NexGard for Dogs: A Medication to Keep Pesky Fleas Away
Key takeaways:
NexGard (afoxolaner) treats and prevents fleas and specific tick species that affect dogs. It’s also recommended to prevent Lyme disease in dogs.
NexGard comes in a chewable tablet and is usually given by mouth once monthly.
The most risky side effect of NexGard is seizures or other neurologic symptoms. Dogs with a history of seizures should not take NexGard.
Table of contents
Fleas and ticks are not just pesky parasites. They can transmit diseases to your dog and you. NexGard (afoxolaner), a flea and tick medication for dogs, can help keep the creepy crawlies at bay. Find out how NexGard works, what it treats, and what the risks are.
NexGard for dogs at a glance
Common names | NexGard (afoxolaner) |
What it’s used for | To prevent and treat fleas, some types of ticks, and mange, and to prevent Lyme disease |
How it comes (forms) | Chewable tablets |
Common side effects | Vomiting, flaky skin, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy |
What is NexGard for dogs, and how does it work?
NexGard for dogs is a monthly treatment and prevention medication for fleas and specific species of ticks.
NexGard belongs to a class of antiparasitic medications called isoxazolines. These medications excite the nervous system in parasites, eventually causing paralysis and death. The parasite needs to bite your dog so that it can ingest afoxolaner and be affected by it.
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What is NexGard used for in dogs?
NexGard is approved by the FDA for the treatment and prevention of:
Fleas
American dog ticks
Black-legged or deer ticks
Lone star ticks
Brown dog ticks
NexGard is also used for the prevention of Lyme disease. NexGard kills black-legged ticks before they’re able to spread Lyme disease in dogs.
In addition, NexGard is used off-label to treat mange in dogs. It may also be effective against other parasites, like ear mites.
Afoxolaner, the active ingredient in NexGard, is used in combination products that contain other antiparasitic medications, such as NexGard PLUS. These combination products treat and/or prevent a wider range of parasites.
What is the dosage of NexGard for dogs, and how is it given?
The recommended starting dosage is 2.5 mg per kilogram of your dog’s body weight by mouth once per month. NexGard comes in a chewable tablet and is prescribed based on your dog’s weight.
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Dogs receiving NexGard should be at least 8 weeks old and weigh at least 4 lbs.
Off-label uses for NexGard, such as treatment for mange, may have a different dosing schedule.
What are the common side effects of NexGard in dogs?
Common side effects of NexGard in dogs include:
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What are the most serious risks of NexGard for dogs?
NexGard can affect the nervous system. Some dogs have seizures, muscle tremors, and a drunken gait (ataxia). The FDA has warned that medications in the isoxazoline class, including NexGard, can cause these side effects.
Don’t give NexGard and other isoxazoline medications to dogs with a history of seizures.
Does NexGard interact with any other dog medications?
Interactions between NexGard and other dog medications have not been reported. You’ll still want to let your vet know about any other medications your dog takes before they’re prescribed NexGard.
What should you do if your dog misses a dose of NexGard?
If you miss giving your dog a dose of NexGard, give the missed dose as soon as possible. Then continue with NexGard once a month as recommended by your veterinarian.
If your dog gets ticks or fleas because you missed giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. Ticks and fleas can pass on other diseases, such as Lyme disease or tapeworms, to your dog.
The bottom line
NexGard (afoxolaner) is a safe, FDA-approved flea and tick prevention that most dogs can take. It’s available as a once-monthly chewable tablet and is prescribed based on your dog’s weight.
Side effects of NexGard in dogs are rare but can include vomiting and diarrhea. The most serious risk of NexGard is seizures. If your dog has a history of seizures, speak with your veterinarian about other options for flea and tick control.
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References
Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA, Inc. (2023). Freedom of information summary for NexGard Plus.
Budde, J.A., et al. (2023). Enalapril. Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Edition. Wiley-Blackwell.
Frontline Vet Labs. (2020). Nexgard - afoxolaner chewable [package insert].
Frontline Vet Labs. (2024). Nexgard - afoxolaner tablet, chewable [package insert]. DailyMed.
Gupta, R. C., et al. (2022). Isoxazoline toxicosis in animals. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Today’s Veterinary Nurse. (2018). FDA approves NexGard (afoxolaner) for the prevention of infections that cause Lyme disease in dogs.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Fact sheet for pet owners and veterinarians about potential adverse events associated with isoxazoline flea and tick products.
Zhou, X., et al. (2021). Current review of isoxazoline ectoparasiticides used in veterinary medicine. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
