms. It is a flea and tick prevention treatment.