| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Our Top Pick | NexGard Chew for Dogs, 10.1-24 lbs |
NexGard® is a flea and tick prevention medication for dogs that was developed by Boehringer Ingelheim. Originally founded in 1885 by Albert Boehringer in Ingelheim, Germany, this company has manufactured a variety of products for pets and animals. Their primary mission is to prevent disease, champion innovation, and cherish the bond that people and animals share. They developed the #1 vet-recommended flea and tick medication, NexGuard® because they wanted to keep with their legacy of keeping animals healthy. Today, more than 3000 people make up their US animal health businesses in states like Iowa, Missouri, Georgia, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Puerto Rico. They make up the second-largest animal health company in the United States.
NexGard® is just one of the medications they developed and has been prescribed over 27 million times. NexGard® is used to kill fleas and ticks quickly, throughout the month, and it’s FDA approved to prevent the infections that cause Lyme disease. It instantly attacks and kills black-legged ticks. With NexGuard®, your dog gets a bite-sized dose that is safe enough for puppies as young as eight weeks. Below, we share the key features of NexGard® as well as what type of animals and breeds it’s best suited for it. We also let you know where you can purchase NexGard® and if there have been any recalls or controversies related to this product. To keep you well-informed, we also answer a few of your most frequently asked questions at the end of this article.
Most Popular NexGard® for Dogs Products
Boehringer Ingelheim created NexGard® as protection against parasite anchors and as part of their focus on preventive care. However, they’ve also developed additional products that include HEARTGUARD® Plus, which is a chew for dogs that are made with real beef and prevents heartworm disease. It’s also known to treat and control hookworms and roundworms. This product has made it to the #1 vet-recommended list of heartworm preventatives. Additionally, FRONTLINE® Plus brand products have been protecting dogs and cats from fleas and ticks for almost two decades.
Boehringer Ingelheim hasn’t stopped there. They have a long legacy of vaccine excellence and now they offer innovative products to prevent life-threatening, infectious diseases in different animals. They developed PUREVAX®, which is a line of non-adjuvanted feline vaccines, and RECOMBITEK®, which employs specialized vaccine technologies that provide well-rounded, proven protection against canine infectious diseases. IMRAB® was developed as well for rabies prevention. This is a trusted name in the industry and has over 35 years of proven efficacy and safety.
In addition to preventive and life-saving innovations, they’ve also developed a line of therapeutic products that are used primarily to target chronic diseases and improve lifespan and quality of life for pets. Some of these therapeutic products include VETMEDIN®, PREVICOX®, and METACAM®. They definitely keep themselves busy creating innovative products to improve the lives of pets and animals throughout the world. With NexGuard®, they’ve created four distinct doses for dogs depending on their weight. It’s the same medication, it’s just a weight-specific dose that you can select for your pup. See below:
- NexGard® for dogs 4 to 10 pounds
- NexGard® for dogs 10.1 to 24 pounds
- NexGard® for dogs 24.1 to 60 pounds
- NexGard® for dogs 60.1 to 121 pounds
NexGard® Key Features
- One dose is good for 30 days
- Beef-flavored chews
- #1 vet-recommended
- Powerful flea and tick prevention
- Safe doses based on weight
NexGard® is a flea and tick protection medication that tastes like a treat. It’s bite-size and beef-flavored so your dog can enjoy his monthly dose. Each dose of NexGard® lasts for a full 30 days and you can rest easy knowing you’re protecting your pet for the month. With NexGuard®, you can break the cycle of adult fleas that can usually lay up to 50 eggs a day. Instead of letting them run rampant on your dog, NexGard® kill them fast before they can even lay eggs, which stops ongoing infestations and prevents new ones.
NexGard® is also fantastic for killing ticks fast, all month long. This is an FDA-approved medication that is known to prevent infections that cause Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a dangerous illness and if your dog isn’t protected, a single bite from an almost imperceptible tick can make your dog very ill. Instead of risking it without protection, you can use NexGard® for powerful protection for any season, anywhere.
What Type of Animals/Breeds is NexGard® Best Suited For?
NexGard® is suitable for puppies as young as eight weeks and that weigh as little as four pounds. This safe dose can be given to your dog through adulthood as well. It doesn’t matter what breed of dog you have, NexGard® is safe for use across different breeds. They just have to weigh enough and be old enough as puppies, to begin their first dose. The safe doses are based on your pet’s weight. There is a dose for dogs between four to 10 pounds, one for dogs between 10.1 and 24 pounds, the third dose for dogs between 24.1 and 60 pounds, and a final dose for dogs weighing 60.1 up to 121 pounds.
NexGuard®: Where to Buy
NexGard® can be purchased online but requires your veterinarian’s approval. Some vet offices carry this product in-office, so be sure to ask your vet if it’s available or if you should purchase it online.
- Lasts for 30 days
- Safe dose based on dog's weight
- Beef-flavored chews
- #1 vet-recommended
NexGard® Recalls & Controversies
Although there have not been any FDA recalls for NexGuard®, the FDA has put out an alert for pet owners and veterinarians. This is because there is potential for neurological adverse events in dogs and cats when they are treated with drugs that fall into the isoxazoline class. Along with several other medications, NexGard® is included in this class. These products are manufactured for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations primarily while others are approved for other treatments. The FDA suggests you always connect with your veterinarian to ensure that the use of NexGard® is safe with your pet. It may be dependent on your dog’s medical history, so it’s best to discuss all options with your veterinarian before choosing NexGard® as the right product for your dog.
Bottom Line
NexGard® has a fantastic reputation and has been proven safe for dogs throughout the world. It tackles both fleas and ticks, which improves your dog’s health and prevents further illnesses like Lyme disease. It comes in a pup-approved beef-flavored chewable that makes it easy to administer. Each dose is based on your dog’s weight and can be safely used every month. It’s a great preventive treatment, especially if you live in areas where fleas and ticks are commonly found. Although there haven’t been any recalls, the FDA suggests you always ask your vet if NexGard® is safe for use with your dog, dependent on his medical history.
| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Our Top Pick | NexGard Chew for Dogs, 10.1-24 lbs |
NexGard for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do you need a prescription for NexGard® for dogs?
Yes, you need a prescription to purchase NexGard®. The prescription has to be dated within the last 12 months to be valid as well.
Is NexGard® a good flea pill for dogs?
Yes, it’s the #1 vet-recommended flea and tick treatment for dogs. Plus, it’s a beef-flavored chewable which makes it easy to administer every month. It’s fast-acting and works within just 30 minutes of administration.
How often do you give NexGard® for dogs?
Just once every thirty days! The dose is based on your dog’s weight so be sure to purchase the correct product. Once you administer the dose, your dog is good to go for the month.
How long does it take for NexGard® to start working?
It starts working in just thirty minutes! Keep your dog protected year-round by administering a new dose every thirty days.
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