One of the greatest responsibilities we have as pet parents is to ensure that our dogs are on a preventative flea and tick medication that is safe and effective.
Fleas are not only incredibly uncomfortable for dogs, but they can also pose serious health risks to both pets and humans. Not to mention, if fleas are not caught and treated early, they can transform your home into a pest paradise—and no one wants that.
The importance of flea and tick prevention cannot be stressed enough when it comes to the health and happiness of our fur babies.
Even though in the past it was necessary to use a variety of sprays, bombs, and dips, modern pet parents have a variety of options to choose from that are not only safe and effective, but also much more convenient.
"To avoid wasting time and money on flea products that won't work or that might even be dangerous, talk to a veterinary professional to find out what the best option is for you and your dog, depending on his health, breed, weight, behavior, and more," says Dr. Jo Myers, DVM.
There are a wide range of options, and again, the best one for your dog will depend on your vet’s understanding of their health, breed, weight, behavior, and more.
NexGard is one of these next-generation flea and tick medications that has the convenience of a once-monthly chewable tablet and an excellent safety and efficacy record.
How does NexGard work?
NexGard (afoxolaner) is an FDA-approved chewable that kills and prevents fleas on dogs.
This beef-flavored tablet works to kill adult fleas before they lay eggs, and also prevents Lyme infections by killing black-legged (deer) ticks. It kills these parasites by over-stimulating their nervous system.
This oral tablet is given once a month and provides protection for a full month.
If NexGard is a good choice for your dog, your veterinarian will prescribe the right size based on your dog's body weight.
NexGard Chewable, 10.1-24 lbs, (Blue Box), Rx$30
If you qualify for Pawp prescriptions, you can get your pet’s monthly flea & tick Rx for $30/mo. plus 24/7 on-demand vet care.
NexGard Chewable, 24.1-60 lbs, (Purple Box), Rx$30
If you qualify for Pawp prescriptions, you can get your pet’s monthly flea & tick Rx for $30/mo. plus 24/7 on-demand vet care.
NexGard Chewable, 4-10 lbs, (Orange Box), Rx$30
If you qualify for Pawp prescriptions, you can get your pet’s monthly flea & tick Rx for $30/mo. plus 24/7 on-demand vet care.
NexGard Chewable, 60.1-121 lbs, (Red Box), Rx$30
If you qualify for Pawp prescriptions, you can get your pet’s monthly flea & tick Rx for $30/mo. plus 24/7 on-demand vet care.
Can you get NexGard without a prescription?
NexGard cannot be obtained without a prescription from a veterinarian.
While there are plenty of over-the-counter options for flea and tick control and prevention, many of these tend to be unsafe and ineffective. You can count on a product prescribed by your veterinarian to be the safest and most effective option given your unique circumstances, and it comes with the added benefit of advice from a veterinary professional so you can be sure you're using it correctly and know what to expect from it.
How to get a prescription for NexGard online
Getting a prescription for NexGard can feel daunting if your vet is booked for weeks and you’re itching to get your pet protected ASAP.
Fortunately, Pawp members in qualified states including New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Michigan, can get a prescription for NexGard online through our team of experienced veterinarians and the Pawp Pharmacy if this is what’s recommended for your dog.
The Pawp Pharmacy includes Rx, over-the-counter medications, and supplements at an affordable price for members to purchase on their own or per veterinarian suggestion.
All you have to do is chat with one of our vets and they can help you understand if an online prescription for NexGard is right for your dog.
If it is recommended after an assessment and you live in one of the four qualified states, they’ll be able to write a prescription right then and there and your dog’s medication should arrive within days.
As a Pawp member, you can also fill a prescription you already have from your vet at the Pawp Pharmacy.
If you're looking for teletriage or teleadvice, our Vet Pros are available 24/7 via text or video chat.
How to give your dog NexGard
NexGard should be given to your dog orally once a month (with or without food), at the minimum dosage of 1.14 mg/lb (2.5 mg/kg).
It's important to mention that NexGard should not be used in dogs or puppies under 8 weeks of age or less than 4 pounds, and it should never be used for cats. If you have a cat in your household and have a box of NexGard on hand, it's important to keep it out of feline reach.
Once you give your dog NexGard, observe for a few minutes to make sure that your pup consumes the entire dose and none of it is lost or refused. If you notice that any amount of the medication is lost, or if your dog vomits within two hours of consumption, administer another full dose.
If you happen to miss a dose, give your dog NexGard right away and then resume on a monthly schedule.
You can begin giving your dog NexGard at any time of the year. If you live in an area where fleas are common year-round, you should continue the treatment throughout the entire year without interruption.
Make sure you store NexGard at or below 30 C (86 F) with excursions permitted up to 40 C (104 F).
Potential side effects of NexGard
It's important to administer NexGard exactly as directed and on time.
When used for healthy dogs, adverse effects are quite rare. The possible side effects that have been reported include nausea and vomiting (4%), diarrhea (3%) flaky coat (3%), lethargy (less than 2%) and appetite loss (also less than 2%). It's important to understand these side effects were reported, but it's unknown if they were actually caused by the NexGard. These side effects were very mild and most dogs that exhibited one of these side effects only exhibited them after the first dose and not with subsequent doses.
If your dog has a history of having seizures, it's important to disclose this to your veterinarian, as NexGard may not be the best choice. The manufacturer recommends caution in dogs with known seizure disorders. Muscle tremors and seizures can occur in animals with no prior history of such as well.
The safety of NexGard in pregnant or nursing dogs has not been established.
If your dog has an adverse reaction to NexGard, follow up with a veterinarian and they can provide the best course of action.
Get an online prescription for NexGard
Talk to our vet team to understand if an online NexGard prescription is available in your state and right for your dog.