Nexgard vs Comfortis Comparison
Nexgard vs Comfortis: Similarities
Nexgard and Comfortis are both highly effective chewable flea treatments that provide month-long protection for dogs. These beef-flavored chewables are designed to make administration easy and enjoyable for pets, ensuring that owners can treat their dogs without hassle. Both Nexgard and Comfortis are waterproof because they are taken orally, meaning they remain effective even if your dog gets wet or is bathed frequently.
Both products are designed to eliminate adult fleas and prevent flea infestations. Nexgard and Comfortis are known for their fast-acting capabilities, with Comfortis starting to kill fleas within 30 minutes, while Nexgard begins killing fleas within 4 hours. These oral medications are ideal for pet owners looking for a convenient flea control method that avoids the mess of topical treatments.
In terms of age, Nexgard is approved for puppies 8 weeks and older that weigh more than 4 lbs, while Comfortis can be used on dogs and cats that are at least 14 weeks old. This versatility makes Comfortis a good option for multi-pet households with both dogs and cats.
What Are the Differences Between Nexgard and Comfortis?
Although both Nexgard and Comfortis are effective flea treatments, they differ in several key areas, including their active ingredients, spectrum of protection, and speed of action.
Nexgard not only targets fleas but also protects against ticks, including four types of ticks such as Black-legged ticks, American Dog ticks, Lone Star ticks, and Brown Dog ticks. This makes Nexgard a more comprehensive solution for pets that are at risk of tick infestations. Comfortis, on the other hand, focuses solely on flea control, making it less versatile for pets in areas with a high tick population.
In terms of time to work, Comfortis begins killing fleas within 30 minutes, making it one of the fastest flea treatments available. Nexgard, while fast, takes slightly longer, starting to kill fleas within 4 hours and requiring 24 hours to fully kill ticks. Both products ensure quick relief from fleas, but Comfortis has a faster response time for fleas specifically.
Another difference lies in their active ingredients. Nexgard contains Afoxolaner, which disrupts the nervous system of fleas and ticks, causing paralysis and death. Comfortis uses Spinosad, which causes excitation in the nervous system of fleas, leading to rapid death. Each product uses a different mechanism of action, but both are highly effective against fleas.
Nexgard is also approved for the prevention of Lyme disease, a feature that Comfortis does not offer. This makes Nexgard particularly valuable in areas where Lyme disease is a concern.
When it comes to safety, neither product is currently approved for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs, so it is essential to consult a veterinarian before using either treatment in these cases. Additionally, Nexgard is specifically noted for requiring caution in dogs with a history of seizures, as it may exacerbate seizure activity.
| Feature | Comfortis | NexGard |
| Kills Fleas | Yes | Yes |
| Repels Fleas | No | No |
| Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae | No | 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 | No | No |
| Waterproof | Yes – taken orally | Yes – taken orally |
| How Long to Work | Begins to kill fleas in 30 minutes | Kills fleas in 4 hours, ticks in 24 hours |
| Taste | Beef flavored | Beef flavored |
| Active Ingredient | Spinosad | Afoxolaner |
| Application Type | Chewable tablet | Chewable tablet |
| Dosing | 1 tablet per month | 1 tablet per month |
| Age | Dogs and cats 14 weeks and older | Puppies 8 weeks and older, weighing more than 4 lbs |
| Manufacturer | Elanco Animal Health | Boehringer Ingelheim |
| Safety | Not yet evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs | Not yet evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs |
| Side Effects | Vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, and diarrhea. | Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, rare neurological effects |
| Duration of Effectiveness | 4 weeks | 35 days |
| Price | High per dose | Moderate per dose |
| Clinical Studies | Demonstrated high effectiveness in clinical trials | Demonstrated high effectiveness in clinical trials |
| Storage Instructions | Store at between 68°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.
| 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 |
Does NexGard work as good as Comfortis?
Both Nexgard and Comfortis effectively kill adult fleas and disrupt the flea life cycle by preventing them from laying eggs. However, Nexgard offers the added benefit of also killing ticks, giving it an advantage over Comfortis in terms of broader parasite protection.
Which product is better for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
For dogs with sensitive stomachs, NexGard (afoxolaner) offers both flea and tick protection but may cause mild digestive upset. Comfortis (spinosad) is effective against fleas and works quickly but should be given with food to minimize nausea; it does not protect against ticks. If your dog has a history of vomiting, Comfortis may be preferable. Consult your veterinarian for personalized advice based on your dog’s health and sensitivities.
Can pregnant or nursing dogs use Nexgard or Comfortis?
NexGard has not been evaluated for safety in pregnant or nursing dogs, so its use is not recommended during these periods.
Comfortis, containing spinosad, is also advised against for pregnant or nursing females due to potential risks, including loss of litter and poor weight gain in puppies observed during testing.
It is crucial to consult with a veterinarian before administering either medication to pregnant or nursing dogs to ensure the safety of both the mother and her puppies
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.