Dogs of all breeds and ages are vulnerable to parasite infestations. The blood-sucking organisms like fleas, ticks, and worms live on or inside our dogs’ bodies, subjecting them to several vector-borne diseases. Therefore, as dog parents, it is crucial that we use effective parasite control treatments to keep these parasites at bay. In this blog, we will shed light on two popular treatments for dogs – NexGard for Dogs and NexGard Spectra for Dogs. We will also compare the key features of both products to help you choose the most suitable one for your dog.
Read on to find out more!
NexGard Chewables vs. NexGard Spectra – An Overview
NexGard Chewables
Offered in the form of beef-flavored chews, NexGard is indicated to kill adult fleas and treat and prevent flea infestations. It also helps control tick infestations caused by black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, Asian longhorned ticks, and brown dog ticks for one month. The treatment also helps prevent Lyme disease by directly killing black-legged ticks. It is designed to cater to dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age, weighing at least 4 lbs.
NexGard Spectra
NexGard Spectra comes in the form of oral tablets designed to rapidly kill fleas and prevent flea infestations. It also controls flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) and prevents flea tapeworm infestations. The product further treats and controls tick infestations caused by paralysis ticks and brown dog ticks. Additionally, it treats and controls mange and mites besides intestinal worms like roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. The treatment also prevents heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis.
NexGard Chewables and NexGard Spectra – Similarities and Differences
The following are the similarities and differences between NexGard Chewables and NexGard Spectra.
Similarities:
- NexGard and NexGard Spectra come in the form of highly palatable oral chews.
- Both products help eliminate adult fleas and treat and prevent flea infestations.
- Both of them treat and control tick infestations caused by brown dog ticks.
- Both NexGard and NexGard Spectra are suitable for dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age.
- Both treatments are designed for monthly administration.
Differences:
- NexGard Spectra prevents heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis. NexGard has no such claim.
- NexGard Spectra treats and controls intestinal worms like roundworms, hookworms and whipworms. However, NexGard doesn’t protect against these parasites.
- Apart from brown dog ticks, NexGard also treats and controls black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, and Asian longhorned ticks. But, NexGard Spectra is only effective against brown dog ticks and paralysis ticks.
- While NexGard Spectra treats and controls mange and mites, NexGard doesn’t.
- NexGard features Afoxolaner as its active ingredient. But, NexGard Spectra is composed of Afoxolaner and Milbemycin Oxime.
NexGard vs. NexGard Spectra – A Detailed Comparison
The following table features a detailed comparison of the key features of NexGard and NexGard Spectra.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does NexGard and NexGard Spectra for Dogs keep my dog protected from ticks?
NexGard and NexGard Spectra are designed to protect dogs against parasites for one month.
- Do NexGard and NexGard Spectra need to be administered with food?
Both NexGard and NexGard Spectra can be administered with or without food.
- Are NexGard and NexGard Spectra safe for all breeds of dogs?
NexGard and NexGard Spectra is considered safe for dogs of all breeds as long as they are used as directed.
Concluding Note
Both NexGard and NexGard Spectra are vet-recommended parasitic treatments designed to protect dogs and puppies from several species of parasites. However, they differ when it comes to compositions, parasite coverage, and weight criteria.
If your dog needs protection against fleas and brown dog ticks, you can go for either of the treatments. However, for protection against paralysis ticks, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, mange and mites, as well as heartworm disease, you will have to go for NexGard Spectra. But if you want coverage against black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, and Asian longhorned ticks, you will need to opt for NexGard.
Both products are available at BudgetVetCare at discounted prices. Visit our online store to buy your preferred treatments from the comfort of your home.