In recent years, there has been some controversy surrounding the use of NexGard to treat flea and tick infestations in dogs. The product, a chewable tablet taken once a month, is marketed as a safe and effective treatment for parasites, but there are some claims that NexGard has resulted in adverse reactions in some dogs. While the product has been approved by the FDA and is indeed safe when administered according to recommended guidelines, it is important to consider all the potential risks associated with using this product before deciding to give NexGard to your pet. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the evidence to determine whether or not NexGard is a safe and effective solution for treating fleas and ticks in your furry family members.
What is NexGard?
As the first of its kind, NexGard is an excellent alternative to other flea and tick preventatives like topicals and collars because it effectively kills three types of ticks—the American dog tick, the black-legged tick, and the Lone Star tick. With just one chewable, it shields your dog from dangerous infestations for the full 30 days. NexGard, which is produced by the reputable Frontline company, eradicates ticks and fleas completely in 48 hours. Furthermore, it successfully guards against tick-borne illnesses like Lyme, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The only drawback to NexGard is that the parasites must bite the dog in order for it to work, and this can sometimes take several hours.
How does NexGard work?
Afoxolaner, the sole component of NexGard, absorbs into the bloodstream and causes uncontrolled activity in the nervous systems of fleas and ticks, ultimately leading to death. Afoxolaner is slowly eliminated from your dog’s body through metabolism after ingestion, which is how NexGard stays effective for a full 30 days.
What about protection from tick-borne diseases?
Well, according to the official product information: “Parasites need to start feeding on the host to become exposed to afoxolaner; therefore, the risk of the transmission of parasite-borne diseases cannot be excluded.” Do the potential benefits of NexGard outweigh the risks? If a tick happens to carry a disease, it can still transmit it to your dog because NexGard can only kill fleas and ticks after they have already bitten your dog. The NexGard product only kills fleas and ticks after they have already started feeding on your dog. Its not a repellent; its a pesticide for existing infestation.
FAQ
Is NexGard safe to give my dog?
Yes, Nexgard is a very safe and effective flea, tick, and mite prevention. The few reactions that do happen, however, may appear more severe because Nexgard is consumed and absorbed into the bloodstream rather than applied to and spread by the skin’s oils.
Does NexGard have side effects?
The results of the safety studies for NexGard were positive, with only a very small proportion of dogs experiencing minor side effects. Vomiting was the adverse reaction that was reported the most; other less common reactions were dry skin, diarrhea, lethargy, and anorexia.
Why do vets recommend NexGard?
To treat and prevent flea and tick infestations in dogs, use afoxolaner (NexGard®). It is also used as a preventive for Lyme disease. Afoxolaner is dispersed throughout a dog’s body following ingestion. When the dog is bitten by fleas or ticks, they are exposed to the medication and are killed while eating blood.
Can NexGard make my dog sick?
Do NexGard’s side effects exist? NexGard (afoxolaner) is only for canine use. The most commonly reported side effects are nausea, itching, sluggishness, diarrhea, and lack of appetite.