Things You Don’t Know About NexGard Plus for Dogs
Fleas and ticks are common nuisances for pets, especially for dogs. These nefarious pests can cause significant harm not only to your adorable dogs but also to your other family members. This is why treating and preventing these parasites is paramount for every pet parent. And this is where flea and tick treatments come into play.
One of the most popular choices for flea and tick treatments is NexGard Plus. It is an effective and convenient way to protect our furry dogs from the nuisance of fleas, ticks, worms, and heartworms. Read this blog to learn the things you may not know about NexGard Plus.
But first, let’s recap the things you might already know about NexGard Plus.
Recap: NexGard Plus Overview
- NexGard Plus is indicated for treatment and protection from fleas, ticks, and gastrointestinal worms. The treatment is also effective in preventing heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis.
- It is suitable for use in both dogs and puppies of age 8 weeks and older and weighing 4 pounds or greater.
- It’s powerful formula features three potent active ingredients, namely afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel.
- Available as beef-flavored chew, this treatment provides protection from internal and external parasites for a complete month.
One Chew: Three Active Ingredients
NexGard Plus comprises three powerful ingredients, which include afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel. These ingredients target, treat, and control a wide range of parasitic infestations affecting dogs. The following table shows the effectiveness of each individual ingredient and its mode of action against common parasites.
Unknown Facts About NexGard Plus
Fact 1: NexGard Plus is Safe for Use in Dogs Sensitive to Macrocyclic Lactones
Many dog breeds show sensitivity to macrocyclic lactone drugs. This mainly occurs due to genetic predispositions in certain dog breeds causing sensitivity problems to certain drugs.
In this case, sensitivity to macrocyclic lactones occurs in dogs with the MDR1 (Multidrug Resistance Mutation 1) gene anomaly.
MDR1 genes usually protect the brain and other organs from the toxic effects of drugs. In MDR1 gene-compromised dogs, macrocyclic lactone drugs cause side effects such as seizures, tremors, lack of coordination, and even death in severe sensitivity.
NexGard Plus is FDA-approved and is found to be well-tolerated in dogs with the MDR1 mutation. In a study by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, USA, NexGard Plus showed no signs of toxicity in MDR1-deficient dogs treated with NexGard Plus at the labeled dose.
So even if your dog is MDR1-deficient, NexGard Plus can still be safely administered at the recommended dosage levels after consulting with your vet.
Fact 2: NexGard Plus Can Be Used in Heartworm-Positive Dogs
NexGard Plus is indicated for use in dogs to provide protection against heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis. However, the treatment can also be used in heartworm-positive dogs (infested with microfilaria larvae). The formulation contains moxidectin, which is effective in killing immature heartworm larvae (Dirofilaria immitis), thus preventing the development of heartworm disease. The treatment is 100% effective against heartworm larvae when administered consecutively for six months.
It is important to note that moxidectin does not kill mature heartworms. Please consult your vet before using it on dogs that have tested positive for heartworm disease.
Fact 3: NexGard Plus Shows Over 93% Efficacy at Day 30 against Parasites
NexGard Plus is highly efficacious against a wide range of parasites, including fleas, ticks, hookworms, roundworms, and heartworm larvae.
In well-controlled laboratory studies, it was found that NexGard Plus shows
This makes it a reliable and effective treatment for protecting your dog against these common pests.
Bottom Line
NexGard Plus is an effective treatment and preventive measure against a wide range of parasites affecting dogs. It features a powerful formula comprising afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel. Together, these ingredients provide comprehensive protection against fleas, ticks, hookworms, roundworms, and heartworm disease.