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Frequently Asked Questions

Use the handy filters below to find answers about our products and the broad range of parasites we protect against. 

 

Explore parasite protection for dogs and cats: 

NexGard Spectra for Dogs   NexGard COMBO for Cats

NexGard & NexGard Spectra for Dogs

  • What is NexGard®?

    NexGard® is a tasty beef-flavoured chew that provides tick and flea protection for dogs

  • What is NexGard SPECTRA®?

    NexGard SPECTRA® is a beef-flavoured chew that provides the most protection against fleas, ticks, mites, intestinal and oesophageal worms in a single chew. 

  • Where can I purchase NexGard® products?

    NexGard® products can be purchased from your local vet, pet store or online retailer.

  • What is the difference between NexGard® and NexGard SPECTRA®?

    Both NexGard® and NexGard SPECTRA® contain the active ingredient afoxolaner, providing excellent protection against fleas, ticks and mites.  NexGard SPECTRA® contains an additional active ingredient, milbemycin oxime, which provides protection against intestinal, oesophageal and heartworm. With two active ingredients, NexGard SPECTRA® provides the most complete protection against fleas, ticks, mites, intestinal worms and heartworm disease in just one tasty chew.

  • How long does NexGard® or NexGard SPECTRA® protect my dog from fleas and ticks?

    Both NexGard® and NexGard SPECTRA® chews will protect your dog from flea and tick infestations for a full month.

  • How does NexGard® and NexGard SPECTRA® kill fleas?

    NexGard® and NexGard SPECTRA® kill fleas by over-stimulating their nervous system, which results in uncontrolled activity of their nervous system and death. This occurs within 6-8 hours of product administration. The rapid speed of action means adult fleas are killed before they can lay eggs, helping to prevent infestation of the environment.  Regular monthly treatment is recommended to keep your pet and home protected.

  • How long does it take NexGard® and NexGard SPECTRA® to kill fleas?

    In a well-controlled laboratory study, NexGard® and NexGard SPECTRA® began to kill fleas four hours after initial administration and demonstrated >99% effectiveness at eight hours. In a separate well-controlled laboratory study, NexGard® and NexGard SPECTRA® demonstrated 100% effectiveness against adult fleas 24 hours post-infestation for 35 days.

  • How long should I wait to bathe my dog (or let my dog go swimming) after giving NexGard® or NexGard SPECTRA®?

    Because NexGard® and NexGard SPECTRA® are oral products, swimming or bathing have no effect on NexGard® and NexGard SPECTRA® . Your dog’s coat can get wet immediately after taking NexGard® or NexGard SPECTRA® .

  • Do NexGard® and NexGard SPECTRA® protect against mites?

    Both NexGard® and NexGard SPECTRA® protect dogs against mites. Just one monthly chew will treat and control three of the most common mites infesting dogs: Demodex mites (the cause of demodectic mange), Sarcoptes mites (the cause of sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies) and Otodectes, or ear mites (the cause of otedectic mange).

  • Do NexGard® and NexGard SPECTRA® kill ticks?

    NexGard® and NexGard SPECTRA® are highly effective at killing the most problematic tick species infesting dogs.

  • How do I dose my dog with NexGard SPECTRA®?

    NexGard SPECTRA® is beef-flavoured chews that are for oral consumption only. For ease of dosing, NexGard SPECTRA® can be given with or without food. Remove only one chewable at a time from the foil-backed blister card. NexGard SPECTRA® is a highly palatable chew that is readily consumed by dogs when offered as a treat. Alternatively, it can also be broken into pieces and fed to your dog in a small amount of dog food.

  • How do I dose my dog with NexGard®?

    NexGard® is a beef-flavoured chew that is for oral consumption only. For ease of dosing, NexGard® can be given with or without food. Remove only one chewable at a time from the foil-backed blister card. NexGard® is a highly palatable chew that is readily consumed by dogs when offered as a treat. Alternatively, NexGard® can also be fed to your dog in a small amount of dog food. 

  • Why may I see more fleas on my dog after administering NexGard® or NexGard SPECTRA®?

    As NexGard® and NexGard SPECTRA® over-stimulate the flea’s nervous system resulting in hyper-excitation, you may see fleas rise to the top of your dog’s coat and appear more visible as they die.

  • Can NexGard® or NexGard SPECTRA® be used on cats or other pets?

    No. NexGard® and NexGard SPECTRA® must only be used for dogs. For cats, see NexGard® COMBO

     

  • Why is monthly treatment the best choice?

    NexGard® and NexGard SPECTRA® 's simple monthly dosing ensures an easy-to-remember treatment regimen that makes remembering to treat your furry friend simple.

  • Does NexGard® or NexGard SPECTRA® need to be given with food?

    Unlike some treatments, NexGard® and NexGard SPECTRA® do not need to be given with food. You can choose to give the chew to your dog any time that suits you, with or without food.

  • What age can NexGard® or NexGard SPECTRA® be used from?

    NexGard® or NexGard SPECTRA® can be given to your puppy from just 8 weeks of age, providing they weigh at least 2 kg.

  • Can I administer NexGard® or NexGard SPECTRA® more than once a month?

    NexGard® chews have been shown to provide effective protection for a complete month: it is not required or recommended to treat more frequently than this. To ensure your dog is always protected, aim to dose your dog on the same day every month. It’s a good idea to set yourself a monthly reminder on your phone.

  • Can NexGard® or NexGard SPECTRA® chews be split so I can dose more than one dog?

    No. You’ve made the right choice in selecting NexGard® or NexGard SPECTRA® to protect your dog. Don’t risk under-dosing them. In order to ensure your dog receives the correct dose and parasite protection for a full month they must consume the entire chew appropriate for their weight.

  • Can NexGard® or NexGard SPECTRA® be administered to dogs with food allergies?

    NexGard® and NexGard SPECTRA® contain soy proteins. They contain no animal meat protein (including in the beef-flavouring), and are gluten free. Use with caution in dogs with a known hypersensitivity to soy.  Please consult your veterinarian before administering NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA® if your dog is undergoing a food trial.

  • Can I administer NexGard® or NexGard SPECTRA® if my dog is pregnant?

    The use of NexGard® or NexGard SPECTRA® has not been approved in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs yet, but has been approved in many other countries, including EU countries, for use in pregnant and lactating bitches Consult your veterinarian for advice on suitable treatment options.

  • Can NexGard® or NexGard SPECTRA® be administered after expiration date?

    Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health does not recommend the administration of NexGard® or NexGard SPECTRA® beyond the labelled expiration date.

  • Can I use NexGard® or NexGard SPECTRA® if my dog is on other medications?

    In a well-controlled field study, NexGard® and NexGard SPECTRA® was used concomitantly with other medications, such as vaccines, anthelmintics, antibiotics (including topicals), steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anesthetics, and antihistamines. No adverse reactions were observed from the concomitant use of NexGard® or NexGard SPECTRA® with other medications. For specific questions about your dog, we recommend that you consult with your veterinarian.

  • Is NexGard® safe to use on any breed of dog?

    NexGard® is safe and effective in any breed of dog when used as directed.

  • Are there any side effects of NexGard®?

    NexGard® (afoxolaner) is for use in dogs only. The most frequently reported adverse reactions include vomiting, itching, lethargy, diarrhoea, and lack of appetite. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. 

  • What should I do if my dog experiences an unexpected reaction after taking NexGard® or NexGard SPECTRA®?

    If you believe your dog has reacted unexpectedly following ingestion of NexGard® or NexGard SPECTRA®, please speak to your veterinarian or contact Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Customer helpline at 0860 637 426

  • Is NexGard® or NexGard SPECTRA® harmful to humans if accidentally ingested?

    NexGard® and NexGard SPECTRA® may cause gastrointestinal disturbances if ingested by humans. In case of accidental ingestion, particularly in the case of children, seek medical advice immediately and provide the product label to the doctor. See product label for user safety directions.  To reduce the risk of accidental ingestion, keep out of reach of children, remove only one chewable at a time from the foil-backed blister card and administer to the dog immediately after removal from the packaging. Any suspected human adverse events should be reported to Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Customer helpline 086 0637 426

NexGard COMBO for Cats

  • Is NexGard® COMBO (esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel topical solution) safe for my cat?

    NexGard® COMBO topical solution has been extensively studied in both laboratory studies and in real-world conditions in cats. The safety of NexGard® COMBO topical solution has been demonstrated in cats, including in heartworm-positive cats, as well as in kittens 8 weeks of age or older, weighing 0.8 kgs or more. The most frequently reported adverse reactions include vomiting, application site reactions, lethargy, and anorexia.

  • Can NexGard® COMBO topical solution be used on dogs or other animals?

    No. NexGard® COMBO topical solution is for topical use in cats only. For protection for your dog, see NexGard® or NexGard SPECTRA®

  • Can NexGard® COMBO topical solution be used in breeding, pregnant, or lactating cats?

    The safety of NexGard® COMBO topical solution has been established during breeding, pregnancy and lactation. 

  • Can NexGard® COMBO topical solution be used with other medications?

    Use of NexGard® COMBO topical solution in conjunction with other treatments (e.g., vaccines, antibiotics, analgesics) had no effect on safety. For any specific questions that you have related to use of NexGard® COMBO topical solution with other medications, speak to your veterinarian.

  • Is there a weight or age requirement to give my cat NexGard® COMBO topical solution?

    NexGard® COMBO topical solution is safe for use in cats and kittens 8 weeks of age or older, weighing 0.8 kgs or more.

  • How long does a dose of NexGard® COMBO topical solution last and how often should I treat my cat?

    NexGard® COMBO topical solution kills fleas and ticks fast for a full month. Each monthly dose will treat roundworm, hookworm, and tapeworm infections, and prevent heartworm disease by killing larval stage heartworms before they can mature to adults. Internal and external parasites can cause a variety of health concerns for your cat, some as minor as itching but others as serious as malnutrition, anemia, or even death. NexGard®COMBO topical solution should be administered once a month, year-round to ensure that your cat is protected from the risks posed by these parasites.

  • Can I start treating my cat with NexGard® COMBO topical solution at any time during the year?

    Yes. Treatment with NexGard® COMBO topical solution can be started any time during the year. For heartworm disease prevention, apply once monthly for at least 3 months after last exposure to mosquitoes

  • How do I apply NexGard® COMBO topical solution to my cat?

    NexGard® COMBO topical solution should be applied directly to the skin by parting the cat’s hair on the midline of the neck between the base of the skull and the shoulder blades to minimize the possibility of the cat grooming/licking the product off.

  • What sizes and options are NexGard® COMBO topical solution available in?

    NexGard® COMBO topical solution is available in packs containing single topical doses and comes in two different sizes: 0.8 - 2.5 kg and 2.5 - 7.5 kg.

  • How does NexGard® COMBO topical solution work?

    NexGard® COMBO topical solution provides broad-spectrum protection against external and internal parasites. The 3 active ingredients, esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel, kill fleas, ticks and mites, and treat and control roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and prevent heartworm and lungworm disease.

  • Why am I still seeing fleas on my cat after using NexGard® COMBO topical solution?

    You are likely seeing NEW fleas on your pet, which are jumping on your cat as it moves through infested areas. These fleas will be killed quickly by NexGard® COMBO topical solution before they can reproduce. Depending on the severity of an already existing infestation as well as environmental conditions, you may continue to see new fleas jumping on your pet for 3 months or more. To prevent new infestations, continue to consistently give NexGard®COMBO topical solution monthly and year-round.

  • Does NexGard® COMBO topical solution need to be used even if I have an 'indoor cat'?

    Yes. Even indoor-only cats can become exposed to external and internal parasites. Fleas, ticks and mites can be brought into the home by other pets or they can even hitchhike in on people. An infested pet will spread flea eggs throughout the house. These developing stages will survive in the areas that the infested pet frequents (carpet, cracks in hardwood floors, pet bedding, etc). Other animals, such as rodents and cockroaches, can be infected with intestinal parasites that can infect an indoor cat. And mosquitoes that can transmit heartworms can easily get indoors and pass heartworms to even indoor-only cats.

  • How do cats get roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms?

    Cats get roundworms and hookworms from picking up eggs in their environment or eating an infected rodent they’ve hunted. Infective hookworm stages can also penetrate the skin of a cat that visits a contaminated environment. Cats can get the tapeworm parasite by ingesting fleas. NexGard® COMBO topical solution is the only broad-spectrum feline parasiticide that kills fleas, ticks and mites, treats and controls roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and prevents heartworm and lungworm.

  • What are the signs that my cat has an intestinal parasite such as roundworms, hookworms or tapeworms?

    The most common way to confirm an intestinal parasite infection is with a fecal test from your vet to detect the presence of parasite eggs. Prompt treatment of cats can help reduce further damage as well as mitigate the possibility of the worms spreading. Common signs include diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, poor coat appearance, swollen belly, lethargy, dehydration, anemia, or blood in stool. Check their litter box often as another general sign of tapeworms are rice-like proglottids that show up in their feces.

  • How do cats get heartworms?

    Cats get heartworms by being bitten by an infected mosquito

  • What are the signs of heartworm disease in cats?

    Although most cats won’t show signs, once infected, cats may develop respiratory signs (including coughing or wheezing) that can be confused with other illnesses, such as allergies, asthma, or bronchitis. Other signs include difficulty breathing, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Unfortunately, the first signs in some cats can be severe, and include collapse, seizures, and sudden death. Infection causes lasting damage in cats, and can result in lung disease, heart failure, and even death.

  • What internal parasites can cats get?

    Some internal parasites that can infect cats include roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, heartworms and lungworm.

  • What external parasites can cats get?

    External parasites in cats can include fleas, ticks and mites.

  • What are the signs that my cat has fleas?

    Fleas can cause itchy, painful skin conditions on your cat. Signs of fleas include scratching or biting at the skin, hair loss, scabs, and irritation.

  • Can cats get sick from ticks?

    Yes. Ticks are carriers for several dangerous diseases. If a tick that is carrying a pathogen bites a cat, that cat is at risk of becoming infected as well. Ticks can also transmit various life-threatening tick-borne illnesses.

  • What happens if fleas go untreated?

    If fleas go untreated, they can quickly multiply to cause an infestation. A single adult flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day, which means that a small number of fleas can grow into the thousands. Fleas feed on a host’s blood, so they can also cause anemia, which can be severe in smaller animals. Fleas can also transmit other pathogens or parasites, such as tapeworms. An infested cat will scatter flea eggs throughout their home environment, and fleas can bite other animals, including humans.

  • What are the signs of ticks on cats?

    Ticks can be hard to spot on cats. Since they bite the skin—underneath your cat’s fur—it can be difficult to locate them. They also may bite hard-to-reach areas, such as under the collar at the neck or beneath the armpits. Your cat may scratch at or gnaw on tick bite locations.

  • How long should I wait to bathe my cat after applying NexGard® COMBO?

    Avoid shampooing your cat within the 2 days following application because the efficacy of the product in this case has not been tested.

Find the NexGard® range near you or online

Our products are available from a wide variety of reputable specialist retailers including pet shops, e-retailers, as well as most veterinary practices.