Nexgard vs Sentinel Comparison

Nexgard vs Sentinel: Similarities

Nexgard and Sentinel are both oral treatments designed to protect dogs from parasites, and both offer month-long protection with convenient dosing. Nexgard and Sentinel are flavored chewables, making administration easy for pet owners, as dogs typically enjoy the taste.

Both treatments offer protection against flea infestations, with Sentinel preventing flea eggs and larvae from developing and Nexgard killing adult fleas. These oral treatments are waterproof, providing uninterrupted protection regardless of whether your pet gets wet or is bathed frequently.

In terms of age and size, Nexgard is suitable for puppies 8 weeks and older that weigh more than 4 lbs, while Sentinel can be used for dogs as young as 4 weeks, weighing more than 2 lbs. This similarity makes both products versatile options for early parasite prevention.

What Are the Differences Between Nexgard and Sentinel?

Nexgard and Sentinel are both oral chewable treatments designed to protect your pet, but they differ significantly in their spectrum of protection, active ingredients, and the type of parasites they target.

One of the main differences between these two products is the range of parasites they control. Sentinel is primarily focused on preventing internal parasites like heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Additionally, it helps break the flea life cycle by preventing flea eggs and larvae from developing, though it does not kill adult fleas. Nexgard, on the other hand, is designed to treat and eliminate external parasites, effectively killing adult fleas within 4 hours and ticks within 24 hours. This makes Nexgard particularly useful in areas with high tick populations, as it helps prevent Lyme disease, something Sentinel does not address.

In terms of active ingredients, Nexgard contains Afoxolaner, which disrupts the nervous system of fleas and ticks, leading to their rapid elimination. Sentinel uses a combination of Milbemycin Oxime and Lufenuron. Milbemycin Oxime works to prevent heartworm disease and eliminate intestinal worms, while Lufenuron interrupts the flea life cycle by stopping the development of flea eggs and larvae.

Both products are administered monthly and come in a tasty, beef-flavored chewable form, making them easy to give to your pet. However, they differ in when they can be started. Sentinel can be given to puppies as young as 4 weeks, while Nexgard is safe for dogs starting at 8 weeks of age and weighing over 4 pounds.

When it comes to safety, Sentinel has been approved for use in breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs, making it a safer choice for pets in these conditions. In contrast, Nexgard has not been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs, so pet owners should exercise caution.

Both Nexgard and Sentinel are effective, but they target different aspects of your pet’s health. Nexgard is ideal for treating active flea and tick infestations, offering fast relief and protection against Lyme disease. Sentinel, however, focuses on preventing internal parasite infestations and breaking the flea life cycle, making it a more comprehensive solution for overall parasite prevention. Some pet owners may start with Nexgard to eliminate existing infestations and switch to Sentinel for long-term maintenance. Cost is another factor to consider, as Nexgard may be more expensive over time due to its targeted flea and tick elimination, while Sentinel is generally more affordable.

If you’re unsure which product is best for your pet, consult with your veterinarian to ensure you’re making the right choice based on your dog’s specific needs and health status.

The table below offers a side-by-side comparison of Nexgard and Sentinel, highlighting their key benefits and differences. By reviewing these features, you can confidently choose the product that best fits your dog’s specific needs.

Feature	Sentinel	NexGard
Kills Fleas	No	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	Yes	No
Protects Against Other Parasites	Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms	No
Waterproof	Yes – taken orally	Yes – taken orally
How Long to Work	Breaks flea life cycle, no effect on adult fleas	Kills fleas in 4 hours, ticks in 24 hours
Taste	Savory Beef flavored	Beef flavored
Active Ingredient	Milbemycin Oxime, Lufenuron	Afoxolaner
Application Type	Chewable tablet	Chewable tablet
Dosing	1 tablet per month	1 tablet per month
Age	Dogs 4 weeks and older, more than 2 lbs	Puppies 8 weeks and older, more than 4 lbs
Manufacturer	Virbac	Boehringer Ingelheim
Safety	Approved for breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs	Not evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs
Side Effects	Vomiting, lethargy, hives, itchiness, diarrhea	Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, rare neurological effects
Duration of Effectiveness	30 days	35 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 59° and 77°F (15-25°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 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

Can you give your dog Sentinel and NexGard at the same time?

For dogs, it’s recommended to use the combination of Sentinel and Nexgard. Sentinel is given monthly as an oral chew to prevent heartworms, intestinal worms (hook, round, and whipworms), and flea eggs, while Nexgard is given monthly to target adult fleas and ticks. However, it’s advised to administer these medications on separate days.

Is Nexgard or Sentinel better for flea prevention?

Sentinel is primarily used to prevent future infestations, while Nexgard treats active flea and tick infestations. Many pet owners may begin with Nexgard to address an existing infestation, then switch to Sentinel for ongoing prevention.

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