As a pet owner, ensuring your dog is free from fleas, ticks, and other parasites is vital for their health and happiness. Fleas and ticks can cause a variety of health problems, from skin irritation to more serious conditions like Lyme disease. NexGard SPECTRA, a product designed specifically for dogs, has become a popular option for treating and preventing these pesky parasites. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into the benefits, effectiveness, and safety of NexGard SPECTRA for Canines, as well as explore its various advantages and disadvantages.
What is NexGard SPECTRA?
NexGard SPECTRA is a chewable tablet used to protect dogs from a variety of parasites, including fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms. Unlike traditional topical treatments like sprays and ointments, NexGard SPECTRA is taken orally, which makes it more convenient for many pet owners. It comes with the added benefit of a beef-flavored chewable tablet, which most dogs find irresistible. The product is manufactured by Merial, the same company that produces other well-known treatments like Frontline.
The active ingredients in NexGard SPECTRA are afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime. Afoxolaner is responsible for killing fleas and ticks, while milbemycin oxime treats heartworms and intestinal parasites. This combination makes NexGard SPECTRA a comprehensive solution for many parasitic infections in dogs.
How Does NexGard SPECTRA Work?
NexGard SPECTRA works by entering the bloodstream after your dog ingests the chewable tablet. The active ingredient, Afoxolaner, targets the nervous system of fleas and ticks. It causes hyperexcitation, paralysis, and eventually death of the parasite, ensuring that your dog stays protected from these harmful pests. As it’s absorbed through the digestive system, NexGard SPECTRA quickly spreads throughout the dog’s body, providing protection against parasites that come into contact with your dog’s skin.
NexGard SPECTRA provides protection for up to 30 days, making it a convenient monthly treatment. It’s effective against a range of parasites, including:
- Fleas: Kills adult fleas before they can lay eggs, preventing infestations.
- Ticks: Effective against multiple species of ticks, including the Lone Star Tick, Brown Dog Tick, and American Dog Tick.
- Heartworms: Prevents the development of heartworm larvae, which can lead to serious heart disease.
- Intestinal worms: Treats hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.
- Sarcoptic and Demodectic Mange: Controls mange caused by specific mites.
Benefits of NexGard SPECTRA
- Comprehensive Protection: NexGard SPECTRA is a multi-purpose medication that protects against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites. This makes it an ideal choice for pet owners who want a single, effective product that can handle a variety of parasitic threats.
- Ease of Use: Since it’s an oral medication, you won’t have to worry about applying messy topical treatments. The beef-flavored chewable is easy to administer, and most dogs love the taste, making it simpler for both you and your pet.
- Fast Acting: NexGard SPECTRA starts working quickly. According to the manufacturer, it begins killing fleas within 8 hours and continues to protect your dog for the entire month.
- Long-Lasting Protection: With just one dose per month, NexGard SPECTRA ensures that your dog is protected from parasites all month long. This is ideal for busy pet owners who may struggle to remember weekly or daily treatments.
- Veterinarian Recommended: As a prescription-based medication, NexGard SPECTRA is widely recommended by veterinarians for its effectiveness and safety. It has been tested thoroughly to ensure it provides optimal protection against parasites.
- No Mess: Unlike topical treatments that can leave greasy residue or be washed off when your dog gets wet, NexGard SPECTRA is easy to administer without any mess or hassle.
How Effective Is NexGard SPECTRA?
NexGard SPECTRA has been shown to be highly effective in treating and preventing fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites. Clinical studies have demonstrated that it eliminates 99% of fleas within 24 hours and kills 100% of ticks within 48 hours. It also prevents heartworm disease by blocking the development of heartworm larvae, a crucial benefit for dog owners living in areas where heartworm is prevalent.
Furthermore, NexGard SPECTRA’s ability to treat both internal and external parasites in a single product makes it a convenient and efficient solution for dog owners. By killing fleas and ticks and preventing heartworms and intestinal worms, it offers broad-spectrum protection that few other products can match.
Potential Side Effects of NexGard SPECTRA
As with any medication, NexGard SPECTRA may cause side effects in some dogs, although these are rare and usually mild. Some of the potential side effects include:
- Vomiting: Some dogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset after taking the medication.
- Diarrhea: Like vomiting, diarrhea can sometimes occur as a mild side effect.
- Lethargy: Some dogs may feel more tired or lethargic after taking NexGard SPECTRA.
- Loss of Appetite: In some cases, dogs may refuse food temporarily after receiving the treatment.
Most side effects are short-lived and will resolve without the need for medical intervention. However, if your dog experiences severe or persistent side effects, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian.
NexGard SPECTRA vs. NexGard: What’s the Difference?
While NexGard SPECTRA is a more comprehensive version of the original NexGard, there are some key differences between the two products:
- Protection Scope: NexGard primarily targets fleas and ticks, while NexGard SPECTRA offers additional protection against heartworms, intestinal worms, and sarcoptic and demodectic mange.
- Active Ingredients: NexGard contains Afoxolaner only, while NexGard SPECTRA also includes Milbemycin Oxime to treat heartworms and intestinal parasites.
- Range of Treatment: NexGard SPECTRA is more versatile, as it offers broader protection for dogs facing multiple parasitic risks.
If you are looking for a product that offers comprehensive protection against a wide range of parasites, NexGard SPECTRA is the more complete option.
Is NexGard SPECTRA Safe for My Dog?
NexGard SPECTRA is considered safe for most dogs when used as directed. It is approved by the FDA for use in dogs as young as 8 weeks old and weighing more than 4 pounds. However, as with any medication, it is important to consult with your veterinarian before administering NexGard SPECTRA, especially if your dog has underlying health conditions or is taking other medications.
In conclusion, NexGard SPECTRA for Canine is an outstanding option for dog owners who want comprehensive, fast-acting protection against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites. Its ease of use, safety profile, and effectiveness make it a favorite among veterinarians and pet owners alike. While side effects are rare and usually mild, the benefits far outweigh any potential risks for most dogs.
If you are concerned about parasites and want a reliable and convenient solution to keep your dog safe, NexGard SPECTRA is definitely worth considering. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine if it is the right choice for your pet’s specific needs.
