Nexgard vs Advantage II Comparison
Advantage II vs NexGard: Similarities
Advantage II and NexGard are two effective solutions designed to protect dogs from flea infestations. Both products provide comprehensive flea control, ensuring that pets remain safe from parasitic infestations that can cause discomfort and health issues. These two treatments are well-regarded by veterinarians and are widely used by pet owners looking for reliable flea prevention.
Both Advantage II and NexGard are designed for monthly application, providing long-lasting protection. While Advantage II is a topical solution, NexGard comes in the form of a chewable tablet. This gives pet owners the flexibility to choose a method of administration based on their pet’s preference. In terms of safety, both products can be used on young dogs, with Advantage II approved for puppies as young as 7 weeks old, and NexGard for puppies 8 weeks and older, making both suitable for early flea prevention.
What Are the Differences Between Advantage II and NexGard?
Although both products protect against fleas, their differences in functionality, administration, and scope of protection set them apart.
One of the primary differences lies in how these products work. Advantage II starts killing fleas within 12 hours of application and targets flea eggs, larvae, and adult fleas through direct contact. It does not kill ticks, which is a crucial distinction for pet owners in tick-heavy areas. NexGard, on the other hand, kills fleas within 4 hours and is also effective against multiple species of ticks, including those responsible for Lyme disease, making it a more comprehensive solution for flea and tick control.
Method of administration also differs. Advantage II is a topical solution that is applied to the dog’s skin, whereas NexGard is a beef-flavored chewable tablet that dogs usually consume willingly as a treat. This makes NexGard a great choice for pet owners who prefer oral treatments over topical applications, which can sometimes be messier.
Regarding age and weight requirements, Advantage II can be used on puppies as young as 7 weeks old, while NexGard is safe for puppies starting at 8 weeks old and weighing at least 4 lbs. Pet owners with younger puppies may find Advantage II more suitable in such cases.
Another difference is in safety for breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Advantage II requires consultation with a vet before use in these conditions, while NexGard has not been evaluated for safety in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs, so caution is advised when considering its use in these groups.
The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of Nexgard and Advantage II, making it simple to evaluate their benefits and key differences. By reviewing these features, you can confidently select the product that best suits your dog’s individual needs.
| Feature | Advantage II | NexGard |
| Kills Fleas | Yes | Yes |
| Repels Fleas | No | No |
| Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae | Yes | Kills fleas before they can lay eggs |
| Kills Ticks | No | Yes |
| Repels Ticks | No | No |
| Repels Mosquitoes | No | No |
| Prevents Heartworm | No | No |
| Protects Against Other Parasites | Treats lice | No |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes – taken orally |
| How Long to Work | Begins to kill fleas within 12 hours | Kills fleas in 4 hours, ticks in 24 hours |
| Taste | N/A | Beef-flavored |
| Active Ingredient | Imidacloprid and Pyriproxyfen | Afoxolaner |
| Application Type | Topical | Chewable tablet |
| Dosing | Once per month | 1 tablet per month |
| Age | Dogs 7 weeks and older | Puppies 8 weeks and older, weighing more than 4 lbs |
| Manufacturer | Bayer Animal Health | Boehringer Ingelheim |
| Safety | Speak to your vet clinic about risks with breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs | Not yet evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs |
| Side Effects | Redness, scratching, or other signs of discomfort, vomiting or diarrhea | Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, rare neurological effects |
| Duration of Effectiveness | 30 days | 35 days |
| Price | High per dose | Moderate per dose |
| Clinical Studies | Demonstrated normal effectiveness in clinical trials | Demonstrated high effectiveness in clinical trials |
| Storage Instructions | Store at temperatures between 39°F and 77°F | Store at room temperature 30°C (86°F) with excursions permitted up to 40°C (104°F). |
To help pet owners make an informed choice, the following table provides pricing details for Nexgard, including different dosages and quantities available at Anipetshop. This breakdown allows you to find the most cost-effective solution for your dog’s parasitic prevention needs.
Attention: Prices below are for reference only and may change over time !
| Product | Dosage | Package Size | Price |
| NexGard Chewables for Dogs 4-10 lbs | 11.3 mg Afoxolaner | 3 Chews | US$61.00 |
| NexGard Chewables for Dogs 10.1-24 lbs | 28.3 mg Afoxolaner | 3 Chews | US$65.00 |
| NexGard Chewables for Dogs 24.1-60 lbs | 68 mg Afoxolaner | 3 Chews | US$59.00 |
Is NexGard or Advantage better?
Nexgard contains Afoxolaner and eliminates 100% of fleas within 24 hours while also targeting ticks. Advantage, which uses Imidacloprid and Pyriproxyfen, starts killing fleas within 12 hours but does not kill ticks like Nexgard does. Both products effectively eliminate flea larvae and eggs, but Advantage has the added benefit of also getting rid of lice.
Can you use NexGard and Advantage II together?
Yes, it is safe to use Advantix II when the dog is also on Nexgard. There is no drug interaction there.
What parasites does each product protect against?
Both medications kill flea larvae and eggs. However Advantage has added benefits of eliminating lice.
Where can I buy Nexgard?
At Anipetshop, you can buy NexGard without a vet prescription. Anipetshop is an online retailer that specializes in pet medications, including flea and tick treatments. We offer a variety of products for dogs and cats, sourced from reputable manufacturers. Their platform allows you to purchase products conveniently, without the need for a prescription, making it easier to access essential pet medications. NexGard is available in different dosages to suit the size of your dog.
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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.