For many pet owners, seeing their furry friend tormented by fleas or ticks is a distressing sight. The presence of these parasites not only discomforts the animal but also introduces the risk of various diseases, such as Lyme disease carried by ticks.
NexGard, an effective solution, can offer relief from these pesky invaders in as little as 4 hours.
What is NexGard?
NexGard is a specialized medicine designed to treat infestations of fleas and ticks in dogs. But its capabilities don’t stop there; it also treats demodectic and sarcoptic mange, which are skin infestations caused by mites.
For dogs suffering from flea allergy dermatitis, an allergic reaction to flea bites, NexGard can be an essential component in its management. The powerhouse behind this medicine is its active ingredient, afoxolaner.
How Does NexGard Work?
The action mechanism of NexGard is fascinating. Afoxolaner, its active substance, operates as an ‘ectoparasiticide’, meaning it exterminates parasites residing on or within the animal’s skin or fur.
The way it achieves this is by over-stimulating the nervous system of these pests. Once fleas and ticks commence feeding on a dog’s blood, afoxolaner blocks the standard movement of charged chloride particles in and out of the nerve cells, especially those connected with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting messages between nerves.
This interference results in uncontrolled nerve activity, leading to the paralysis and death of these parasites. Furthermore, it prevents fleas from laying eggs, thereby reducing environmental contamination.
Benefits of NexGard
Within a mere 4 hours of administering NexGard, pet owners can expect to see fleas and ticks start to die off. For those who feel a grim satisfaction knowing these unwanted guests have been handled, a bath for your dog a day or two after treatment can visually confirm the medicine’s efficacy. Using an after-flea pet shampoo will wash away the dead pests, giving your pet the relief they deserve.
Cats, however, might present a challenge when it comes to bathing. Many feline owners would attest to the difficulty of bathing their cats, but for those who wish to try, proceed with caution and care.
It’s important to note that NexGard not only addresses existing infestations but also works as a preventive measure. Regular administration ensures ongoing protection, ideal for pets residing in tick-prevalent areas.
However, NexGard isn’t just a solution for outdoor pets. Even if your pet primarily stays indoors, using NexGard can act as an added layer of security against any rogue flea or tick that makes its way into your home.
Administration and Precautions
NexGard is safe for your dog to take either before or after a meal. To ensure complete consumption and effectiveness, monitor the dog for a few minutes post-administration. If vomiting occurs within 2 hours or if a dose is missed, it’s advised to redose with a full amount. To maintain its efficacy, NexGard should be administered every 30 days.
For preventing flea infestations, NexGard should ideally be given before fleas become active. Additionally, for tick prevention, align the administration with the tick-active season.
While NexGard offers numerous benefits, there are necessary precautions to consider. The medicine’s safety hasn’t been evaluated in pregnant, lactating, or breeding dogs, as well as puppies under 8 weeks.
Afoxolaner belongs to the isoxazoline class, which has occasionally been linked to neurological adverse reactions, including seizures. Dogs with a history of seizures or neurological disorders should be given NexGard with caution.
Lastly, NexGard should be kept out of reach of children, and in cases of accidental ingestion, immediate medical consultation is essential.
Key Takeaways
NexGard, with its active ingredient afoxolaner, offers a quick and efficient solution against fleas, ticks, and mites.
By disrupting the nervous system of these pests, it provides relief to pets and peace of mind to owners.
But, as with any medication, always consult with a veterinarian to ensure it’s the best fit for your pet.
For more information, visit Pet Medication