NexGard

NexGard Brand Family

NexGard, NexGard SPECTRA, and NexGard COMBO are all part of the NexGard brand family from Boehringer Ingelheim, offering targeted parasite protection for dogs and cats. While NexGard controls fleas and ticks in dogs, NexGard SPECTRA adds full‑spectrum worm coverage in dogs, and NexGard COMBO provides a topical solution for fleas and ticks in cats.

The NexGard Brand Family (At a Glance)

NexGard is one of the most trusted prescription flea, tick, and worm treatments for dogs and cats. All three products are classified as POM-V in the UK — you will need a valid prescription from your vet before we can dispense them.

Source: NOAH Compendium / VMD product datasheets. Reviewed by Dr Brian Faulkner BVSc MRCVS

NexGard for Dogs

NexGard for dogs comes as a beef-flavoured chewable tablet given once a month. Most dogs take it willingly from the hand — if yours doesn't, it can be given with food. The range has two options, depending on how much parasite coverage your dog needs:

• NexGard (afoxolaner): Covers fleas and ticks. Fleas are killed within 8 hours, ticks within 48 hours. It also helps control Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) and treats sarcoptic mange. This is a focused choice for dogs whose vet hasn't recommended internal worm prevention.
• NexGard Spectra for Dogs: The all-in-one option. Covers everything standard NexGard does, plus lungworm prevention, intestinal worms (roundworms, hookworms, whipworms), and ear mites. It is highly recommended for UK dogs that scavenge outdoors, where the risk of lungworm from slugs and snails is a genuine concern.

Both products are suitable for dogs from 8 weeks of age, weighing at least 2 kg.

NexGard Combo for Cats

NexGard Combo for Cats is a monthly spot-on solution applied to the skin at the back of the neck. It is the complete option for felines — one pipette covers fleas, ticks, tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites.

It contains three active ingredients:

1. Esafoxolaner: Targets fleas and ticks.
2. Eprinomectin: Treats roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites.
3. Praziquantel: Eradicates tapeworms.

Unlike most cat spot-ons, it doesn't require the cat to be kept away from other pets for a lengthy drying period.

NexGard Combo is suitable for cats from 8 weeks of age weighing at least 0.8 kg. It is for cats only — do not use on dogs.

How NexGard Works

All three NexGard products target parasites through their nervous system, but each uses different active ingredients matched specifically to the species and the parasites it covers.

• NexGard and NexGard Spectra (dogs) use afoxolaner as the flea and tick active ingredient. It belongs to the isoxazoline class — it blocks chloride channels in insect and arachnid nerve cells, rapidly paralysing and killing parasites. Fleas die within 8 hours of your dog taking the tablet, before they can lay eggs and reinfest your home. Ticks are killed within 48 hours.
• NexGard Spectra adds milbemycin oxime, which kills lungworm larvae and intestinal worms by a similar nerve-disruption mechanism.
• NexGard Combo for Cats uses esafoxolaner for flea and tick control, praziquantel to treat tapeworms, and eprinomectin for roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites. The spot-on format is absorbed through the skin and distributed systemically.

NexGard FAQs

What is NexGard for dogs?

NexGard for dogs is a monthly beef-flavoured chewable tablet that treats and prevents flea and tick infestations. Its active ingredient, afoxolaner, kills fleas within 8 hours and ticks within 48 hours. It can also be used as part of a treatment strategy for the control of Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) and to treat sarcoptic mange. It is a POM-V prescription-only medicine — a valid vet prescription is required to buy it.

As with all prescription medicines, side effects are possible. Most reported adverse reactions with NexGard and NexGard Spectra are mild and short-lived. The most commonly reported effects in dogs include vomiting, diarrhoea, reduced appetite, lethargy, and skin itching (pruritus).

Neurological signs — including muscle tremors, ataxia, and convulsions — have been reported very rarely. If your dog has a history of seizures, make sure your vet is aware before prescribing either product.

For NexGard Combo in cats, the most commonly reported effects are reactions at the application site (temporary hair loss or skin irritation) and mild, short-term digestive upset. As with any spot-on treatment, do not allow your cat to lick the application site after use.

This page covers the key points only. For the full list of adverse reactions, contraindications, and warnings for each product, always read the datasheet before use:

• NexGard Chewable Tablets — full datasheet (NOAH Compendium)
• NexGard Spectra Chewable Tablets — full datasheet (NOAH Compendium)
• NexGard Combo Spot-On — full datasheet (NOAH Compendium)

What does NexGard Spectra cover?

NexGard Spectra for dogs covers fleas, ticks, lungworm (prevention), intestinal worms (roundworms, hookworms, whipworms), ear mites, sarcoptic mange, and Flea Allergy Dermatitis — all in a single monthly chewable tablet. It is the broader-spectrum option compared to standard NexGard, which covers fleas and ticks only.

Is NexGard safe for dogs?

NexGard is authorised by the UK VMD and has undergone rigorous clinical trials in dogs. The most commonly reported side effects are mild and short-lived — vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, or reduced appetite. Very rarely, neurological signs including tremors, ataxia, or convulsions have been reported; if your dog has a history of seizures, discuss this with your vet before starting treatment. NexGard should not be given to dogs with a known hypersensitivity to afoxolaner. Always follow your vet's prescription instructions.

What is NexGard Spectra for dogs?

NexGard Spectra is the all-in-one monthly chewable tablet for dogs from Boehringer Ingelheim. It combines afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime to cover fleas, ticks, lungworm (prevention), intestinal worms, ear mites, and sarcoptic mange in a single dose. It is particularly recommended for UK dogs that go outdoors and may eat slugs or snails, which can carry lungworm larvae.

How long does NexGard take to work?

NexGard starts killing fleas within 8 hours and ticks within 48 hours of your dog taking the tablet. This means it eliminates ticks before most tick-borne diseases can be transmitted. Fleas are killed before they can lay eggs, which helps break the flea life cycle in your home. Full protection lasts for one month, after which a new dose is needed.

How do you apply NexGard Combo for cats?

Part the fur at the back of your cat's neck to expose the skin. Place the tip of the pipette directly on the skin and squeeze firmly to apply the full contents. Apply to a single spot — do not spread across the coat. Avoid letting your cat lick the application site immediately after use, and keep cats separated briefly if you have multiple pets. Do not apply to broken or irritated skin. One pipette treats one cat for one month.

How often do you give NexGard Combo to cats?

NexGard Combo is applied once every month. For year-round flea and worm control, treat monthly without gaps. For tick protection, apply monthly during the local tick season — your vet will advise based on your area. Missing a dose or treating less frequently than monthly reopens the window for parasite infestations and leaves your pet unprotected.