How Long Does It Take Nexgard to Start Working?
NexGard, a popular oral flea and tick prevention medication for dogs, has garnered much attention in the pet care realm. Yet, many pet owners often wonder, “How quickly does NexGard start working?”
NexGard: An Overview
Before delving into the specifics of NexGard’s action, it’s vital to provide a brief overview of the medication itself. NexGard is a chewable tablet prescribed by veterinarians, primarily used to treat and prevent flea infestations and treat and control ticks in dogs. The active ingredient, afoxolaner, attacks the nervous system of these parasites, causing their eventual death.
The Onset of Action: How Quickly Does NexGard Start Working?
Now, to the question at hand: how quickly does NexGard begin working? After administration, NexGard begins to kill fleas within four hours, according to the manufacturer. As for ticks, NexGard can effectively eliminate them within 48 hours, providing a considerable level of control over these pests.
However, it’s essential to remember that NexGard does not repel ticks or fleas. The parasites must first bite and ingest the afoxolaner in the dog’s bloodstream before the product begins to take effect.
NexGard’s Peak Efficacy: When Can You Expect Maximum Results?
While NexGard starts to work relatively quickly after ingestion, it reaches peak effectiveness within 24 hours for fleas and 48 hours for ticks. Thus, you can expect NexGard to offer maximum protection within two days of administration.
Furthermore, NexGard remains effective for 30 days post-administration, making it an excellent option for monthly preventative care for your furry companion.
The Lifespan of Ticks and Fleas with NexGard
NexGard disrupts the lifecycle of fleas and ticks. It kills adult fleas before they can lay eggs, thereby preventing future infestations. The product also kills ticks before they can transmit diseases, given that transmission generally requires more than an hour of blood feeding.
Concluding Remarks: NexGard’s Reliable Effectiveness
Understanding the speed of NexGard’s action provides peace of mind for pet owners navigating the world of flea and tick prevention. Though it doesn’t repel these parasites, NexGard quickly and effectively eliminates them once they’ve bitten your pet, offering a robust line of defense against infestations and related diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does NexGard Provide Immediate Parasite Kill?
While NexGard begins to work relatively quickly, it’s important to note that it doesn’t provide immediate parasite kill. The onset of action for fleas is approximately four hours, while ticks are typically eliminated within 48 hours of administration.
2. How Long Does NexGard Remain Effective?
NexGard maintains its efficacy for a month, making it an excellent choice for monthly preventative regimens. This duration provides adequate protection against flea and tick infestations.
3. What is NexGard’s Mechanism of Action?
NexGard contains the active ingredient afoxolaner, which interferes with the nervous system of fleas and ticks. The pests need to bite your pet and ingest afoxolaner before they are affected. Once ingested, afoxolaner causes uncontrolled activity in the pest’s nervous system, leading to death.
4. Does NexGard Eliminate Flea Eggs?
Yes, NexGard does play a role in controlling flea eggs, albeit indirectly. By killing adult fleas, NexGard prevents them from laying eggs, thereby disrupting the flea lifecycle and preventing future infestations.
5. Can NexGard Treat Ticks Already on My Dog?
Absolutely. Once a tick bites your pet and consumes the afoxolaner in your dog’s bloodstream, NexGard’s action begins. Within 48 hours, the tick will typically be eliminated.
6. Does NexGard Work Against Mange?
NexGard has been demonstrated to be effective against certain types of mange, such as sarcoptic mange. However, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian for the appropriate treatment if your pet shows signs of mange.
7. Can NexGard Cause Side Effects?
While NexGard is generally well-tolerated, some dogs might experience side effects. These can include vomiting, diarrhea, dry or flaky skin, and lethargy. If your dog shows any unusual signs after taking NexGard, it’s crucial to contact your vet immediately.
8. Can NexGard Be Used in Addition to Other Flea or Tick Treatments?
Typically, NexGard can be used alongside other flea and tick treatments, such as tick collars or sprays. However, always consult your veterinarian before combining treatments to ensure safety and efficacy.
9. Is NexGard Suitable for Puppies?
NexGard can be administered to puppies that are at least eight weeks old and weigh four pounds or more. Always refer to the product label for appropriate dosing and consult your vet for personalized advice.
10. How is NexGard Administered?
NexGard is an oral medication, presented in the form of a chewable tablet. Many pet owners find that the beef-flavored chew is readily accepted by their dogs, making administration straightforward and stress-free. The tablet should be provided once a month as directed by your veterinarian.
11. Does NexGard Require a Veterinary Prescription?
Yes, NexGard is a prescription-only medication. This requirement ensures that a veterinarian has evaluated your pet’s health status and confirmed that NexGard is a suitable treatment option.
12. What Should I Do If My Dog Misses a Dose of NexGard?
If you miss giving your dog a dose of NexGard, administer it as soon as you remember. Then, adjust your schedule accordingly to maintain a monthly interval. Avoid doubling doses without consulting your vet.
13. Can NexGard be Used in Pregnant or Lactating Dogs?
NexGard’s safety in pregnant, breeding, or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. If your pet falls into any of these categories, it is crucial to discuss with your vet whether NexGard is the appropriate choice.
14. Can I Bathe My Dog After Administering NexGard?
As NexGard is an oral treatment, bathing or swimming will not affect its efficacy. Your dog can continue with its regular bathing or swimming routine after taking NexGard.
15. How Should NexGard be Stored?
NexGard should be stored at room temperature out of direct sunlight. It’s also essential to keep the product out of reach from children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
16. What Happens If My Dog Ingests an Overdose of NexGard?
In case of a NexGard overdose, you may see symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or increased salivation. If you suspect an overdose, it’s critical to seek immediate veterinary attention.
17. Does NexGard Protect Against Heartworm Disease?
No, NexGard does not provide protection against heartworm disease. It is specifically designed to kill fleas and ticks. For heartworm prevention, you should consider a product intended to provide this protection and always discuss the options with your vet.
18. Can Puppies Take NexGard?
Yes, NexGard is approved for use in puppies 8 weeks of age and older, weighing at least 4 pounds. However, you should always consult with your veterinarian before starting any new medication, even for puppies that meet these requirements.
19. Can NexGard Cause Allergic Reactions?
In rare cases, dogs might be allergic to the active ingredient in NexGard (Afoxolaner) or other components. Signs of an allergic reaction may include itching, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. If any of these occur, it is crucial to discontinue the use of NexGard and seek veterinary attention promptly.
20. Can NexGard Be Given with Other Medications?
NexGard has no known contraindications with other medications. However, it’s always important to discuss with your vet about all the medications your dog is currently on before starting NexGard.
21. Can Cats Take NexGard?
NexGard is not approved for use in cats. It is formulated and tested only for dogs. There are other products specifically designed for cats that provide similar protection against fleas and ticks.
22. What Should I Do If My Dog Spits Out NexGard?
If your dog spits out the NexGard chew, try offering it again. If the dog refuses to take it, you could try hiding it in a treat or piece of food. Ensure the full dose has been taken.
23. What If I See Fleas on My Dog After Taking NexGard?
Seeing fleas on your dog after taking NexGard might indicate that the dog has picked up new fleas from the environment. NexGard will kill these new fleas before they can reproduce, but it may take up to 24 hours for the fleas to die.
24. How Long Should I Continue to Use NexGard?
Preventing flea and tick infestations is a year-round effort. Therefore, it is usually recommended to continue NexGard treatments throughout the year. However, always follow your vet’s advice regarding the duration of use.
