NexGard PLUS vs. NexGard

NexGard PLUS and NexGard are both monthly chewable parasite preventives for dogs made by Boehringer Ingelheim. NexGard PLUS combines afoxolaner with moxidectin and pyrantel, while NexGard contains only afoxolaner. Both are approved for dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older, weighing 4 pounds or more. The main difference is coverage: NexGard PLUS adds heartworm prevention and treatment for hookworms and roundworms, while NexGard protects against fleas and ticks only.

Here’s how the two stack up side by side, so you can see exactly where they match and where they don’t.

Features	NexGard PLUS	NexGard
Active Ingredients	Afoxolaner, Moxidectin, Pyrantel Pamoate	Afoxolaner
Duration of Protection	1 Month	1 Month
Heartworm Protection	Yes	No
Roundworm Protection	Yes	No
Hookworm Protection	Yes	No
Whipworm Protection	No	No
Tapeworm Protection	No	No
Flea Protection	Yes	Yes
Tick Protection	Yes	Yes
Form	Chewable Tablet	Chewable Tablet
Administration Frequency	Monthly	Monthly
Suitable for Dogs	8 Weeks and Older, 4 lbs+	8 Weeks and Older, 4 lbs+
Broad-Spectrum	Yes	No
Additional Parasites	Prevention of Borrelia burgdorferi infection	Prevention of Borrelia burgdorferi infection
Side effects of Active ingredients	Diarrhea most reported	Vomiting most reported
Best fit	Dogs needing heartworm and intestinal worm coverage alongside flea/tick control	Dogs already on separate heartworm prevention, needing flea/tick control only
Veterinary Guidance	Consult with a veterinarian for more details	Consult with a veterinarian for more details

When to choose NexGard PLUS?

Your dog needs heartworm prevention: heartworm disease spreads through mosquito bites and can seriously damage a dog’s heart and cardiovascular system, and since NexGard doesn’t offer this protection, NexGard PLUS adds it through moxidectin, which is indicated for preventing heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis, so this gives you that coverage in the same monthly chew.

Your dog is exposed to roundworms or hookworms: NexGard PLUS adds pyrantel for the treatment and control of adult intestinal worms, covering two roundworm species and three hookworm species, coverage NexGard doesn’t have on its label, which can matter for dogs that spend time outdoors or encounter contaminated soil, since exposure can happen year round regardless of season or climate.

Want to cover several parasite risks in one monthly chew: NexGard PLUS combines afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel in a single beef flavored chew, handling flea and tick protection, heartworm prevention, and intestinal worm control all at once, so instead of managing separate products and schedules for each risk, you get one simple routine to follow every month.

Dread the hassle of giving your dog multiple medications: NexGard PLUS is given orally once a month with or without food, and its beef flavor tends to make dosing easier for dogs that are difficult to medicate, so having several protections built into one chew means fewer products and fewer schedules to keep track of.

Need broader hookworm coverage, particularly against A. braziliense: NexGard PLUS is labeled for three adult hookworm species, including A. caninum, A. braziliense, and U. stenocephala, while NexGard isn’t labeled for hookworm treatment at all, which can matter for dogs living in or regularly visiting environments where hookworm exposure is a concern.

Want to potentially simplify the overall cost of prevention: NexGard PLUS may cost more per box than NexGard on its own, but when compared with buying separate products for flea and tick protection, heartworm prevention, and intestinal worm control, combining them into one chew can work out more economical, though actual savings depend on which other products your dog currently uses.

When to choose NexGard?

Only need flea and tick protection right now: NexGard focuses on flea and tick treatment and control, so if heartworm prevention and intestinal worm coverage are already being handled through a separate product, this can be the more targeted choice for your dog.

Already have a heartworm or deworming plan in place: NexGard is labeled specifically for fleas and ticks, so choosing it means you’re not paying for parasite coverage that overlaps with what your dog is already receiving elsewhere.

Prefer a simpler, more focused formulation: NexGard contains a single active ingredient, afoxolaner, so if your dog’s prevention plan doesn’t call for added heartworm and intestinal worm coverage, this keeps things simple.

Want Lyme disease prevention alongside flea and tick control: NexGard is labeled to help prevent Borrelia burgdorferi infection by killing Ixodes scapularis ticks, though this isn’t a point of difference from NexGard PLUS, since NexGard PLUS carries the same labeled indication.

Live somewhere hot: NexGard is labeled for storage at or below 30°C, while NexGard PLUS is labeled for storage at or below 25°C, so if you live in a warmer climate or don’t have consistent climate control at home, NexGard’s higher storage threshold can make it easier to keep the medication properly stored.

Which Is Better for Your Dog?

There’s no one-size-fits-all choice, the best option depends on the parasites your dog may be exposed to and their individual needs.

NexGard PLUS may be the right choice if:

• Your dog needs heartworm prevention along with roundworm and hookworm coverage, not just flea and tick protection.
• You want to consolidate several parasite risks into one monthly chew instead of managing separate products and schedules.
• Your dog is regularly exposed to outdoor environments where broader hookworm coverage, including against A. braziliense, is a real concern.

NexGard may be the better fit if:

• Your dog already has a separate heartworm or deworming plan in place and only needs flea and tick protection.
• You prefer a simpler, single-ingredient formulation without added coverage your dog doesn’t currently need.
• You live somewhere hot without consistent climate control, since NexGard allows storage at a higher temperature threshold.

 

The key factor is your dog’s actual parasite risk, not price or convenience, since both products are monthly chewables that use the same flea and tick protection mechanism. Both NexGard PLUS and NexGard are effective within their approved uses, and neither is better in every situation. NexGard PLUS is a better fit for dogs that need broader parasite protection, while NexGard is suited for dogs that only need flea and tick control. Talk with your veterinarian to determine which parasites your dog may be exposed to based on your location and health history. Regardless of the product chosen, consistent monthly dosing is essential for long-term protection.