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.
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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.