NexGard is a popular chewable flea and tick preventative medication for dogs, praised for its effectiveness and ease of administration. However, as a responsible pet owner, you want to be certain that the medication is doing its job and protecting your furry friend from those pesky parasites. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to help you determine if NexGard is working effectively for your dog.
Understanding NexGard and How It Works
Before diving into how to assess NexGard’s efficacy, it’s important to understand what it is and how it works. NexGard contains afoxolaner, an insecticide and acaricide belonging to the isoxazoline class.
Afoxolaner works by interfering with the nervous system of fleas and ticks. Specifically, it blocks the chloride channels, causing hyperexcitation and ultimately leading to the death of the parasites.
NexGard is administered orally, making it a convenient option for many dog owners. After ingestion, afoxolaner is absorbed into the bloodstream. When fleas and ticks bite a treated dog, they are exposed to the drug and subsequently killed. It’s important to note that NexGard requires the fleas and ticks to bite your dog to be effective.
The medication is generally effective for one month, hence the need for monthly administration. The drug is designed to kill fleas before they can lay eggs, thus breaking the flea life cycle. It also kills ticks, reducing the risk of tick-borne diseases.
Key Indicators of NexGard’s Effectiveness
Several indicators can help you determine if NexGard is working as it should. These signs include a decrease in flea and tick presence, a reduction in symptoms associated with flea and tick infestations, and your dog’s overall comfort level.
Monitoring Flea and Tick Presence
The most obvious sign of NexGard’s effectiveness is the absence or significant reduction of fleas and ticks on your dog. However, simply not seeing these parasites doesn’t always mean they aren’t there. You need to be vigilant in your inspection.
Performing Regular Flea Checks
Regular flea checks are crucial. Use a flea comb to thoroughly examine your dog’s fur, paying close attention to areas where fleas tend to congregate, such as the base of the tail, the groin, and around the ears.
Look for live fleas or flea dirt (feces). Flea dirt appears as small, black specks. To confirm it is flea dirt, place the specks on a damp paper towel; if they turn reddish-brown, it’s flea dirt, indicating the presence of fleas. Even a small amount of flea dirt suggests an ongoing infestation.
Inspecting for Ticks After Outdoor Activities
Ticks are usually larger and easier to spot than fleas. After walks in wooded or grassy areas, carefully check your dog for ticks. Run your hands through their fur, feeling for any bumps. Pay particular attention to areas around the head, ears, neck, and legs.
If you find a tick, remove it carefully using tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight out with steady pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain embedded in the skin. Disinfect the bite area after removal.
Evaluating the Environment
Remember that your dog can pick up fleas and ticks from the environment. If your yard is heavily infested, it can be challenging to completely eliminate the parasites, even with effective medication.
Consider treating your yard with an appropriate insecticide to reduce the flea and tick population. Focus on areas where your dog spends a lot of time, such as shaded areas and around bushes.
Assessing Your Dog’s Symptoms
Flea and tick infestations can cause a range of symptoms in dogs. If NexGard is working, you should see a reduction in these symptoms.
Relief from Itching and Scratching
One of the most common signs of a flea infestation is excessive itching and scratching. If NexGard is effective, you should notice a decrease in your dog’s scratching.
Observe your dog’s behavior. Are they scratching less frequently? Are they less agitated and uncomfortable? A reduction in these behaviors suggests that the medication is working. Persistent scratching may indicate that NexGard is not fully effective, or that your dog has another underlying skin condition.
Improved Skin Condition
Fleas can cause skin irritation, leading to redness, inflammation, and even hair loss. If NexGard is working, you should see an improvement in your dog’s skin condition.
Check for signs of healing, such as reduced redness, less inflammation, and hair regrowth in affected areas. If the skin remains inflamed or if the condition worsens, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian.
Prevention of Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)
Some dogs are allergic to flea saliva, a condition known as flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). Even a single flea bite can trigger an intense allergic reaction in these dogs.
If your dog has FAD, NexGard can help prevent flare-ups by killing fleas before they have a chance to bite. Monitor your dog for signs of an allergic reaction, such as severe itching, skin lesions, and hair loss. If these symptoms persist despite NexGard treatment, consult with your veterinarian about additional management strategies.
Monitoring for Tick-Borne Disease Symptoms
Ticks can transmit various diseases to dogs, including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis. While NexGard kills ticks, reducing the risk of transmission, it’s essential to monitor your dog for symptoms of these diseases.
Lyme Disease
Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs can include lameness, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, Lyme disease can cause kidney damage.
Ehrlichiosis
Ehrlichiosis can cause fever, lethargy, weight loss, and bleeding disorders.
Anaplasmosis
Anaplasmosis can cause similar symptoms to Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis, including fever, lethargy, and joint pain.
If your dog develops any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek veterinary attention promptly. A blood test can help diagnose tick-borne diseases, and treatment with antibiotics is usually effective.
Factors That Can Affect NexGard’s Effectiveness
Several factors can influence NexGard’s effectiveness. Understanding these factors can help you troubleshoot if you suspect the medication isn’t working as expected.
Correct Dosage and Administration
Ensuring you are giving your dog the correct dosage of NexGard is paramount. The dosage is based on your dog’s weight, so it’s essential to weigh your dog accurately.
Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate dosage for your dog. Never give a higher or lower dose than recommended, as this can affect the medication’s efficacy and potentially harm your pet.
Administer NexGard as directed by your veterinarian. The chewable tablets are usually palatable, making administration easy. However, if your dog refuses to take the tablet, you can try hiding it in a treat or pill pocket.
Environmental Infestation Levels
As mentioned earlier, a heavily infested environment can make it challenging to control fleas and ticks, even with effective medication.
If your yard is heavily infested, the constant exposure to fleas and ticks can overwhelm the medication’s ability to kill them all. In such cases, you may need to combine NexGard with environmental control measures, such as treating your yard with an insecticide.
Parasite Resistance
In some cases, fleas and ticks can develop resistance to certain insecticides, including afoxolaner. While resistance to NexGard is not widespread, it is a possibility to consider if you suspect the medication is not working.
If you suspect parasite resistance, consult with your veterinarian. They may recommend switching to a different flea and tick preventative medication with a different active ingredient.
Concurrent Medications and Health Conditions
Certain medications and health conditions can affect how NexGard is absorbed and metabolized in your dog’s body. This can potentially impact its effectiveness.
Inform your veterinarian about all medications your dog is taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements. Also, disclose any underlying health conditions your dog may have. Your veterinarian can assess whether these factors could be affecting NexGard’s efficacy.
Troubleshooting and When to Consult Your Veterinarian
If you suspect that NexGard is not working, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue.
Re-evaluate Your Flea and Tick Control Strategy
Start by re-evaluating your overall flea and tick control strategy. Are you consistently administering NexGard on time each month? Are you treating your yard for fleas and ticks? Are you checking your dog regularly for parasites?
Addressing any gaps in your flea and tick control strategy can help improve the effectiveness of NexGard.
Consider Alternative Preventative Medications
If you have ruled out other factors and still suspect that NexGard is not working, talk to your veterinarian about switching to a different flea and tick preventative medication.
There are several other effective options available, including topical treatments and other oral medications. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best option for your dog based on their individual needs and circumstances.
When to Seek Veterinary Advice
It’s essential to consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about NexGard’s effectiveness or your dog’s health.
Seek veterinary advice if:
- Your dog continues to have fleas or ticks despite consistent NexGard treatment.
- Your dog is experiencing severe itching, skin irritation, or hair loss.
- Your dog develops symptoms of a tick-borne disease.
- You have any other concerns about your dog’s health.
Your veterinarian can perform a thorough examination, run diagnostic tests, and recommend the best course of action for your dog.
Conclusion
NexGard is an effective flea and tick preventative medication for many dogs. By understanding how it works, monitoring for key indicators of effectiveness, and addressing potential factors that can affect its efficacy, you can ensure that your dog is adequately protected from these pesky parasites. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice and guidance. Consistent monitoring, preventative measures, and veterinary consultation are key to maintaining your dog’s health and well-being.
How long does it typically take for NexGard to start working after the first dose?
NexGard starts killing fleas within 4 hours of administration and achieves 100% effectiveness within 24 hours. For ticks, NexGard begins killing them within 48 hours of administration, although the speed of kill can vary slightly depending on the tick species. You may notice a decrease in your pet’s scratching or biting relatively quickly after giving the first dose, indicating the medication is working to eliminate existing parasites.
It’s important to remember that NexGard is a preventative medication, so it must be given monthly to maintain its effectiveness. While the initial dose targets existing infestations, consistent, on-time administration prevents new infestations from taking hold. If you don’t see improvement within 24-48 hours, consult your veterinarian to rule out other possible causes of your pet’s discomfort.
What are the key signs that NexGard is successfully controlling fleas on my dog?
The most obvious sign is a reduction in flea activity. You should observe less scratching, biting, and licking from your dog, and you may also see fewer fleas visible in their coat, especially around the ears, belly, and base of the tail. Additionally, any flea dirt (small black specks of flea feces) should diminish or disappear.
Another sign that NexGard is working is a decrease in skin irritation and inflammation. Flea bites can cause significant itching and irritation, leading to secondary skin infections. As NexGard eliminates the fleas, the skin should start to heal, and any redness or sores should gradually subside. However, if your dog’s skin condition worsens, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian.
If I still see a few fleas on my dog after giving NexGard, does that mean it’s not working?
Seeing a few fleas shortly after administering NexGard does not necessarily mean the medication is ineffective. NexGard works by killing fleas after they bite your dog. So, it’s possible to see new fleas that have recently jumped onto your dog before the medication has had a chance to affect them.
However, if you consistently observe a large number of fleas on your dog, or if the flea population seems to be growing despite monthly NexGard administration, then resistance might be a concern. In such cases, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian to discuss alternative treatment options and potentially test the effectiveness of NexGard against the fleas in your area.
Can NexGard prevent my dog from getting ticks entirely?
While NexGard is highly effective at killing ticks, it’s important to understand that it doesn’t necessarily prevent them from attaching to your dog. NexGard works by killing the ticks after they bite, preventing them from feeding and transmitting diseases.
Therefore, you might still find ticks on your dog, especially after walks in tick-infested areas. However, these ticks should be dead or dying. Consistent use of NexGard drastically reduces the risk of tick-borne diseases, even if ticks attach briefly. It’s still recommended to check your dog for ticks after outdoor activities.
How can I tell if NexGard is protecting my dog from tick-borne diseases?
The primary way to determine if NexGard is protecting your dog from tick-borne diseases is by monitoring their overall health. Be vigilant for any symptoms associated with these diseases, such as lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, joint pain, or lameness. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
Regular veterinary checkups are also essential, including annual blood tests to screen for tick-borne diseases. These tests can detect infections even before your dog shows clinical signs. Remember, NexGard significantly reduces the risk of infection, but it doesn’t guarantee complete protection, making vigilance and preventive healthcare paramount.
What factors can influence how well NexGard works for my dog?
Several factors can affect NexGard’s effectiveness. Proper dosage based on your dog’s weight is crucial. Ensure you are giving the correct chewable tablet based on the weight range specified on the packaging. Inaccurate dosing can reduce the medication’s ability to kill fleas and ticks effectively.
Environmental factors also play a significant role. If your dog lives in an environment with a high flea or tick population, or if other pets in the household are not treated, your dog may be repeatedly exposed to parasites, making it seem like NexGard isn’t working as well. Additionally, improper storage of NexGard can degrade the medication and reduce its efficacy.
What should I do if I suspect NexGard isn’t working for my dog?
If you suspect NexGard isn’t working, the first step is to re-evaluate your flea and tick control strategy. Ensure you are administering NexGard at the correct dosage and frequency. Also, treat all pets in the household and address any potential infestations in your home and yard.
If, after reassessing your strategy, you still suspect NexGard is not working, consult your veterinarian. They can perform diagnostic tests to rule out other potential causes of your pet’s symptoms, such as allergies or skin infections. Your veterinarian can also recommend alternative flea and tick control products if necessary, considering your dog’s specific needs and the prevalence of resistant parasites in your area.