NexGard Spectra for Dogs 8.1-16 lbs (3.6-7.5 kg)

Description

NexGard Spectra for Dogs 8.1–16 lbs (3.6–7.5 kg) delivers concurrent protection against fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm, and intestinal worms in a single monthly oral chewable manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim. Each 1 g tablet contains 18.8 mg afoxolaner and 3.8 mg milbemycin oxime, formulated to meet the minimum labeled dose across the full weight band. This variant is indicated for dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age weighing between 3.6 and 7.5 kg on the day of administration.

Recommended for

Dogs weighing 8.1–16 lbs (3.6–7.5 kg) from 8 weeks of age.

Indication/Coverage

For dogs weighing 8.1–16 lbs (3.6–7.5 kg) suffer from, or at risk from, mixed parasitic infections:

• Flea treatment and prevention: Targets adult Ctenocephalides; afoxolaner inhibits GABA-gated chloride channels in flea neurons, producing uncontrolled neural excitation and death within 6–8 hours of the dog receiving the dose.
• Flea allergy dermatitis control: Kills fleas before accumulated salivary antigen exposure triggers or sustains the allergic response; sustained monthly suppression reduces the frequency and severity of dermatitis flares in sensitized dogs.
• Flea tapeworm prevention: Eliminates the flea vector (Ctenocephalides) responsible for transmitting Dipylidium caninum larvae; infestation occurs when the dog ingests an adult flea carrying larval tapeworm stages, so sustained flea kill breaks the transmission cycle.
• Paralysis tick control: Treats and controls Ixodes holocyclus for one month; pre-existing Paralysis tick infestations are controlled within 24 hours of administration.
• Brown Dog tick control: Treats and controls Rhipicephalus sanguineus with greater than 95% efficacy; kill is achieved within 48 hours of administration.
• 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 dosing should continue until two consecutive monthly skin scrapings confirm complete mite clearance.
• Sarcoptic mange treatment: Controls Sarcoptes scabiei with significant clinical improvement; two consecutive monthly treatments are required for full resolution.
• Ear mite treatment: A single dose achieves effective control of Otodectes cynotis infestations; persistent ear irritation following treatment requires veterinary assessment.
• Heartworm prevention: Prevents Dirofilaria immitis infection by eliminating L3 and L4 larvae before they mature into adult worms; monthly administration without interruption is required to maintain this coverage.
• 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

The following properties distinguish NexGard Spectra from single-indication products within this weight range, based on labeled clinical data from Boehringer Ingelheim.

• Single-tablet coverage: One 1 g chewable replaces separate flea, tick, worming, and heartworm products; consolidating parasite management into a single monthly dose reduces the risk of missed coverage gaps from multiple product schedules.
• Systemic flea kill: Afoxolaner acts through the bloodstream rather than on the coat surface, so fleas are killed upon feeding regardless of coat density, water exposure, or bathing frequency.
• 6–8 hour flea onset: Newly acquired fleas are killed within 6–8 hours, before they can deposit viable eggs; this prevents environmental reinfestation cycles from being replenished by animals in the 3.6–7.5 kg range during the monthly dosing interval.
• Greater than 95% tick efficacy: Paralysis ticks, Brown Dog ticks, and Bush ticks are killed to greater than 95% within 24–48 hours of administration, reducing the window of tick attachment and the risk of paralysis or disease transmission.
• Heartworm larval elimination: Milbemycin oxime eliminates Dirofilaria immitis at the L3 and L4 larval stages; administration on or about the same date each month ensures no larvae progress beyond the susceptible window.
• Eligible from 8 weeks: Dogs in this weight band from 8 weeks of age can commence protection immediately, covering the early developmental period when intestinal worm burdens and environmental heartworm exposure are most clinically significant.
• No water restrictions: Because NexGard Spectra acts systemically, swimming, bathing, and shampooing before or after dosing do not reduce efficacy; this is a practical distinction from topical spot-on products in dogs that are frequently bathed or swim regularly.
• Collie-breed tolerance confirmed: Clinical studies confirmed NexGard Spectra was well tolerated in Collie breeds across this weight range; dogs with documented MDR1 mutations or prior neurological drug sensitivity should nonetheless be assessed by a veterinarian before the first dose.

Caution

Hazards to Humans

Accidental ingestion of afoxolaner poses a risk, particularly to children; administer the chewable to the dog immediately after removing it from the blister packaging. Keep all doses stored out of reach of children. Wash hands after handling the product.

Hazards to Domestic Animals

NexGard Spectra is for oral use in dogs only; do not administer to cats or other species. This variant is indicated for dogs weighing 3.6–7.5 kg from a minimum age of 8 weeks; do not dose animals below this weight or age threshold. Dogs that are debilitated, aged, pregnant, or lactating should be assessed by a veterinarian before use. Afoxolaner belongs to the isoxazoline class; while adverse reactions are uncommon, they include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, inappetence, pruritus, and rarely, seizures. Consult a veterinarian before co-administering NexGard Spectra with any drug affecting the central nervous system.

Possible Side Effects

Monitor your dog closely following each monthly administration, with particular attention after the first dose.

Adverse reactions to isoxazoline-class compounds are uncommon; documented events for NexGard Spectra include:

• Oral and gastrointestinal reactions: Vomiting, diarrhea, and inappetence have been reported following administration; these signs are generally self-limiting and resolve within 24–48 hours without intervention.
• Pruritic reactions: Pruritus (itching) has been noted post-administration; itching that persists beyond the expected resolution window or worsens should be distinguished from pre-existing dermatological conditions before the next dose.
• Systemic signs: Lethargy has been documented; dogs that remain lethargic beyond 48 hours, or that display neurological signs including muscle tremors or ataxia, require prompt veterinary evaluation.
• Seizures: Seizure activity is a rare but documented adverse reaction across the isoxazoline class; dogs with a prior seizure history carry elevated risk and should not receive this product without prior veterinary clearance.

If any side effect occurs or fails to resolve, consult your veterinarian.