Is NexGard Safe for Puppies and Senior Dogs? Safety, Risks & Vet Opinions
Choosing a flea and tick treatment for your puppy or older dog can be a balancing act: effectiveness versus safety. NexGard (active ingredient afoxolaner) is one of the most prescribed oral flea/tick chewables, but is it safe for the very young and the very old? This guide summarizes what science, regulatory agencies, and veterinarians say to aid in an informed choice. Approved indication: NexGard is labelled for use in puppies 8 weeks and older (and over ~4 lb / 1.8 kg) and in adult dogs when dosed by weight. Effectiveness: Protects against fleas and several tick species for ~1 month per dose. Main safety concerns: Gastrointestinal signs (vomiting, diarrhea), itching/lethargy, and rarely neurologic signs (tremors, ataxia, seizures). Rare neurologic adverse events with the isoxazoline class are noted in the FDA and product literature. What is NexGard (afoxolaner)? How does it work? NexGard contains afoxolaner, a member of the isoxazoline chemical class. It’s given orally o...