Credelio vs nexgard Comparison
When it comes to safeguarding your dog against common parasites like fleas and ticks, selecting the right preventive treatment is essential. Two of the most popular options on the market today are Credelio and NexGard. Both products are designed to provide effective protection, but they differ in terms of the specific parasites they target, their active ingredients, and the overall benefits they offer. In this comparison, we’ll delve into the key features, effectiveness, and safety profiles of Credelio and NexGard, helping you make an informed choice on the best option to keep your dog healthy and parasite-free.
What Is Credelio?
Credelio is a highly effective and easy-to-administer flea treatment designed for both dogs and cats. When given monthly, Credelio not only prevents flea infestations but also safeguards your pet against a variety of tick species, including lone star ticks, American dog ticks, black-legged ticks, and brown dog ticks.
One of the key advantages of Credelio is its chewable tablet form, which pets typically enjoy as a treat. For dogs, Credelio is usually flavored with beef, while the cat version comes in vanilla and yeast flavors, ensuring that both dogs and cats are more likely to accept and consume the medication without fuss.
Credelio is formulated to be safe and effective for dogs of all breeds, making it a versatile option unless your veterinarian advises otherwise. Similarly, the cat-specific version of Credelio is designed for broad use across different cat breeds. It is crucial to use the correct formulation for each species—never give the cat version to dogs or the dog version to cats—as the filler ingredients differ and can cause adverse reactions.
Both dog and cat Credelio products contain the same active ingredient, lotilaner, but the inactive ingredients vary between formulations. This distinction is important because the appropriate dosage also depends on your pet’s weight and species. Administering the wrong dosage or the incorrect version can be harmful, emphasizing the need for careful adherence to dosing guidelines.
Before starting your pet on Credelio, it is essential to consult with your veterinarian. A vet can help determine the most appropriate treatment for your pet’s specific health needs and ensure that Credelio is a safe choice, especially if your pet has any pre-existing medical conditions. This professional guidance helps minimize the risk of side effects and ensures the best possible protection for your furry friend.
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What Is NexGard?
NexGard is a widely recognized and trusted flea and tick treatment available for both dogs and cats, though the forms differ for each species. For dogs, NexGard is offered as a convenient chewable tablet, while for cats, it comes exclusively as a topical treatment.
NexGard chewables are designed for monthly use and feature a beef-flavored formula that dogs typically find palatable. The active ingredient in these chewables is afoxolaner, which provides effective protection against flea infestations and controls various tick species, including black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, and brown dog ticks.
For cats, NexGard Combo offers a comprehensive solution for parasite protection. This topical treatment, applied to the back of the neck once a month, not only targets adult fleas and prevents them from laying eggs but also controls black-legged ticks, lone star ticks, and tapeworms. Additionally, NexGard Combo protects cats from heartworm disease and treats a range of intestinal parasites, including hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms.
NexGard is safe for use in dogs that are at least 8 weeks old and weigh 4 pounds or more, and in cats that are also 8 weeks or older, with a minimum weight of 1.8 pounds. However, it is important to consult your veterinarian before starting your pet on NexGard. Your vet can provide tailored advice based on your pet’s specific health needs and ensure that NexGard is the best choice for their protection, minimizing the risk of side effects and complications.
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Comparing Credelio Vs. NexGard
Credelio and Nexgard are both effective in eliminating fleas and ticks, but they differ in the speed at which they act. Credelio eliminates fleas within 12 hours and 98.7% of ticks within 8 hours, making it a rapid solution for these pests. In contrast, Nexgard is faster at killing fleas, achieving this within 4 hours, but it takes 24 hours to eliminate ticks. Nexgard has the added benefit of being the only FDA-approved treatment for preventing Lyme disease infections.
Both products are safe for dogs when used as directed and are FDA-approved for treating and preventing flea and tick infestations. However, neither Credelio nor Nexgard has been evaluated for use in breeding or lactating dogs. Additionally, these treatments are not suitable for cats, as they are specifically formulated for canine use.
The table below provides a detailed comparison of Credelio and Nexgard, highlighting their features, effectiveness, and other key considerations for choosing the right flea and tick treatment for your dog.
| Feature | Credelio | NexGard |
| Kills Fleas | Yes | Yes |
| Kills Ticks | Yes | Yes |
| Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae | No | No |
| Repels Fleas | No | No |
| Repels Ticks | No | No |
| Prevents Heartworm | No | No |
| Other Parasites | No | No |
| Repels Mosquitoes | No | No |
| How Long to Work | Kills 100% of fleas in 12 hours and 98.7% of ticks in 8 hours | Kills fleas within 4 hours and ticks within 24 hours |
| Taste | Beef Flavored | Beef Flavored |
| Waterproof | Yes, since taken orally | Yes, since taken orally |
| Active Ingredient | Lotilaner | Afoxolaner |
| Side Effects | Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, weight loss in some cases | Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and seizures in some cases |
| Dosing | 1 tablet per month | 1 tablet per month |
| Application Type | Chewable Tablet | Chewable Tablet |
| Age | Dogs 8 weeks and older that weigh at least 4.4 pounds | Dogs 8 weeks and older that weigh at least 4 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Elanco | Boehringer Ingelheim |
| Safety | The safe use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs hasn’t been evaluated. | The safe use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs hasn’t been evaluated. |
| Duration of Effectiveness | 30 days | 30 days |
| Storage Instructions | Store at 15-25°C (59 -77°F), excursions permitted between 5 to 40°C (41 to 104°F). | Store at or below 30°C (86°F) with excursions permitted up to 40°C (104°F) |
Here is a comparison of the prices for Credelio and NexGard of AnipetShop based on weight range:
| Weight Range | 3 Chews | 6 Chews | 12 Chews |
| Credelio | |||
| 4.4 – 6.0 lbs | $54.00 | $98.00 | $185.00 |
| 6.1 – 12.0 lbs | $55.00 | $100.00 | $190.00 |
| 12.1 – 24.0 lbs | $56.00 | $102.00 | $195.00 |
| NexGard | |||
| 4.0 – 10.0 lbs | $59.00 | $170.00 | $320.00 |
| 10.1 – 24.0 lbs | $61.00 | $175.00 | $330.00 |
| 24.1 – 60.0 lbs | $65.00 | $195.00 | $370.00 |
| 60.1 – 121.0 lbs | $67.00 | $200.00 | $380.00 |
Credelio and Nexgard in Flea and Tick Treatment
Credelio and Nexgard are both effective treatments for fleas and ticks, but they differ in their speed of action. Credelio eliminates fleas within 12 hours and 98.7% of ticks within 8 hours, offering a fast-acting solution. Nexgard, on the other hand, kills fleas more quickly, within 4 hours, but requires 24 hours to eliminate ticks. Additionally, Nexgard is the only FDA-approved option for preventing Lyme disease infections.
Both medications are safe for dogs when used as directed and have FDA approval for treating and preventing flea and tick infestations. However, neither has been evaluated for use in breeding or lactating dogs, and they are not suitable for cats, as they are specifically formulated for dogs.
Although both Credelio and Nexgard are highly effective, they have some distinctions. Credelio has a slightly narrower dosage range based on weight, starting at a minimum of 0.4 lbs, while Nexgard accommodates a broader range. Credelio is available in 1-month or 6-month supplies, whereas Nexgard offers 3-month or 6-month options, potentially making Nexgard more convenient for those preferring fewer purchases. The pricing of both products is comparable, so the decision between them often depends on convenience and specific needs. For breeding dogs, alternative treatments may need to be considered.
How to Decide Between Credelio and NexGard
When deciding between Credelio and NexGard, it’s important to consider several factors that can influence which flea and tick treatment is best suited to your needs.
Age and Weight
Credelio is formulated for dogs weighing at least 4.4 lbs and can be used in puppies as young as 8 weeks. NexGard is also suitable for puppies starting at 8 weeks, with a slightly lower weight threshold of 4 lbs. If you have a smaller breed puppy, this minor difference might make NexGard a more convenient choice.
Parasite Coverage
Both Credelio and NexGard provide effective protection against fleas and ticks. However, neither product covers heartworms or intestinal parasites, which may require additional treatments if those are a concern. If broader parasite protection is not a priority, both treatments are equally effective for flea and tick control.
Active Ingredients
Credelio uses Lotilaner, while NexGard contains Afoxolaner. Both of these active ingredients are part of the isoxazoline class and work by disrupting the nervous systems of fleas and ticks, leading to their elimination. If your dog has shown a sensitivity to one active ingredient, the other may provide a suitable alternative.
Side Effects
The side effects of Credelio and NexGard are similar, including potential issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. However, NexGard has been associated with rare cases of seizures, so if there are concerns about neurological side effects, Credelio might be a safer option. It’s important to weigh these risks and consult with a veterinarian when making your decision.
Final Considerations
When choosing between Credelio and NexGard, consider factors like your dog’s age, weight, and any specific health concerns. Both products offer strong protection against fleas and ticks, but their differences in speed of action, active ingredients, and potential side effects may guide your decision. Consulting with your veterinarian can provide additional insights to help you make the best choice.
In conclusion, both Credelio and NexGard are effective flea and tick treatments, but the best choice depends on your dog’s specific needs. Credelio is ideal for faster tick control and is suitable for smaller dogs, while NexGard offers quicker flea elimination and is the only FDA-approved option for Lyme disease prevention. Consider your dog’s age, weight, and potential sensitivities to active ingredients, and consult your veterinarian to determine which product is the most appropriate for your pet’s health and lifestyle.
Lily Watson is an author specializing in veterinary care in Australia. With a profound passion for animal welfare and a solid foundation in veterinary science, Lily has dedicated herself to disseminating valuable knowledge and information for both pet owners and professionals in this field.