Nexgard vs Frontline Plus
Keeping your furry little friend safe from all those pesky bugs that plague their lives is paramount for a happy and healthy pup. Here are two of the more popular treatment options, Frontline Plus and Nexgard Chewable Tablets. Each treatment option offers different strategies in clearing your family of the perilous road of flea and tick infestation. The table and additional information below will help you make an informed decision on which product to buy.
What are the differences between Frontline Plus and Nexgard
The major difference between these two is the accessibility. Frontline Plus is available over the counter while Nexgard requires a prescription. With that said, the results of Nexgard are faster acting with a 24 hour turn around for ticks and four hours for fleas, giving your pet faster relief. Frontline Plus requires 12 hours to kill fleas and at least 48 hours to eliminate ticks.
Nexgard being an oral treat given to your pet while Frontline Plus is applied to the skin. Nexgard uses a pesticide called Afoxoflaner and kills 100% of fleas in 24 hours. Frontline Plus uses Fipronil and (S)-Methoprene which is an anti-parasitic combined with an insect growth regulator. This is effective by disrupting the central nervous system of the insects which results in death. It has the added benefit of eliminating lice, unlike Nexgard. Nexgard is the only FDA approved option for preventing infections that cause Lyme disease.
Both products are safe for dogs when following directions and Nexgard has been approved by the FDA to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations. However, unlike Frontline Plus, Nexgard has not yet been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.
Nexgard chewable tablets are not available for cats. However, Frontline Plus is available for your feline companions. For any further information, your vet should be able to answer any questions related to side effects, precautions, or special care for your dog.
Final Thoughts on Frontline Plus vs Nexgard
With Frontline Plus being readily available, and the requirement for a prescription with Nexgard, the cost between the two is a noticeable one. Nexgard works faster than its OTC counterpart. Some pet owners may start with Frontline Plus and then switch to Nexgard when able. Additionally, some pet owners may opt to switch over Frontline Plus to protect breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs.
If you still have questions on which oral flea and tick treatment is best suited for your pets needs, our veterinarians are standing by to assist you.
| Feature | Frontline Plus | NexGard |
|---|---|---|
| Kills Fleas | Yes | Yes |
| Repels Fleas | No | No |
| Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae | Yes | Yes |
| Kills Ticks | Yes | Yes |
| Repels Ticks | No | No |
| Repels Mosquitoes | Yes | No |
| Prevents Heartworm | No | No |
| Protects Against Other Parasites | Treats Lice | No |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes - taken orally |
| How Long to Work | 12 hours to kill fleas and 48 hours to kill ticks. | 4 hours to kill fleas and 24 hours hours to kill ticks |
| Taste | N/A | Beef Flavored |
| Active Ingredient | Fipronil and (S)-Methoprene | Afoxolaner |
| RX Required | No | Yes |
| Application Type | Topical | Chewable Tablet |
| Dosing | 1 application per month | 1 tablet per month |
| Age | Dogs 8 weeks and older | Puppies 8 weeks and older and weigh more than 4 lbs |
| Manufacturer | Boehringer Ingelheim | Boehringer Ingelheim |
| Safety | Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use. | Not yet evaluated for use of in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. |
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