Dogs are more likely to get parasites like fleas and ticks because they are outgoing and social animals. They are often walked in parks or near bushes, where these pesky parasites are commonly found. Another way these parasites are transmitted to dogs is through other pets. If your dog socializes with other dogs that are already infected, transmission can occur.
There are two types of parasites that affect dogs: external parasites, which live on the skin, and internal parasites, which affect the internal organs. Although both types are harmful, internal parasites can be more dangerous than external ones. Delayed treatment can cause pain and irritation and may even lead to severe diseases and poor health conditions. The optimal approach to protect dogs from these parasites is to provide a monthly treatment that targets fleas, ticks, and worms while also helping prevent parasite infections.
Nexgard vs Nexgard Spectra are widely used treatments for dogs. In this blog, we will take you through both the product and help you understand their key differences so you can choose what the best for your dog is.
NexGard
Nexgard is a beef-flavored monthly chewable for dogs above 8 weeks of age. It aids in fleas, ticks, and mites. It also kills several kinds of ticks, including brown dog ticks.
NexGard Spectra
Nexgard spectra is a broad spectra monthly treatment for dogs. Just like NexGard, Nexgard Spectra also comes in beef flavored. It treats several kinds of parasites in dogs including fleas, ticks heartworms, intestinal worms, mites, and more all in one chew.
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Nexgard vs Nexgard Spectra
Similarities
Nexgard vs Nexgard Spectra are antiparasite monthly treatments. Both of these oral treatments are beef-flavored which is tasty for dogs. Nexgard and NexGard Spectra are made by the same brand Boehringer Ingelheim. Both these treatments contain a common active ingredient Afoxolaner, which kills fleas and different types of ticks.
These chewable are beef-liver flavored which makes administration easy even for fussy eaters. Both these treatments come for dogs of all sizes. It is safe to use for dogs above 8 weeks and older in age.
Nexgard and Nexgard spectra do have similarities in usage and ingredients, which are as follows:
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Differences
The key difference between Nexgard vs Nexgard Spectra is the active ingredients. Both the oral treatment contains Afoxlaner, but Nexgard spectra contain an additional ingredient Milbemycin Oxime that offers extended protection to dogs like heartworm prevention, treatment of several intestinal worms (Roundworm, Hookworm, Whipworm, Tapeworm)
The table below shows a detail comparison between the two products,
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FAQs
1. What is the difference between NexGard and NexGard Spectra?
NexGard protects dogs against fleas and ticks, while NexGard Spectra provides additional protection against heartworm and intestinal worms.
2. Is NexGard Spectra better than NexGard?
NexGard Spectra offers broader parasite protection, but the choice depends on your dog’s needs and your veterinarian’s advice.
3. Can I switch my dog from NexGard to NexGard Spectra?
Yes, switching is possible, but always consult your veterinarian for correct timing and dosage.
4. Which is safer: NexGard or NexGard Spectra?
Both are considered safe and are vet-approved when used as directed. Safety depends on your dog’s health status and parasite risk.
5. Does NexGard Spectra cover all parasites?
It provides broad coverage against fleas, ticks, heartworm, and several intestinal worms but does not protect against tapeworms.
Summary
Now that you know the difference between you can choose your dog’s treatment accordingly.
A quick look at the blog both Nexgard and Nexgard spectra is a monthly oral treatment that treats fleas and ticks. Nexgard Spectra contains an additional ingredient milbemycin oxime that offers additional benefits including treatment of several intestinal worms and heartworm prevention.