Yes, a recent 12-month-old prescription from a duly registered veterinarian is required in order to acquire NexGard.
Is NexGard available in a generic form?
NexGard’s safety during pregnancy, reproduction, or lactation in dogs has not been examined.
Frontline Top Spot’s generic equivalent is called FiproGuard. The EPA has approved Fiproguard for sale in the USA even though it is not produced by the same company that makes Frontline Top Spot. It hasn’t been rated because it’s new to the market.
In the fight against fleas and ticks, there has been an interesting breakthrough in the past year.
Veterinarians have relied on topical treatments for controlling fleas and ticks for many years, but many of their formulations are oily, and some sensitive pets may react allergically to some of them when they come into contact with them. Concerns over human exposure to topical flea and tick insecticides are another issue that many clients have. Because of this, Merial’s exciting new Nexgard product has been a much-welcomed addition to our flea and tick treatment and prevention options. Merial has developed a new solution that most fleas and ticks are undoubtedly vulnerable to by employing the chemical afoxolaner. Even without meals, dogs still adore the chewable with a beef flavor. It has also been demonstrated to be safe at doses up to five times those advised. The main drawback to this medicine is that the dog must be bitten by a parasite in order for it to impact it, and in some situations, this could take up to several hours. Studies and clinical experience with this medicine, however, demonstrate that it is particularly successful in preventing Lyme, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. This makes it crucial as a component of any year-round program for our dogs’ parasite prevention. Mild gastric trouble is the only infrequent side effect I have observed. As a result, I rate this product as having an overall score of 4.5 and a user-friendliness score of 5.
Licensed veterinarians and the knowledgeable employees of PetMed Express, Inc. d/b/a 1-800-PetMeds make up our expert panel. With regard to the accuracy or completeness of the content on any site or on any external sites, neither the Company nor any of its employees or consultants make any express or implied guarantees or claims. Additionally, no legal duty or obligation is assumed for the truthfulness, completeness, or usefulness of any material or the efficacy of any items mentioned. While every attempt has been made to accurately portray each product’s traits and characteristics, which were largely taken directly from the manufacturers’ websites, we cannot be held liable for any mistakes.
The information provided is solely for educational purposes and is meant to complement your veterinarian’s knowledge and skills, not to replace them. For the diagnosis or treatment of your pet, the information is NOT to be used. For particular information on how to care for your pet, you should always speak with your personal veterinarian. The information is not meant to cover all potential applications, instructions, safety precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions, or adverse effects, and it should not be interpreted to suggest that administering a specific medication to your pet is either appropriate, safe, or beneficial. It does not replace the need for services offered by your veterinarian and is not a replacement for a veterinary examination.
Where can I buy NexGard for dogs?
NexGard (afoxolaner) is the most highly prescribed medication by veterinarians for a reason. Once you have a prescription from your veterinarian, you can buy it from them in-person or online. Using our Buy Now button, you may locate them if they provide any online discounts.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
Some topical flea/tick preventatives fall into this category because they are not taken into your pet’s body in the same manner as prescription drugs are, thus a prescription is not necessary. Since these preventatives are classified as pesticides rather than true drugs, they are most likely solely subject to EPA regulation. Flea and tick sprays, shampoos, dips, collars, and various “spot-on treatments” are a few examples of over-the-counter preventatives.
Prescription Required (Rx) Medications
Before being given out, prescription drugs need to be approved by a doctor who is certified to practice medicine. This is because they need more stringent regulation and supervision to be used properly and safely. This medication could be taken as a tablet, pill, chew, topical “spot-on” treatment, injection, powder, or in other ways. The Food and Drug Administration is in charge of overseeing all of these dosage forms (FDA). In order to make sure the pet is healthy enough to take the drug, several of these medications may need diagnostic testing, like as blood work, before an approved prescription may be obtained.
Unless they also address internal parasites like worms, very few “spot on” therapies fit under this category. Prescription preventatives including Bravecto, Nexgard, Sentinel, and Simparica are frequently utilized.
What Determines Over-the-Counter vs. Prescription Only?
Whether a flea and tick prophylactic is marketed over the counter or exclusively by prescription depends on a number of different criteria. Manufacturers consider the following deciding factors:
- Ingredients: The active ingredient(s) in a medication and the hazards associated with improper use or dosage have a significant impact on where you can get it. Contrasted with OTC medications, which may not have the same level of regulation and control over their components, prescription drugs have better controls over their ingredients, making it far more difficult to overdose or underdose.
- Administration method: Is the drug used orally in the form of a pill or tablet? A substance you apply directly to your pet’s skin? Or perhaps a fluid that might require injection under the skin? How user-friendly is it?
- The governing body in charge of it: Since this substance is merely a pesticide, you won’t need a prescription from your veterinarian if the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates it. You will probably require a prescription if the Food and Medicine Administration (FDA) is in charge of regulating this product because it is regarded as an animal drug.
Why Heartworm Medications Require a Prescription
Heartworm prevention for pets is more crucial than ever! Heartworm and other infectious diseases are spreading more frequently as a result of climate change, warmer winters, and annoying insects being more prevalent. However, it is not advised to begin giving your pet a heartworm preventative without first taking it to the vet. even if you still have pet food leftovers. Always check to make sure they don’t already have heartworm disease, as this might be devastating.
If your dog or cat already has heartworms, giving them a heartworm preventative won’t help—in certain situations, it could make the condition worse and possibly be fatal for your pet. The FDA demands a prescription for heartworm preventatives as a result. Therefore, the first step is a simple but crucial heartworm test, after which your veterinarian can recommend the best treatment for your pet.
Is NexGard the same as Frontline?
The accessibility of these two is the main distinction. Contrary to Nexgard, Frontline Plus can be purchased without a prescription. Having said that, Nexgard’s results are quicker acting, with a turn around time of 24 hours for ticks and 4 hours for fleas, providing your cat with speedier relief.
Is NexGard a good investment?
One of the most practical flea and tick treatment solutions available today is Nexgard Chewables for Dogs, which help you shield your dog from parasites by offering them a tasty, beef-flavored tablet to nibble on.
For owners who don’t trust collars but also don’t want to deal with nasty topical remedies, they are a viable option. They are not only incredibly practical but also efficient because they are so successful at getting rid of ticks and fleas.
However, Nexgard Chewables aren’t flawless. They are reasonably priced, but they won’t shield you against parasites like heartworms and mosquitoes.
What stands in for NexGard?
Prescription drug; only available orally; oral treatment; available in six dosages; each chew offers one month’s worth of protection; starting price is $24 per month; active ingredients include sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel;
Simparica Trio shields your dog from heartworms, hookworms, and roundworms in addition to working against the same ticks as Nexgard does. Both Waxman and Brooks endorse it. Simparica must be administered to your dog once a month, just like Nexgard. It can accommodate canines weighing as little as 2.8 pounds and as much as 132 pounds.
What surpasses NexGard in quality?
Bravecto has a lower dosage frequency to begin with. In contrast to Nexgard, which needs to be taken once a month, one pill can last up to twelve weeks. For some pet owners, the ease of a once every three months
Treatment for fleas and ticks is worthwhile. However, you cannot begin giving Bravecto to pups until they are at least 6 months old. Nexgard can be used without risk.
To treat fleas and ticks, both Nexgard and Bravecto employ a pesticide from the same “laners” class. In just 24 hours, Nexgard’s Afoxoflaner eliminates 100% of fleas. Fleas are first killed by Bravecto using Fluralaner in as
as few as two hours. For eight weeks, Bravecto kills numerous tick species, including the lone star tick. The only FDA-approved remedy for avoiding infections that lead to Lyme disease is Nexgard.
infested with ticks. Nexgard, in contrast to Bravecto, has not yet been examined for use in dogs that are breeding, pregnant, or nursing.
Cats cannot purchase Nexgard chewable tablets. Bravecto, however, can be used topically and has the extra benefit of being able to deter ticks and fleas.
Your veterinarian must write a prescription before Bravecto and Nexgard can be obtained. Any queries regarding side effects, precautions, or special care for your dog should be addressed to your veterinarian.
Does NexGard have an extended shelf life?
Overall, NexGard is a safe medicine, and since it only stays in a pet’s system for one month, any side effects your pet experiences should be minor. In contrast, Bravecto stays in your pet’s system for 12 weeks. The only product with a license to protect dogs against Lyme disease is NexGard.
What dog flea and tick treatment is the safest?
To adequately protect their patients, veterinarians often advise dog flea and tick collars, topical flea and tick treatments, or oral flea and tick drugs (sometimes in combination). Here are some of the safest flea treatments for dogs available right now, along with some of its benefits and drawbacks.
Dog Flea and Tick Collars
Modern dog flea collars are generally safe solutions for controlling fleas and ticks (unlike older collars, which were largely ineffective). Right present, the Seresto collar is a highly popular choice.
It employs imidacloprid and flumethrin to eradicate ticks as well as fleas in all stages of development. The collar is a practical substitute for monthly preventive treatments because its effectiveness lasts for 8 months (as long as you limit its exposure to water).
However, if you have young children in your house, keep them from playing with the reflector clips or a Seresto collar. With small children who have a tendency to put everything in their mouths, all flea and tick collars have the tendency to leave residues of the chemicals that make them effective on your dog and on your cat.
Some dogs have experienced localized skin responses to the collar, which went away after it was taken off. The product insert for Seresto additionally warns, “Before using this medicine on debilitated, elderly, breeding, pregnant, or nursing animals, see your veterinarian. This is valid for all preventatives against fleas and ticks.
Topical Flea and Tick Treatments for Dogs
There are several effective topical (or spot-on) flea treatments for dogs, and many of them provide defense against a variety of pests in addition to fleas.
For instance, Advantage Multi is a prescription medication that kills heartworms, hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, sarcoptic mange mites, and fleas using the active chemicals imidacloprid and moxidectin. But it doesn’t kill ticks, and to prevent possibly harmful side effects, dogs shouldn’t be permitted to lick the application location for at least 30 minutes.
Fipronil and (S)-methoprene, two OTC medications, are used in Frontline Plus to combat fleas and ticks at all stages of development. Additionally, it gets rid of chewing lice and aids in managing sarcoptic mange outbreaks. Even while it shouldn’t be consumed, a few covert licks from your dog won’t likely result in any issues.
A topical therapy might not be the best option if you can’t keep your pet away from young children or other animals that could come into direct touch with the drug before it has dried or been absorbed into your pet’s skin, as is the situation with flea and tick collars.
Before selecting a topical flea and tick medicine for your dog if you have cats in the house, consult a veterinarian. Some use extremely harmful to cats substances like pyrethrin or permethrin.
The ideal time to bathe a dog following application is a few days later. The usual requirement for topical therapies is monthly application.
Oral Flea and Tick Medications for Dogs
Many prescription oral flea and tick treatments are thought to be relatively safe for dogs. These preventatives are available as pills and chewables. Your veterinarian can advise you on the best one based on the age of your dog.
Spinosad and milbemycin oxime are used in Trifexis to protect dogs from fleas, heartworms, and intestinal parasites, however it is ineffective against ticks. This medication must be prescribed by your veterinarian.
For 8–12 weeks per dose, Bravecto chews (also available as a topical) provide protection from fleas and ticks. Fluralaner, the substance’s active component, kills adult fleas and ticks. Your veterinarian must also write a prescription for Bravecto.
For homes with young children or other small pets who might be at risk of coming into touch with the chemical residue from flea collars or topical therapies, oral flea and tick meds are an excellent option.
Vomiting is the negative effect of prescription oral flea medicines that is most frequently reported.
While there is always a chance for negative side effects with any drug, the danger of not treating parasites is far greater. Based on your dog’s age, lifestyle, health status, and other specific factors, your veterinarian can assist you in selecting the safest and most efficient flea and tick treatment.
