Nexgard vs Heartgard Comparison
Nexgard vs Heartgard: Similarities
Nexgard and Heartgard are both chewable tablets that provide protection against various parasites for your dog. These products are designed for convenient, monthly administration, which ensures that your pet is always protected. Both treatments are flavored, making them more palatable and easy to administer, as dogs see them as a treat rather than medication.
Another similarity between Nexgard and Heartgard is that both are produced by Boehringer Ingelheim, a reputable pharmaceutical company, ensuring high standards of safety and efficacy. Both products are also safe for puppies at a young age, with Heartgard approved for puppies from 6 weeks of age and Nexgard for puppies from 8 weeks of age weighing more than 4 pounds.
Additionally, these treatments are waterproof since they are oral medications, so you don’t have to worry about their effectiveness being diminished by bathing or swimming. This makes both Nexgard and Heartgard great options for dogs that enjoy outdoor activities.
What Are the Differences Between Nexgard and Heartgard?
Nexgard and Heartgard serve distinct purposes, targeting different types of parasites, and both follow a convenient once-a-month tablet regimen. Nexgard focuses on fleas and ticks, killing 100% of fleas within 24 hours and offering protection against four types of ticks, including those that transmit Lyme disease. Heartgard, on the other hand, is specifically designed to prevent heartworm disease while also treating and controlling hookworm and roundworm infections, but it does not offer protection against fleas or ticks.
In terms of active ingredients, Nexgard contains afoxolaner, which works by disrupting the nervous systems of fleas and ticks, killing them quickly and effectively. Heartgard uses a combination of ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate. Ivermectin prevents heartworm by killing heartworm larvae before they mature, while pyrantel pamoate eliminates hookworms and roundworms.
When it comes to safety, Heartgard is considered safe for pregnant, breeding, and lactating dogs, making it a more versatile option for dogs in various life stages. In contrast, Nexgard has not yet been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs, so its safety in these cases should be discussed with a veterinarian.
If your main concern is protecting your dog from fleas and ticks, especially ticks that carry Lyme disease, Nexgard is an excellent choice. However, if you’re looking to prevent heartworm disease and control intestinal parasites like hookworms and roundworms, Heartgard is the better option. For optimal protection, these two products can even be used together, offering comprehensive coverage against a variety of parasites. Always consult your veterinarian to ensure you’re choosing the right product for your dog’s specific needs.
The table below offers a side-by-side comparison of Nexgard and Heartgard, showcasing their key benefits and differences. By reviewing these features, you can confidently choose the product that best suits your dog’s specific needs.
| Feature | Heartgard | Nexgard |
| Kills Fleas | No | 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 | Yes | No |
| Protects Against Other Parasites | Hookworms and Roundworms | No |
| Waterproof | Yes – taken orally | Yes – taken orally |
| How Long to Work | Kills adult worms | 4 hours to kill fleas, 24 hours to kill ticks |
| Taste | Beef flavored | Beef flavored |
| Active Ingredient | Ivermectin and Pyrantel Pamoate | Afoxolaner |
| Dosing | 1 tablet per month | 1 tablet per month |
| Application Type | Chewable tablet | Chewable tablet |
| Age | Dogs 6 weeks and older | Puppies 8 weeks and older, weighing more than 4 lbs |
| Manufacturer | Boehringer Ingelheim | Boehringer Ingelheim |
| Safety | Safe for pregnant or breeding females | Not yet evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs |
| Side Effects | Depression, lethargy, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, mydriasis (dilated pupils), ataxia (loss of coordination), staggering, convulsions, and hypersalivation | Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, rare neurological effects |
| Duration of Effectiveness | 30 days | 30 days |
| Price | Moderate per dose | Moderate per dose |
| Clinical Studies | Demonstrated high effectiveness in clinical trials | Demonstrated high effectiveness in clinical trials |
| Storage Instructions | Store at room temperature 68-77° F (20-25° C) | 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 both Nexgard and Heartgard, 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 |
| Heartgard Plus | |||
| Heartgard Plus Chewables for Dogs Up to 25 lbs (0-11 kg) | 68 mcg Ivermectin, 57 mg Pyrantel | 6 Chews | US$53.00 |
| Heartgard Plus Chewables for Dogs 26-50 lbs (12-22 kg) | 136 mcg Ivermectin, 114 mg Pyrantel | 6 Chews | US$54.00 |
| Heartgard Plus Chewables for Dogs 51-100 lbs (23-45 kg) | 272 mcg Ivermectin, 227 mg Pyrantel | 6 Chews | US$59.00 |
| NexGard | |||
| 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 well as Heartgard?
Nexgard protects your dog from fleas and ticks, but not heartworms. If you live in a low-risk heartworm area, Nexgard may be sufficient. However, using Nexgard along with Heartgard ensures broader protection, covering heartworms, fleas, ticks, and other parasites.
Can you give your dog Heartgard and NexGard at the same time?
Yes, it is safe to give your dog both Heartgard and Nexgard at the same time. These two medications target different parasites, making them complementary rather than conflicting. Nexgard protects against fleas and ticks, while Heartgard prevents heartworm infections and treats other intestinal parasites like roundworms and hookworms. Administering both together ensures your dog is well-protected against a broad range of parasites.
Where can I buy Heartgard or Nexgard?
At Anipetshop, you can buy Heartgard and 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. Both Heartgard and NexGard are 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.