How Does NexGard Work?

How Does NexGard Work?

NexGard is an innovative oral flea and tick treatment for dogs that provides a full month of protection in a single, tasty beef-flavored chew. Developed by Boehringer Ingelheim, a trusted name in veterinary medicine, NexGard has revolutionized parasite control for canines.

Ingredients in NexGard

The active ingredient in NexGard is afoxolaner, a powerful insecticide and acaricide that targets the nervous systems of fleas and ticks. When a dog ingests the NexGard chew, afoxolaner is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. As fleas and ticks feed on the dog’s blood, they ingest the afoxolaner, which then goes to work.

More About Afoxolaner

Afoxolaner functions by selectively binding to GABA-gated and glutamate-gated chloride channels in the nerve cell membranes of insects and arachnids. This binding disrupts the normal functioning of these channels, leading to hyperexcitation of the parasites’ central nervous systems. The result is uncontrolled neural activity, paralysis, and ultimately death of the fleas and ticks.

Advantages of NexGard

One of the key advantages of NexGard is its speed and efficacy. The treatment begins killing fleas within 4 hours of administration and eliminates 100% of fleas within 24 hours. This rapid action is crucial in preventing flea infestations, as it kills adult fleas before they can lay eggs. Given that a single flea can lay over 500 eggs in just 21 days, NexGard’s quick action is vital in breaking the flea life cycle. NexGard’s ease of use is a major selling point for pet owners. Unlike topical treatments that can be messy and may wash off, NexGard is administered as a chewable tablet. Most dogs enjoy the beef flavor, making it easy to give as a monthly treat. This simplicity helps ensure consistent administration, which is crucial for maintaining continuous protection.

NexGard and Ticks

For ticks, NexGard is equally effective. It kills several species of ticks, including the dangerous paralysis tick, brown dog tick, and bush tick. The protection against ticks lasts for a full 35 days, providing an extra buffer of safety beyond the monthly dosing schedule.

How NexGard Prevents Pests

NexGard’s effectiveness extends beyond just killing existing parasites. By maintaining a constant presence in the dog’s bloodstream for a full month, it also acts as a preventative measure, killing any new fleas or ticks that may attempt to infest the dog during this period.

Is NexGard Safe?

The safety profile of NexGard is another significant advantage. The mechanism by which afoxolaner affects insects and arachnids is specific to their nervous systems, making it safe for use in mammals.. This selectivity allows NexGard to effectively target parasites without harming the dog.

Consideration

It’s important to note that NexGard is a prescription medication, requiring a veterinarian’s approval before use. This ensures that the treatment is appropriate for each individual dog and allows for professional monitoring of its effectiveness and any potential side effects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, NexGard works through a sophisticated mechanism that specifically targets the nervous systems of fleas and ticks. Its rapid action, month-long efficacy, and ease of administration make it a popular choice for dog owners seeking comprehensive parasite protection. By killing fleas before they can lay eggs and providing long-lasting protection against ticks, NexGard offers a simple yet powerful solution to a common canine health concern.