Frequently asked questions

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

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

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 heartworm and intestinal worms. With two active ingredients, NexGard SPECTRA^® provides the most complete protection against fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm disease and intestinal worms in just one tasty chew.

Both NexGard^® and NexGard SPECTRA^® chews will protect your dog from fleas and ticks for a full month.

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 flea free.

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.

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.

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).

Both NexGard^® and NexGard SPECTRA^® can be purchased from your local vet, pet store or online retailer. Visit our Buy Now page for online retailers.

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

NexGard^® and NexGard SPECTRA^® are beef-flavoured chews that are for oral consumption only. For ease of dosing, NexGard^® or NexGard SPECTRA^® can be given with or without food. Remove only one chewable at a time from the foil-backed blister card. NexGard^® and NexGard SPECTRA^® are highly palatable chews that are 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.

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. 

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

 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

The use of NexGard^® or NexGard SPECTRA^® has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs. Consult your veterinarian for advice on suitable treatment options.

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

No. NexGard^® and NexGard SPECTRA^® must only be used for dogs. 

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.

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

NexGard^® (afoxolaner) is for use in dogs only. The most frequently reported adverse reactions include vomiting, itching, lethargy, diarrhoea, and lack of appetite. The safe use of NexGard^® in pregnant, breeding, or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. 

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 086 0637 426

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

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^® .