What is Nexgard for Dogs?
Dogs are susceptible to infestations of fleas, and they also pick up an occasional tick when they spend time outdoors. Even house dogs with conscientious owners pick up fleas from neighborhood dogs and cats. It only takes a brief encounter to pick up a flea that can lay thousands of eggs and start an issue that turns into a full-blown infestation. It’s a common problem for pet owners, but it has a solution. Nexgard for dogs is a medication that is commonly prescribed by vets to control fleas in dogs. If your vet has prescribed this medication for your pet, and you’re not familiar with its safety, effectiveness, or how it works, you’re in the right place. Here is everything you need to know about Nexgard for dogs.
What is Nexgard for dogs?
The European Medicines Agency explains that Nexgard is the brand name for the drug Afoxolaner. It is dispensed in a chewable tablet with beef flavoring to enhance its palatability for dogs. the active substance is an ectoparasiticide which means that it kills parasites that live in the fur, or on the skin of animals. Afoxolaner is a systemic medication that enters the bloodstream of dogs. the presence of this drug kills fleas and ticks when they bite the dog, causing paralysis of the nervous system in the parasites. It works by blocking the movement of ions in and out of the nerve cells, disrupting the communications between the nerves. Fleas are killed before they can lay eggs, reducing the chance of contamination of the living environment, and eventually, eradicating the infestation.
How effective is Nexgard?
Laboratory and field studies with over 140 dogs show that a single treatment with Nexgard protected dogs in the study from tick and flea infestations for up to 30 days after the initial dose. the studies also revealed that 98 percent of fleas and ticks were killed within 84 days of treatment. Additionally, a European study involving 31 dogs diagnosed with sarcoptic mange showed that after two months of treatment with Nexgard reduced the number of living mites by 96 percent within 28 days of treatment. All fleas were dead within 56 days of treatment. Studies conclude that Nexgard is highly effective in killing fleas, ticks, and mites.
What is Nexgard used for?
Animal health care providers prescribe Nexgard for the treatment of flea infestations, ticks and for treating sarcoptic mange. The efficacy of this drug for the treatment of these three conditions was proven in clinical and field trials. Nexgard effectively kills fleas, ticks, and mites that cause sarcoptic mange. Before prescribing this medication your veterinarian will ask what symptoms your dog exhibits. The most common are itching, scratching, and in more extreme cases, loss of fur. Dogs may scratch themselves raw in spots, creating wounds in the skin. It’s easy for infection to set in necessitating the addition of antibiotics to clear the infections. Other signs of fleas include seeing flea dust in the form of black specks that may look like dirt or a powdery substance. This is the waste that fleas excrete after feeding on the blood of your pet, and the color is black because they consume blood. Another sign that your pet is infested with fleas is seeing them. You may see them crawl across your dog’s belly, and sometimes they’re visible through the fur. Fleas can quickly infest the entire living environment, hiding in bedding and carpets, even biting humans. Nexgard is strictly approved for use in dogs, and not for humans or other animals unless prescribed by an animal doctor.
Is Nexgard safe for dogs?
1-800 Petmeds explains that Nexgard is safe for most dogs. Pet owners may feel concerned when they learn how Nexgard works to kill ticks, fleas, and mites, and wonder if it could do the same to their beloved pets. the United States Food and Drug Administration thoroughly reviewed studies regarding the safety and effectiveness of Nexgard and approved its use for dogs in 2013. You can rest assured that it is an FDA-approved treatment for ticks, fleas, and mites in dogs. The agency believes that the benefits of this treatment outweigh any potential risks. Trials to study the safety of Nexgard dosed dogs in the study with five times the recommended dose, without life-threatening reactions.
Which dogs can not take Nexgard?
Dogs that are pregnant or nursing may not be the best candidates to receive Nexgard. No studies have confirmed its safety for females that are pregnant, breeding, or lactating. Its effect on unborn puppies is not known. This is why it is only recommended for puppies over 8 weeks old, and not for pregnant dogs. The FDA further cautions that dogs with a history of seizures should be monitored when using this medication. It’s safe for dogs with neurological medical issues is still unknown. All other dogs from age 8 weeks on are deemed to be candidates for receiving this treatment.
What are the side effects of Nexgard?
Nexgard was shown to result in a few side effects. The most common observed in dogs receiving this treatment was vomiting. Some dogs taking this treatment experienced dry or flaky skin. some dogs may experience diarrhea. More rarely, Nexgard can cause dogs to become lethargic, and it may also reduce the appetite. Not all dogs taking this product experience any side effects. As with any medication, there is always the risk that an animal may have an allergic reaction, but this is extremely rare and has not yet been reported for dogs taking this medication.
Can Nexgard be given with other medications?
You should always inform your pet’s medical provider about any medications, supplements, vitamins, or herbal remedies he is taking. Studies suggest that Nexgard is safe to use with other medications. it is frequently prescribed with vaccines, drugs to control parasites, steroids, NSAIDs, antibiotics, antihistamines, and anesthetics. No adverse reactions happen when Nexgard gets taken with these or any known medication.
How do you give Nexgard to dogs?
Nexgard comes in chewable tablet form. This drug is given orally, by mouth. Most dogs like the beef flavor of the tablet, but if your pet refuses to take the medication, you can hide it in his food. Clinic.com explains Nexgard comes in four different dosages. The dosage depends on the weight of the dog. The recommended dosage for dogs that weigh more than four up to ten pounds is one 2.5 mg tablet. Give your dog one tablet once a month. This medicine keeps ticks, fleas, and mites at bay. It also clears up any infestations. The tablets are premeasured for dogs in four different sizes to make it easier for pet owners to administer the tablets. The prescribing vet orders this medication in the correct dosage amount for your dog’s weight. This step takes the guesswork out of dosing.
Benefits of Nexgard
Nexgard is a popular choice for treating tick, flea, and mites that cause sarcoptic mange in dogs. This product sn prescribed by vets since 2013. There are no reported adverse reactions. It is safe for dogs over eight weeks old and over four pounds in body weight. It works within 24 hours to rid them of dangerous flea, tick, and mite infestations. Your pet will begin to feel better and have fewer symptoms within a day. It brings fast relief for an uncomfortable situation. The tablets are easy to administer. There are no medication schedules to remember, except for the once-per-month dose. Nexgard is a safe, convenient, and effective way to keep your pet healthy and happy without putting him at risk of life-threatening health complications.
Can you get Nexgard without a prescription?
You can not get Nexgard without a prescription. The only way to get it is from a licensed practicing animal healthcare provider. It is available by prescription only and is for dogs only. You should not share this medication with other pets in the family unless your vet tells you to do so.
What if my dog has a history of seizures?
There’s reason for concern if you dog has a history of seizures. It’s essential to know the risks and potential benefits before allowing your pet to take any medication that could be harmful. Clinical studies conducted in the United States to prove the safety of Nexgard included three dogs with known medical histories of seizures. It is worth noting that two of the three dogs receiving this medication had seizures during a 90-day treatment, according to Friendship Hospital. None of the dogs in the study died from their reactions. There is always a danger of worsening neurological conditions or even death. Should you give your dog this medication if he has a history of seizures? Probably not, but this is a question to ask your animal’s healthcare provider. Some vets may administer the drug if there is an infestation. They might advise another form of treatment with less likelihood of causing an adverse reaction. We recommend not subjecting a dog with a history of seizures to these medications as two out of three in-field trials suffered the reactions.
Why should you treat your dog for fleas, ticks, and mites?
There are many reasons dogs should receive treatment for fleas, ticks, and mites. These pests can cause your beloved pet to endure untold misery from constant itching. Fleas are a common problem for dog and cat owners. They quickly spread from one animal to another. Parasites survive on the blood of your pet. They inflict numerous bites that cause itching, scratching, and redness. Sometimes the flea bites lead to infections in the skin. Fleas are also known to transmit tapeworms to dogs and cats. The mites that lead to sarcoptic mange cause similar reactions in dogs, but they also cause the fur to fall out in large patches, making your once beautiful pet look like a mangy and sickly mutt. Tick infestations should present concerns for pet owners. Parasites nourish themselves on the blood of your pet. There are many diseases that they can transmit to pets and humans. All parasites have the potential to infest your home and affect the health and well-being of you, your partner, and other members of the family. There are so many health risks associated with unchecked flea infestations that it’s not worth taking the risk. There are simple solutions available.
Final thoughts
Pet owners struggling to control tick, flea, and mite infestations in their dogs can get fast relief. Nexgard is a safe and effective medication that goes to the source of the problem and works fast to kill ticks, fleas, and mites in dogs. The drug kills the critters before they have a chance to lay eggs and multiply. Most dogs can take this medication and will have no life-threatening adverse reactions if they are not pregnant, healthy, and over the age of 8 weeks. It’s a once-a-month treatment. Nexgard is a trusted treatment by vets and dog owners since 2013. This date is when first approved by the FDA. With nearly a decade of use, it has helped countless thousands of dogs recover from pest infestations and remain flea, tick, and mite-free. You can only obtain Nexgard with a prescription from a licensed animal healthcare provider. You may have it filled at local pharmacies offering veterinarian supplies, or you can order yours online from a reputable provider. Many veterinary clinics carry supplies of this medication and can fill the prescription on-site. If you’re having problems getting rid of your dog’s flea problem, you may want to consider asking your pet’s healthcare provider about prescribing this safe, convenient, and fast-working treatment.
