NexGard Spectra for Dogs 4.4-8 lbs (2-3.5 kg)

Description

NexGard Spectra for Dogs 4.4–8 lbs (2–3.5 kg) is a monthly oral chewable manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim, combining afoxolaner (9.4 mg) and milbemycin oxime (1.9 mg) in a single dose. Each chewable delivers systemic coverage across fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm, and intestinal worms in one administration. This variant is approved for use in dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age, provided body weight falls within the 2–3.5 kg range on the day of dosing.

Recommended for

Dogs weighing 4.4–8 lbs (2–3.5 kg) from 8 weeks of age.

Indication/Coverage

For dogs suffering from, or at risk from, mixed parasitic infections:

• Flea treatment and prevention: Targets adult Ctenocephalides; afoxolaner disrupts neuronal signaling in fleas via GABA-gated chloride channel inhibition, killing newly acquired adults within 6–8 hours before egg-laying commences.
• Flea allergy dermatitis control: Rapid flea kill interrupts the allergic response cycle triggered by flea salivary antigens; sustained flea suppression across the full month reduces cumulative antigen exposure.
• Flea tapeworm prevention: Eliminates the flea vector (Ctenocephalides) that transmits Dipylidium caninum larvae; dogs become infested by ingesting adult fleas, so effective flea kill prevents tapeworm establishment.
• Paralysis tick control: Treats and controls Ixodes holocyclus infestations for one month; pre-existing infestations are controlled within 24 hours of administration.
• Brown Dog tick control: Treats and controls Rhipicephalus sanguineus with greater than 95% efficacy within 48 hours.
• Bush tick control: Treats and controls Haemaphysalis longicornis with greater than 95% efficacy within 48 hours.
• Demodectic mange treatment: Controls generalized demodectic mange caused by Demodex; monthly treatment should continue until two consecutive monthly skin scrapings confirm absence of mites.
• Sarcoptic mange treatment: Controls Sarcoptes scabiei infestations; two consecutive monthly treatments are required for complete clinical resolution.
• Ear mite treatment: A single dose achieves effective control of Otodectes cynotis infestations; persistent ear irritation after treatment warrants veterinary evaluation.
• Heartworm prevention: Prevents Dirofilaria immitis infection when administered monthly without interruption; milbemycin oxime eliminates L3 and L4 larval stages before they develop into adult worms.
• Roundworm treatment: Treats and controls Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina.
• Hookworm treatment: Treats and controls Ancylostoma caninum and Ancylostoma ceylanicum.
• Whipworm treatment: Treats and controls Trichuris vulpis.

Key Benefits

NexGard Spectra addresses multiple parasite burdens within a single monthly chewable, reducing the need to administer separate products for different parasite categories.

• Broad-spectrum coverage: A single tablet delivers concurrent action against ectoparasites (fleas, ticks, mites) and endoparasites (heartworm, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms), eliminating the need for separate flea, tick, and worming products.
• Rapid flea kill: Afoxolaner, an isoxazoline-class compound, kills fleas within 6–8 hours of administration, preventing egg deposition and interrupting environmental reinfestation cycles.
• Systemic, contact-free action: Because NexGard Spectra acts through the bloodstream rather than on the coat surface, fleas do not need to survive on the animal long enough to lay eggs; there is no residue on fur and no bathing restriction applies.
• One-month duration: A single 0.5 g chewable (9.4 mg afoxolaner / 1.9 mg milbemycin oxime) maintains parasite control across all labeled indications for 30 days without re-dosing.
• Suitable from 8 weeks: Dogs weighing 2–3.5 kg from 8 weeks of age can receive this variant, covering the early developmental window when intestinal parasites and heartworm exposure are most clinically significant.
• Oral administration for coat-sensitive pets: Dogs that resist topical spot-on application due to skin sensitivity, dense coats, or behavioral aversion can receive equivalent coverage through an oral chew without contact-related compliance issues.
• Collie-breed compatibility: Clinical studies confirmed NexGard Spectra was well tolerated in Collie breeds, which carry a higher frequency of the MDR1 gene mutation affecting drug transport; however, dogs with known MDR1 mutations or a history of drug sensitivity should be assessed by a veterinarian before initiating treatment.
• Tick pre-infestation control: Existing Paralysis tick infestations are controlled within 24 hours of administration; Brown Dog ticks and Bush ticks reach greater than 95% kill within 48 hours, reducing the risk of tick-paralysis progression in the interim period.

Caution

Hazards to Humans

Accidental ingestion of afoxolaner poses a risk to children; administer the chewable to the dog immediately after removing it from the packaging and keep all doses out of reach of children. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

Hazards to Domestic Animals

NexGard Spectra is formulated for oral administration in dogs only; do not use in cats or other species. This variant is indicated for dogs weighing 2–3.5 kg from 8 weeks of age; do not administer to puppies below this weight or age threshold. Dogs with a history of seizures, neurological disorders, or those that are debilitated, aged, pregnant, or lactating should be assessed by a veterinarian before use. Afoxolaner belongs to the isoxazoline class; adverse reactions, while uncommon, include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, inappetence, pruritus, and rarely, seizures. Consult a veterinarian before combining NexGard Spectra with other medications, particularly those affecting the central nervous system.

Possible Side Effects:

Monitor your dog after each monthly administration, particularly following the first dose.

Afoxolaner (isoxazoline class) adverse reactions are uncommon; reported events include:

• Gastrointestinal signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, and inappetence have been documented; these reactions are generally self-limiting and resolve without intervention within 24–48 hours.
• Dermal and pruritic reactions: Pruritus (itching) has been reported; skin reactions not attributable to the underlying parasitic condition warrant veterinary assessment before the next scheduled dose.
• Systemic signs: Lethargy has been reported following administration; persistent lethargy beyond 48 hours or any neurological sign, including ataxia or muscle tremors, requires veterinary evaluation.
• Seizures: Seizure activity is a rare but documented adverse reaction to isoxazoline-class compounds; dogs with pre-existing seizure history carry elevated risk and should not receive this product without prior veterinary clearance.

If side effects occur or persist, consult your veterinarian.