NexGard Spectra Heartwormer for Dogs

What is NexGard Spectra?

NexGard Spectra is a monthly flea prevention and treatment product that is indicated for the prevention of fleas (Ctenocephalides sp.), the control of paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus), Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) and Bush ticks (Haemaphysalis longicornis) in dogs, the prevention of heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) and the treatent and control of roundworms (Toxocara canis and Toxoascaris leonina), hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum) and whipworms (Trichuris vulpis).

 

Can you tell me what is the active ingredient in NexGard Spectra and how it work?

NexGard Spectra contains afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime in addition to afoxolaner. Both of these ingredients are a type of parasite neurotoxin that works by interfering with the way in which impulses travel along the parasites' nervous system. This causes paralysis of the parasite and its ultimate death.

 

How often is NexGard Spectra used?

Once a month, NexGard Spectra is administered orally to dogs to prevent fleas, ticks, and heartworms.

 

From what age can NexGard Spectra be used?

NexGard Spectra is safe to use in puppies from 8 weeks of age and that are over 2kgs in bodyweight.

 

How quickly does NexGard Spectra work?

NexGard Spectra kills fleas within eight hours of its application. With NexGard Spectra, it has been demonstrated that 95% of Paralysis and Brown Dog ticks have been killed within 48 hours of dosing. 95% of Bush ticks were killed by 72 hours.

 

Is NexGard Spectra water fast?

Unlike other oral medications, NexGard Spectra does not have any adverse effects when swimming, bathing, or shampooing before or after administration.

 

Does NexGard Spectra need to be given with food?

It is a soft chewable that is highly palatable to dogs, so they are able to readily consume NexGard Spectra. Nexgard Spectra should be administered in a manner that encourages the dog to chew instead of swallowing the Nexgard Spectra whole. If you break up the NexGard Spectra treats into pieces, you can feed them to dogs who normally would not eat treats whole. Alternatively, NexGard Spectra may also be added intact to a small amount of dog food.

 

Can I use NexGard Spectra all year-round?

NexGard Spectra, as well as fleas and ticks, are a year-round problem, which is why it should be applied every four weeks throughout the year. 

Can NexGard Spectra be used on pregnant or lactating animals?

It has not been evaluated whether NexGard Spectra chewables are safe to use in breeding males and females.

 

Can NexGard Spectra be used in cats?  

No, there isn't. Only dogs have been registered as users of NexGard Spectra. Therefore, it is not recommended for cats to use it.