NexGard Plus: Uses, Chewable Tablets & Comparison Guide

NexGard Plus is a prescription chewable medication for dogs that combines protection against several common parasites in one monthly treatment. It is designed to provide protection against fleas, ticks, heartworm disease, and certain intestinal worms. If you're comparing NexGard Plus for dogs with other combination parasite preventives, understanding the active ingredients, coverage, dosing, and veterinary requirements is important. This guide explains NexGard Plus, how it works, and NexGard Plus vs. Simparica Trio.

What Is NexGard Plus?

NexGard Plus is a monthly prescription chewable for dogs. It combines three active ingredients:

Afoxolaner — helps control fleas and ticks.
Moxidectin — helps prevent heartworm disease and treats certain intestinal parasites.
Pyrantel — treats and controls certain roundworms and hookworms.

NexGard Plus is intended for dogs that meet the product's age and weight requirements. Always follow your veterinarian's instructions and the product label.

NexGard Plus for Dogs

NexGard Plus for dogs provides broad parasite protection in a single monthly chewable. Depending on the dog's needs and the specific product labeling, it can help protect against:

Fleas
Ticks
Heartworm disease
Roundworms
Hookworms

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NexGard Plus Chewable Tablets for Dogs

NexGard Plus chewable tablets for dogs are designed to be given orally once a month. The tablets come in different strengths based on the dog's weight. You should never select a tablet strength based solely on appearance or guesswork. Follow the prescription and package directions carefully.

How to Give NexGard Plus

NexGard Plus can generally be given as a chewable directly to your dog. If your dog won't take it voluntarily, follow the product instructions or ask your veterinarian or pharmacist about the appropriate way to administer it. Make sure your dog receives the correct dose for their current weight.

How Often Should Dogs Take NexGard Plus?

NexGard Plus is designed for monthly administration. Keeping doses on schedule is especially important for heartworm prevention because missed or delayed doses can leave your dog unprotected. If you forget a dose, contact your veterinarian for guidance on restarting the appropriate schedule.

NexGard Plus vs. Simparica Trio

One of the most common comparisons is NexGard Plus vs Simparica Trio. Both are prescription combination parasite preventives for dogs, and both provide protection against fleas, ticks, heartworm disease, and certain intestinal parasites. However, they use different active ingredients.

Feature	NexGard Plus	Simparica Trio
Fleas	Yes	Yes
Ticks	Yes	Yes
Heartworm prevention	Yes	Yes
Roundworms	Yes	Yes
Hookworms	Yes	Yes
Monthly treatment	Yes	Yes
Prescription	Yes	Yes
Main flea/tick ingredient	Afoxolaner	Sarolaner
Heartworm ingredient	Moxidectin	Moxidectin
Intestinal-worm ingredient	Pyrantel	Pyrantel

Both products provide broad parasite coverage, but the specific tick species covered and labeled indications should be checked against the current product labeling.

Simparica Trio vs. NexGard Plus: Which Is Better?

There isn't a single choice that is best for every dog. Simparica Trio vs NexGard Plus may come down to factors such as:

Your dog's parasite exposure
Local tick species
Previous reactions to medications
Your veterinarian's recommendation
Your dog's weight and age
Availability
Cost
Your preferred monthly treatment routine

Because both medications contain similar components for heartworm and intestinal parasite control but different flea/tick ingredients, your veterinarian can help determine which product is more appropriate.

NexGard Plus Ingredients

The three active ingredients in NexGard Plus are:

Afoxolaner

Afoxolaner belongs to the isoxazoline class and provides flea and tick control.

Moxidectin

Moxidectin is used for heartworm prevention and treatment/control of certain internal parasites according to the product label.

Pyrantel

Pyrantel helps treat and control certain intestinal worms, including roundworms and hookworms.

NexGard Plus Side Effects

As with any medication, some dogs can experience side effects. Potential adverse reactions may include digestive problems such as:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Decreased appetite
Lethargy

Some dogs may also experience neurological adverse reactions. The FDA has warned that isoxazoline-class products can be associated with neurologic adverse events such as tremors, ataxia, and seizures in some dogs. Contact your veterinarian if your dog experiences an unusual or severe reaction after taking NexGard Plus.

Is NexGard Plus Safe for Dogs?

NexGard Plus is an FDA-approved prescription product for dogs when used according to its labeling. However, no medication is appropriate for every animal. Tell your veterinarian about:

Previous medication reactions
Seizure history
Other medications or supplements
Existing medical conditions
Your dog's current weight
Any recent illness

Do not give your dog a prescription parasite preventive intended for another animal without veterinary guidance.

Does NexGard Plus Prevent Heartworms?

Yes. NexGard Plus is designed to prevent heartworm disease when administered according to the prescribed monthly schedule. Heartworm disease is transmitted through mosquito bites, so prevention is important in areas where mosquitoes are present. Veterinarians may recommend heartworm testing as part of a dog's preventive-care program.

Can NexGard Plus Treat Fleas?

Yes. NexGard Plus is designed to kill fleas and provide flea control. Because fleas can reproduce quickly, consistent monthly administration is important for maintaining protection.

Can NexGard Plus Treat Ticks?

Yes. NexGard Plus provides protection against certain tick species listed on its label. The exact tick species covered can vary by product labeling, so check the current label for your location and your veterinarian's recommendation.

Can Puppies Take NexGard Plus?

NexGard Plus has specific minimum age and weight requirements. Don't give it to a puppy unless the puppy meets the product's labeled requirements and your veterinarian recommends it. Puppies may have different parasite-prevention needs depending on their age and exposure risk.

NexGard Plus Dosage

The appropriate NexGard Plus dosage is determined by your dog's weight. The product is available in multiple weight ranges, and each chewable contains a corresponding amount of the active ingredients. Because this is a prescription medication, use the strength prescribed by your veterinarian rather than calculating or changing the dose yourself.

What If You Miss a NexGard Plus Dose?

If you miss a monthly dose, contact your veterinarian for instructions. Avoid doubling doses unless your veterinarian specifically tells you to do so. Keeping a recurring reminder on your phone or calendar can make monthly administration easier.

Conclusion

NexGard Plus provides convenient monthly parasite protection for dogs by combining afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel in one prescription chewable. It is designed to protect against fleas, certain ticks, heartworm disease, and certain intestinal worms. When comparing NexGard Plus vs Simparica Trio, both products offer broad parasite protection but use different flea and tick ingredients. Your veterinarian can help determine which option is best for your dog's age, weight, health, lifestyle, and local parasite risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NexGard Plus?

NexGard Plus is a prescription monthly chewable for dogs that combines flea, tick, heartworm, and certain intestinal parasite protection.

Is NexGard Plus for dogs?

Yes. NexGard Plus is formulated for dogs that meet the product's labeled age and weight requirements.

What are NexGard Plus chewable tablets for dogs used for?

They are used for monthly parasite prevention and control, including fleas, certain ticks, heartworm disease, roundworms, and hookworms according to the product label.

Is NexGard Plus the same as Simparica Trio?

No. They are different prescription products, although they provide similar broad parasite protection. NexGard Plus uses afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel, while Simparica Trio uses sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel.

NexGard Plus vs. Simparica Trio: Which should I choose?

Both provide broad parasite protection, but the best choice depends on your dog's health, parasite exposure, local risks, medication history, and your veterinarian's recommendation.

Can NexGard Plus prevent heartworms?

Yes. NexGard Plus is labeled for heartworm prevention when administered monthly according to the product directions.

How often is NexGard Plus given?

NexGard Plus is intended to be administered once a month.

Can NexGard Plus cause side effects?

Some dogs may experience adverse reactions such as vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, or lethargy. Neurological reactions have also been reported with isoxazoline-class medications. Contact your veterinarian if you notice concerning symptoms.