Nexgard vs Trifexis Comparison

Nexgard vs Trifexis: Similarities

Nexgard and Trifexis are both popular oral medications designed to protect dogs from fleas and other parasites. These chewable tablets are easy to administer and are typically well-received by dogs, as they come in palatable beef-flavored forms. This makes both Nexgard and Trifexis convenient alternatives to topical treatments, as they eliminate concerns about bathing or swimming affecting their efficacy.

Both products are FDA-approved for use in dogs, offering month-long protection against flea infestations. Nexgard starts killing fleas within 4 hours of administration, while Trifexis begins working within 30 minutes, killing 100% of fleas within 4 hours. Both medications also target multiple parasites, with Nexgard providing protection against fleas and ticks, and Trifexis targeting fleas, heartworms, and several intestinal parasites.

For dogs with pre-existing conditions like epilepsy, pet owners should consult their veterinarians before using either product, as both have been reported to potentially trigger neurological side effects in dogs with a history of seizures.

What Are the Differences Between Nexgard and Trifexis?

Nexgard and Trifexis are both chewable tablets designed to protect dogs from parasites, but they differ in the range of parasites they target. The primary difference lies in their focus: Nexgard eliminates external parasites such as fleas and ticks, while Trifexis mainly targets internal parasites like heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms, along with fleas.

Nexgard uses the active ingredient Afoxolaner, which kills 100% of fleas and ticks within 24 hours, including the black-legged tick that can transmit Lyme disease. It is also the only FDA-approved treatment for preventing Lyme disease in dogs. Trifexis, on the other hand, combines two active ingredients: Spinosad, which begins killing fleas in just 30 minutes and eliminates all fleas within 4 hours, and Milbemycin Oxime, which prevents heartworm disease and treats intestinal parasites. However, Trifexis does not protect against ticks.

Both Nexgard and Trifexis can be given to puppies as young as 8 weeks, but there is a slight weight difference. Nexgard is suitable for dogs weighing at least 4 lbs, while Trifexis is recommended for dogs that weigh more than 5 lbs. Additionally, Nexgard offers more flexibility in administration, as it can be given with or without food, whereas Trifexis must be given with food to ensure maximum effectiveness.

In terms of safety, neither Nexgard nor Trifexis has been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Pet owners should consult with their veterinarians before using these products in such cases. Both products are also designed specifically for dogs and do not have a feline counterpart.

The choice between Nexgard and Trifexis depends on your dog’s specific needs and geographic location. If your main concern is protecting your dog from fleas and ticks, especially in tick-prone areas, Nexgard is the ideal choice. However, if you need broad-spectrum protection that includes heartworms and intestinal parasites, Trifexis may be a better option. Some pet owners might start with Nexgard to handle flea and tick infestations and switch to Trifexis if ticks are not an issue in their region. Both products have similar costs, so the decision ultimately depends on your dog’s parasite risks and lifestyle.

Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best option for your dog’s health and well-being.

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

Feature	Trifexis	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	Yes	No
Protects Against Other Parasites	Roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm	No
Waterproof	Yes – taken orally	Yes – taken orally
How Long to Work	Kills 100% of biting fleas in 4 hours.	4 hours to kill fleas and 24 hours hours to kill ticks
Taste	Beef Flavored	Beef Flavored
Active Ingredient	Spinosad and Milbemycin Oxime	Afoxolaner
Application Type	Chewable Tablet	Chewable Tablet
Dosing	1 tablet per month	1 tablet per month
Age	Puppies 8 weeks and older and weigh more than 5 lbs.	Puppies 8 weeks and older and weigh 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, depression/lethargy, pruritus, anorexia, and diarrhea	Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, rare neurological effects
Duration of Effectiveness	30 days	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 between 20 degrees to 25 degrees C (68 degrees to 77 degrees 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

Which product is most water-resistant for dogs who swim frequently?

When considering NexGard and Trifexis for dogs that swim frequently, NexGard is generally more water-resistant. As an oral chewable, it is not affected by water exposure, allowing it to maintain its effectiveness even if the dog swims regularly.

In contrast, Trifexis, while effective against fleas and other parasites, requires administration with food and does not have specific claims regarding water resistance. Although it starts working quickly and kills fleas within 30 minutes, its efficacy can be influenced by bathing or swimming habits.

For dogs that swim often, NexGard would be the preferred option due to its consistent performance regardless of water exposure.

How do these products compare in terms of palatability for dogs?

In terms of palatability for dogs, NexGard is generally considered more appealing than Trifexis.

• NexGard is a beef-flavored chewable that most dogs find tasty, making it easier for owners to administer without needing to hide it in food. Many dogs readily consume it without issue.
• Trifexis, while also marketed as a beef-flavored chewable, has been reported by many dog owners to have a less favorable taste. Some dogs may refuse it or require it to be hidden in food like cheese or peanut butter to encourage consumption.

Overall, if palatability is a significant concern, NexGard may be the better choice for most dogs.

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