FAQs
How do I administer NexGard?
NexGard chews are designed to be offered to your dog as a treat and can be given with or without food. It is important that you monitor your dog to ensure they have taken the full chew and that none is dropped or regurgitated. For the best results, NexGard should be given on the same day each month.
How long does it take NexGard to kill fleas?
NexGard has been shown to begin to kill fleas within four hours of administering the chew, with more than 99% effectiveness reached within eight hours.
Can I administer NexGard more than once per month?
When used correctly, NexGard chews provide month-long protection against parasites. It is not necessary or recommended that you administer the medication more than once per month.
I missed a dose, what should I do?
If a dose is missed, administer NexGard immediately, and resume a monthly dosing schedule from this date.
I see more fleas on my dog after administering NexGard – is it working?
NexGard works by overstimulating the flea’s nervous system, so they may suddenly appear more active and rise to the top of your dog’s fur as they die.
Is NexGard suitable for heavy flea infestations?
Yes, NexGard is effective against heavy flea infestations, but it may take more than one monthly dose to break the breeding cycle and clear all the fleas completely. NexGard works by killing adult fleas on your dog, eliminating them before they can lay eggs. However, there may still be fleas at other life stages in your home. As these younger fleas become adults and attempt to attach to your dog, they will also be killed before they have the opportunity to lay eggs.
How long will my dog be protected from ticks?
If used as directed, NexGard will protect your dog from ticks for a full month. To ensure there is no lapse in protection, the medication should be administered on the same day each month.
Can I use NexGard with other medications?
The manufacturers have advised that NexGard can be safely used in conjunction with vaccines, anthelmintics, antibiotics (including topicals), steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (for arthritis), anaesthetics, and antihistamines. You may wish to speak to your veterinarian if you have any specific concerns.
Is NexGard safe for all breeds of dog?
NexGard has been tested as safe for use with all breeds of dogs, including Collie breeds. Pet owners should be aware that the active ingredient Afoxolaner is part of the isoxazoline family of chemicals, which may cause issues with dogs who have epilepsy or a history of seizures.
Does NexGard need to be given with food?
NexGard does not need to be given with food – it can be offered as a treat at any time. Some dogs may require the chew to be broken up and mixed with food, which will not affect the medication’s effectiveness.
Can I give NexGard to my cat?
Although your cat might suffer from the same parasites as your dog, NexGard is intended for canine use only and should not be given to cats.
Can I divide NexGard chews to give to more than one dog?
Each NexGard chewable is created with the exact amount of medication required to treat one dog of the appropriate size. Dividing the chews is not recommended and may lead to loss of protection or overdose.
My dog weighs more than 50 kg (110 lbs), how many chews do they need?
For dogs over the maximum weight, they will require a combination of different chews to achieve full protection. For example, a dog weighing 56kg should be given one chew for dogs 25.1-50kg and one chew for dogs 4.1-10 kg.
Please note that the maximum weight varies between markets, so please check the packet carefully before calculating the required dose.
How soon after administering NexGard can my dog go swimming or be bathed?
Unlike with topical applications, dogs can bathe or swim immediately after application with no reduction in the medication’s effectiveness.
Is NexGard safe for my pregnant dog?
NexGard has not been tested as safe for use with breeding, pregnant or nursing dogs.
Can NexGard be given to puppies?
NexGard can be safely used with puppies from 8 weeks of age, with a bodyweight of more than 2kg (4lbs). Regardless of the dog’s age, NexGard should not be given to dogs who weigh less than this amount.
Who makes NexGard chews?
NexGard is marketed under Frontline Vet Labs and manufactured by Merial, which forms part of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health.