What is NexGard Used for in Dogs?
NexGard is formulated and FDA-approved for the prevention of tick and flea infestations in dogs. However, it can also be used off-label in the treatment of canine mange. Let’s look at what NexGard does in dogs.
NexGard for Dog Tick and Flea Control. NexGard controls pest infestations by working against the cat flea called Ctenocephalides felis and several tick species, including the black-legged (deer) tick (Ixodes scapularis), the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), and the Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum).
NexGard Against Vector Diseases in Dogs. As a direct result of killing ticks and fleas, Nexgard protects dogs from several diseases. For example, by killing Ixodes scapularis vector ticks, it prevents Borrelia burgdorferi infections (Lyme Disease). It also prevents flea allergy dermatitis in dogs allergic to flea saliva.
NexGard for Mange in Dogs. Off-label, NexGard can be used to treat dogs with mange (sarcoptic and demodectic). Scabies and demodicosis are common parasitic infections in dogs, especially in young puppies and immunocompromised adults. NexGard is usually prescribed in conjunction with other treatment approaches and medications.
What Are The Signs of Fleas on Dogs
If your dog has fleas, they might bite or chew their skin until it becomes red and inflamed. Adult fleas are small, brown bugs that jump away as you search your dog’s fur. When you brush your dog, you may also notice black flecks of flea dirt (literally, flea feces) on their fur. Check by placing those flecks on a wet towel: when you wet flea dirt, it becomes red or rust-colored.
Does an “Indoor Dog” Need to Be on Flea Treatment?
In short, yes—fleas are opportunists. Even if your dog only goes outside to do their business, they’re at risk of infestations. Fleas can even “hitchhike” into a home on people, and then jump to infest dogs. An infested pet will spread flea eggs throughout the house, which can survive in your carpet or the crannies of your wood floors and then grow to infest other animals in your home.
Make Monthly Flea and Tick Protection Delicious
Nexgard Flea and Tick Control – How It Works For Your Dog.
SOLOMONS, Md., Oct. 12, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Solomons Veterinary Medical Center is reminding pet owners that pets require year-round protection against fleas and ticks, not just during the summer months. A single fleabite can cause an allergic reaction lasting up to seven days for dogs and they can also carry tapeworms. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, which affects both dogs and humans. In order to keep your pets safe from fleas and ticks, the veterinary hospital strongly recommends a medicated flea and tick prevention product like NexGard, which the hospital sells.
Maryland veterinarian Dr. Nancy E. Ball announced that Solomons Veterinary Hospital is now carrying NexGard for flea and tick protection. Year-round protection is important for pet health.
NexGard is a soft, beef-flavored chew for dogs that kills ticks and adult fleas before they lay eggs and kills 100% of all fleas within 24 hours.
“We recommend NexGard to pet owners because it protects against fleas and ticks for up to 30 days and pets love the beef-flavored chews,” said Dr. Ball. “Additionally, since NexGard is an oral product, swimming or bathing has no impact on NexGards effectiveness. Unlike some topical products that require pets to wait before swimming or bathing, a dogs coat can get immediately wet following NexGard.”
When used as directed by a veterinarian, NexGard is safe and effective for any breed of dog. NexGard is also safe for use with puppies 8 weeks of age or older that weigh 4 pounds or greater. Since NexGard is a soft chew, many pet owners find that its easier to administer NexGard to their dogs when compared with other flea and tick prevention products.
“Even when it is cold outside during the winter, fleas can still survive inside the house,” said Dr. Ball. “All it takes is for a few fleas to drop off your pets coat and onto the carpet or sofa and you can have a full-blown flea infestation. Removing fleas from your house can be a serious undertaking, especially since fleas can hide in carpeting, upholstery, bedding and sideboards. Additionally, a single fleabite can also trigger an allergic reaction in your dogs that lasts for up to seven days.”
“Dogs dont have to spend hours roaming the woods to contract ticks,” warned Dr. Ball. “Dogs can get ticks from a short walk or even an afternoon at the dog park. All it takes is for a single tick bite to transmit Lyme disease. Since Lyme disease frequently mimics the symptoms of other diseases, identifying Lyme disease in pets can be challenging until the disease reaches more advanced stages.”
To learn more about the benefits of flea and tick medication, contact Solomons Veterinary Medical Center.