Heartgard and Nexgard Parasite Protection for Dogs

Heartgard and Nexgard are two popular parasite protection options for dogs. They work by killing and preventing the growth of various parasites that can harm your furry friend.

Heartgard is specifically designed to target and eliminate heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms. It's usually given to dogs once a month.

Nexgard, on the other hand, is a fast-acting chewable tablet that kills ticks and fleas within 24 hours. It's also effective against chewing lice and sarcoptic mange mites.

Discover more: Heartgard Flea and Tick

Heartgard and Nexgard are two popular heartworm preventatives for dogs.

Heartgard, specifically, is a medication that contains ivermectin, an ingredient that kills heartworms and other parasites in dogs.

It's typically given orally, once a month, to prevent heartworms from developing in your dog's system.

Nexgard, on the other hand, is a chewable tablet that contains afoxolaner, another ingredient that kills ticks, fleas, and mites in addition to heartworms.

Nexgard is also given orally, once a month, and is often preferred by pet owners who find it easier to administer than Heartgard.

Heartgard and Nexgard are both highly effective at preventing heartworms and other parasites, with success rates of over 95% in clinical trials.

Expand your knowledge: Heartgard Prescription

Heartgard and Nexgard are used for different types of parasites - Heartgard for hookworms and roundworms, while Nexgard focuses on fleas and ticks.

Nexgard is the only FDA-approved option for preventing infections that cause Lyme disease, making it a crucial choice for pet owners in areas with high Lyme disease risk.

Heartgard, on the other hand, is known for preventing heartworms and can be given to pets as young as 6 weeks old, making it a great option for puppy owners.

Nexgard chewable tablets are not available for cats, but Heartgard is available as a chewable tablet for feline companions.

The two products also have different active ingredients - Nexgard uses Afoxoflaner to kill 100% of fleas in 24 hours, while Heartgard uses Ivermectin and Pyrantel Pamoate.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Does Heartgard Kill Worms

Heartgard and Nexgard are two popular parasite prevention products for pets. Heartgard is used for hookworms and roundworms, while Nexgard focuses on fleas and ticks.

Nexgard is particularly effective, killing 100% of fleas in 24 hours. It's also the only FDA-approved option for preventing infections that cause Lyme disease.

Heartgard, on the other hand, is known for preventing heartworms. It's essential to have your pet checked for heartworms before giving them Heartgard.

One key difference between the two products is their safety profile. Nexgard has not yet been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs, whereas Heartgard can be started as early as 6 weeks of age.

If you have a cat, you'll need to choose between Heartgard, which comes in a chewable tablet for cats, and Nexgard, which is not available for feline companions.

Heartgard Plus offers the flexibility to use separate treatments for different types of parasites, such as combining it with a topical flea med. This modular approach gives pet owners more control over their pet's treatment plan.

NexGard Plus simplifies the regimen by bundling everything into one chew, reducing the chance of missed doses. This streamlined approach can be more convenient for pet owners who want a hassle-free experience.

When choosing between NexGard Plus and Heartgard Plus, it's essential to consider their spectrum of protection. NexGard Plus treats fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms in one chew, while Heartgard Plus only treats heartworms and intestinal worms, requiring an added product for flea and tick control.

NexGard Plus offers broad-spectrum protection, covering heartworms, fleas, ticks, hookworms, and roundworms.

Heartgard Plus has a narrower spectrum of protection, only covering heartworms, hookworms, and roundworms.

If you have an outdoor dog or live in an area with high flea and tick risk, NexGard Plus is a convenient all-in-one solution.

For indoor dogs with low exposure or those who prefer a modular parasite plan, Heartgard Plus might be a better fit.

NexGard Plus requires a prescription and can be administered as a monthly beef-flavored chewable, starting at 8 weeks old and 4 pounds.

Heartgard Plus also requires a prescription and comes in a monthly beef-flavored chewable, but has no weight restriction and can be started at 6 weeks old.

Here is a comparison table to help you decide:

Both NexGard Plus and Heartgard Plus are designed for continuous monthly use and have demonstrated no cumulative toxicity when used long-term at prescribed doses.

While rare, side effects can occur with both medications. NexGard Plus side effects are infrequent, but may include vomiting, irritation, lack of appetite, drowsiness, and diarrhea.

Heartgard Plus side effects are uncommon, but can include vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, particularly if given on an empty stomach or if dosing errors occur.

Dogs with a history of seizures or neurological conditions may be more sensitive to Afoxolaner, a compound that acts on the nervous system of parasites, in rare cases.

To ensure your furry friend stays safe, it's recommended to visit your vet regularly to know the status of your dog and the dosage instructions.

If your dog experiences any side effects, consult your vet right away.

Here's a summary of NexGard and Heartgard Plus side effects:

Remember, both medications are prescription-only, not just for legal reasons, but to ensure a proper health history review before use.

Monthly Pricing is a crucial factor to consider when choosing between Heartgard and Nexgard for your furry friend. The cost can vary depending on your dog's size and weight.

Heartgard Plus is generally more affordable, with a monthly price of $11.59 for small dogs up to 25 lbs, $12.59 for medium dogs 26-50 lbs, and $14.19 for large dogs 51-100 lbs.

Here's a breakdown of the monthly prices for NexGard Plus: Dog SizeMonthly Price4–8 lbs$40.998.1–17 lbs$39.6917.1–33 lbs$41.9933.1–66 lbs$43.9966.1–132 lbs$44.99

It's worth noting that while Heartgard Plus is cheaper, you'll need to purchase a separate flea and tick product, which can add an extra $10 to $30 per month to your expenses.

Heartgard Plus and NexGard Plus are two popular heartworm prevention products. Heartgard Plus costs $12.59 per dose but only protects against heartworms and intestinal worms, requiring a separate flea and tick product.

You'll need to add a flea and tick product, such as Bravecto or a Seresto collar, which can cost between $10 to $30 per month. This increases the overall cost to $27.59-$32.59 per month.

NexGard Plus offers comprehensive coverage for $39.69-$44.99 per month, depending on weight. This might seem more expensive at first, but it simplifies treatment routines and reduces the risk of missed or delayed doses, potentially making it more cost-efficient in the long run.

Here's a comparison of the costs:

NexGard Plus offers broader protection against internal and external parasites, including fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms.

It's an all-in-one monthly chewable that targets a wider range of parasites compared to Heartgard Plus. NexGard Plus protects against 4 major tick species, heartworms, and intestinal worms, in addition to fleas.

Heartgard Plus, on the other hand, is a narrow-spectrum preventive that only protects against heartworms, hookworms, and roundworms.

If you want coverage for fleas and ticks, you'll need to combine Heartgard Plus with a separate product.

Here's a comparison of the costs:

Over time, NexGard Plus may become more cost-efficient by simplifying treatment routines and reducing the risk of missed or delayed doses.

You can buy HeartGard PLUS from a variety of places, including your local veterinarian's office.

They're typically well-stocked with HeartGard PLUS and can answer any questions you may have about the product.

You can also purchase HeartGard PLUS from online retailers that specialize in pet care products.

Just make sure to check the expiration date and packaging before making a purchase.

It's also a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before buying HeartGard PLUS to ensure it's the right product for your dog.

To give your dog the right dose of Nexgard, you'll need to choose the right pack based on their weight. For small dogs weighing 4-10 pounds, the orange pack is the way to go.

You can find the dosage chart below to see which pack is right for your dog.

Once you've got the right pack, you can give your dog the Nexgard chew as a treat or mix it in with their food. Just make sure they finish the whole food when the tablet is mixed.

For dogs that weigh between 24-60 pounds (10-25 kg), a NexGard & Heartgard combo is a convenient option. This combo is specifically designed for dogs in this weight range.

The combo provides protection against various parasites for a month with just one chewable tablet each of NexGard and Heartgard.

As you're considering parasite prevention for your furry friend, it's essential to think about their weight and size. For dogs weighing at least 4 pounds and 8 weeks or older, NexGard Plus is a great option. This chewable, once-monthly tablet offers protection against heartworm disease, fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites like hookworms and roundworms.

NexGard Plus is a broad-spectrum product that covers both internal and external parasites, making it ideal for dogs exposed to the outdoors or other pets. The product has been rapidly adopted by veterinarians and dog owners alike, with over 6 million doses distributed since its 2023 release.

Broaden your view: Does Nexgard Kill Roundworms

For smaller breeds or puppies, Heartgard Plus might be a better fit. This product is approved for dogs as young as 6 weeks old and doesn't have a minimum weight requirement. It's a great option for treating and controlling hookworms and roundworms, but keep in mind it doesn't protect against fleas or ticks.

Here's a quick comparison of the two products:

Remember to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best parasite prevention strategy for your dog based on their individual needs and circumstances.

For dogs weighing between 10-25 kg, a NexGard & Heartgard combo is a suitable choice. This combo provides protection against parasites for a month.

Dogs in this weight range can be protected from parasites with a single NexGard tablet and a single Heartgard tablet.

For dogs weighing between 25-50 kg, consider their energy needs. They require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight, typically 1-2 hours of moderate exercise per day.

Dogs in this weight range often have a medium to long lifespan, typically between 10-15 years. This means they'll be a part of your family for many years, so plan accordingly.

A 30 kg dog, for example, may need a balanced diet with 2-3 cups of food per day. This can vary depending on their breed, age, and activity level.

Dogs weighing between 25-50 kg often have a medium to large build, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Using Nexgard and Heartgard Plus together is a great way to keep your dog healthy and protected from parasites. Both products are oral treatments that come in beef-flavored tablets, making them easy to administer.

One of the key benefits of using these products together is that they are effective against fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms, including roundworms and hookworms. They also prevent heartworm infection.

Monthly treatment is a convenient aspect of using Nexgard and Heartgard Plus. This ensures that your dog receives consistent protection from parasites throughout the year.

Here's a breakdown of the benefits of using Nexgard and Heartgard Plus:

After administering Heartgard to your dog, it's essential to give the treat as directed by the veterinarian to ensure the medication is effective.

The recommended dosage of Heartgard is based on your dog's weight, and it's crucial to follow the prescribed schedule to prevent heartworms and other parasites.

In the event of a missed dose, contact your veterinarian for guidance on how to proceed with the treatment plan.

You can store Heartgard at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture, to maintain its potency.

Nexgard, on the other hand, is a chewable tablet that kills fleas and ticks within 24 hours of administration.

It's recommended to give Nexgard to your dog once a month to maintain its effectiveness against parasites.

If you have a dog that's under 8 weeks old or weighs less than 4 pounds, consult with your veterinarian before administering Nexgard.