What NexGard Spectra Does
Most parasite products solve one problem. NexGard Spectra combines two active ingredients to solve several at once. Afoxolaner works on external parasites — it enters the bloodstream and kills fleas and ticks when they feed. Milbemycin oxime handles the internal side, clearing key intestinal worms and preventing heartworm disease before it can establish.
For owners, the practical benefit is simple: one chew, once a month, instead of a spot-on for fleas, a tablet for worms and a separate heartworm preventive.
Parasites Covered
Fleas (Ctenocephalides felis and C. canis), ticks including Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Ixodes and Dermacentor species, demodectic and sarcoptic mange mites, roundworm (Toxocara canis), hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum), whipworm (Trichuris vulpis), and prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis.
Why Dogs Take It Without a Fight
The tablet is beef-flavoured and soft, so most dogs accept it as a treat. There is no liquid to apply, nothing for the coat to absorb, and no waiting period before the dog can be handled, bathed or allowed to swim. That last point matters for dogs that spend time in water, where spot-on treatments lose effectiveness.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Afoxolaner 75 mg + Milbemycin oxime 15 mg |
| Dog weight range | 15–30 kg |
| Pack size | 3 chewable tablets |
| Form | Beef-flavoured soft chewable |
| Dosing frequency | One tablet monthly |
| Species | Dogs only |
| Manufacturer | Boehringer Ingelheim |
Dosage & Administration
One chewable tablet by mouth per month, given with or immediately after food to support absorption of the milbemycin component. Select the tablet that matches the dog’s current weight. For continuous protection, dose on the same date each month year-round. For heartworm prevention, treatment should begin within one month of the dog’s first likely exposure and continue for one month after the last.
Dr. Moliya (DVM) to verify against the current pack insert before publication.
Safety Information & Warnings
- For dogs only. Do not give to cats.
- Not for puppies under 8 weeks of age or under 2 kg body weight.
- Before starting a heartworm preventive, dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infection. Giving a preventive to a dog with an established infection can cause a serious reaction.
- Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures — isoxazoline compounds have been associated with neurological signs in a small number of cases.
- Weigh the dog before selecting a pack. Under-dosing reduces efficacy; the weight bands exist for a reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does NexGard Spectra cover heartworm as well as fleas and ticks?
Yes. The milbemycin oxime component prevents heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis, alongside clearing roundworm, hookworm and whipworm. The afoxolaner component handles fleas, ticks and mange mites.
How soon does it start killing fleas?
Afoxolaner begins killing fleas within hours of the dog eating the chew. Fleas must bite the dog to be affected, since the active ingredient works through the bloodstream rather than on the coat surface.
Can my dog swim or be bathed after taking it?
Yes, immediately. Because the chew works systemically rather than sitting on the skin, water exposure has no effect on how well it works. This is a practical advantage over spot-on treatments.
My dog weighs 31 kg. Can I use this pack?
No. Use the pack that matches the next weight band up. Never split tablets or combine packs to reach a dose — the weight ranges are set to deliver a specific amount of active ingredient per kilogram.
Is it safe to give with other medications?
In most cases yes, but tell your veterinarian about everything the dog is taking, including supplements. Dogs with a seizure history need particular discussion before starting any isoxazoline product.
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