How long does nexgard take to work
Nexgard is a popular oral flea and tick treatment for dogs that is known for its fast-acting and long-lasting effectiveness against these pesky parasites. If you’ve recently started using Nexgard or are considering it as a preventative measure for your furry friend, you might be wondering how long it takes for Nexgard to start working.
According to the manufacturer, Nexgard starts killing adult fleas within 3 hours of administration. This means that you should start seeing dead fleas on your dog shortly after giving them the medication. However, it’s important to note that Nexgard is not an instant kill, as it usually takes a little longer to eliminate all the fleas from your dog’s body.
When it comes to ticks, Nexgard is also highly effective. It starts killing ticks within 8 hours of administration and continues to protect your dog against new ticks for up to 30 days. This means that Nexgard not only eliminates existing tick infestations but also prevents new ones from occurring, providing long-lasting protection for your canine companion.
It’s worth mentioning that Nexgard should be given to your dog once a month, as directed by your veterinarian. This consistent monthly dosing schedule helps to ensure that your dog remains protected against fleas and ticks year-round. Remember to follow the recommended dosage instructions based on your dog’s weight, and always consult with your vet if you have any concerns or questions about using Nexgard.
What is Nexgard?
Nexgard is an FDA-approved oral medication for the treatment of fleas and ticks in dogs. It is a prescription-only medication that comes in a chewable form, making it easy to administer to dogs. Nexgard contains the active ingredient afoxolaner, which belongs to the class of drugs known as isoxazolines.
Nexgard works by targeting the nervous system of fleas and ticks, resulting in their death. It kills fleas before they can lay eggs and helps prevent future infestations. Nexgard is effective against both fleas and ticks, including Gulf Coast ticks, black-legged ticks, and American dog ticks.
Nexgard is available in different strengths, depending on the weight of your dog. It is safe for use in dogs that are at least 8 weeks old and weigh at least 2 pounds. The chewable tablets are flavored, making them more palatable and easier to administer. It is recommended to give Nexgard with food or immediately after feeding.
It is important to note that Nexgard is for use in dogs only and should not be given to cats or other animals. It is also important to consult with your veterinarian before starting Nexgard, especially if your dog has any underlying health conditions or is currently on any other medications.
Nexgard is a convenient and effective way to protect your dog against fleas and ticks. It provides continuous protection for up to 30 days and is a recommended option for pet owners who prefer an oral medication for flea and tick control.
Ingredients and mode of action
NexGard contains an active ingredient called afoxolaner, which is a member of the isoxazoline class. Afoxolaner targets and inhibits the nervous system of fleas and ticks.
When a flea or tick bites a dog that has ingested NexGard, they metabolize the afoxolaner in their system. This causes the afoxolaner to bind to certain receptors in the flea or tick’s nervous system, resulting in the disruption of the normal neurotransmission process.
This disruption ultimately leads to paralysis and death of the fleas and ticks, effectively protecting your dog against these parasites. The mode of action is specifically designed to target the nervous system of the parasites and does not interfere with the normal neurotransmission process in dogs.
The afoxolaner in NexGard is both a fast-acting and long-lasting ingredient. It starts to kill fleas within 8 hours of administration and continues to provide protection for up to 30 days. This means that NexGard provides continuous protection against fleas and ticks, ensuring your dog remains safe and parasite-free.
However, it is important to note that NexGard should not be used as a treatment for existing infestations. It is a preventative measure and should be administered according to the recommended dosage and schedule provided by your veterinarian.
Who is Nexgard suitable for?
Nexgard is a popular and effective flea and tick treatment for dogs. It is suitable for dogs of all sizes, breeds, and ages, including puppies as young as 8 weeks old. Whether you have a Chihuahua or a Great Dane, Nexgard can provide protection against fleas and ticks.
This oral medication is ideal for pet owners who prefer an easy-to-administer option, as it is simply given as a tasty chew. Nexgard is suitable for dogs that suffer from flea allergies, and it is safe to use alongside other medications, including heartworm preventatives.
However, it is important to note that Nexgard is specifically formulated for dogs and should not be used on cats or any other animal species. Additionally, if your dog has a history of certain medical conditions or is currently taking medications, it is recommended to consult with your veterinarian before starting Nexgard treatment.
Benefits of Nexgard: | Who is it Suitable for? |
Effective flea and tick control | Dogs of all sizes, breeds, and ages |
Easy-to-administer chewable | Puppies as young as 8 weeks old |
Suitable for dogs with flea allergies | Pet owners who prefer oral medication |
Safe to use alongside other medications | Canines that are not cats or other animals |
In conclusion, dog owners looking for an effective flea and tick treatment that is easy to administer can turn to Nexgard. This medication provides protection for dogs of all sizes, breeds, and ages, making it a versatile choice. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian before starting any new treatment for your pet to ensure its suitability.
Nexgard Usage
Nexgard is a monthly oral flea and tick preventative for dogs. It is a prescription medication that is veterinarian-recommended to control and prevent flea and tick infestations in dogs.
Proper Application
To use Nexgard, follow these steps:
- Choose the appropriate Nexgard tablet based on your dog’s weight.
- Administer the tablet orally, ensuring that your dog fully swallows it. You can hide the tablet in a treat or mix it with their food.
- Observe your dog to make sure they have ingested the tablet. If not, it may be necessary to administer another dose.
Effectiveness
The active ingredient in Nexgard, afoxolaner, starts working quickly and kills fleas within 8 hours of administration. It also kills ticks within 48 hours. Therefore, Nexgard provides rapid relief from flea and tick infestations, helping to relieve your dog’s discomfort and prevent further infestations.
It is important to continue using Nexgard monthly to maintain its effectiveness. The tablets should be administered on the same day each month to ensure consistent protection against fleas and ticks.
Precautions
While Nexgard is considered safe and effective when used as directed, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:
- Nexgard is for use in dogs only and should not be used in other animals.
- If your dog has a history of seizures or other medical conditions, consult your veterinarian before using Nexgard.
- Monitor your dog for any adverse reactions, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. If any unusual symptoms occur, contact your veterinarian.
- Store Nexgard in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new medication or making changes to your dog’s flea and tick prevention routine.
How often to use Nexgard
Nexgard should be used regularly in order to effectively control and prevent fleas and ticks on your pet. The recommended dosage is one chewable tablet per month.
It is important to administer Nexgard on the same day every month to maintain consistent protection against fleas and ticks. This will ensure that your pet remains safe and protected from these harmful pests.
If your pet is more prone to flea or tick infestations, or if they live in an area with a high risk of exposure to these parasites, your veterinarian may recommend a more frequent dosing schedule, such as every three weeks.
Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions regarding the proper use and dosing of Nexgard. Additionally, it is important to continue using Nexgard year-round, even during the colder months, as fleas and ticks can still be present and active.
Remember to keep Nexgard out of reach of children and store it in a cool, dry place. If you have any concerns or questions about the use of Nexgard, consult with your veterinarian.
How long does Nexgard take to work?
Nexgard is a chewable flea and tick treatment for dogs that works quickly to kill and prevent infestations. After administration, Nexgard starts to work within 30 minutes, with fleas being killed within 4 hours.
This fast-acting oral medication uses the active ingredient afoxolaner, which is rapidly absorbed into the dog’s bloodstream. Afoxolaner works by targeting the nervous system of fleas and ticks, leading to paralysis and ultimately death.
It is important to note that Nexgard is not just a flea treatment, but also provides protection against ticks for a full month. It kills both fleas and ticks before they can lay eggs, break the flea life cycle, and prevent reinfestation.
However, it is important to understand that Nexgard is not an immediate solution for existing flea infestations in the environment. It primarily focuses on eliminating fleas and ticks on the dog itself. Treating the dog regularly with Nexgard and ensuring a clean living space can effectively control and prevent future infestations.
Consulting with a veterinarian is always recommended before starting any medication for your dog, including Nexgard. They will provide guidance on the appropriate dosage based on your dog’s age, weight, and overall health.