NexGard® Recalls & Controversies Although there have not been any FDA recalls for NexGuard®, the FDA has put out an alert for pet owners and veterinarians. This is because there is potential for neurological adverse events in dogs and cats when they are treated with drugs that fall into the isoxazoline class.
Yes, Nexgard is an incredibly safe and effective prevention for fleas, ticks, and mites. However, because Nexgard is ingested and absorbed into the bloodstream, rather than applied to and spread by the oils of the skin, the few reactions that do occur can seem more dramatic.
It has minimal side effects, and has been shown to be safe at up to 5 times the recommended dose. In a 90-day field study, 415 dogs were administered afoxolaner and no serious adverse reactions were observed with NexGard. The most frequent adverse reaction was vomiting, with 17 dogs experiencing that reaction.
“NexGard (afoxolaner) is one of the isoxazoline class of parasiticides. Please do NOT use any of them again. There are now two isoxazoline-related class-action lawsuits in North America — one in Quebec and the other in New Jersey. The FDA finally has required warnings on the labels and product inserts.
Simparica is an excellent choice for flea and tick protection. The monthly chew also comes with an option for heartworm protection, too, as Simparica Trio. But while Simparica is usually safe flea and tick treatment for dogs, it shouldn't be prescribed to dogs with a history of seizures.
These products are safe to use in the majority of pets, but there are some pets that cannot tolerate the medication (specific liver disorders, pre-existing seizure disorders).
Thank you for your question. I would not expect the lethargy or diarrhea to last more than 12-24 hours.
Both products are safe for dogs when following directions and have been approved by the FDA to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations. While Simparica was trialed and not approved, Nexgard has not yet been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.
In the US field study, one dog with a history of seizures experienced a seizure on the same day after receiving the first dose and on the same day after receiving the second dose of NexGard. This dog experienced a third seizure one week after receiving the third dose.
Both products are safe for dogs when following directions and have been approved by the FDA to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations. However, unlike Bravecto, Nexgard has not yet been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.
Many flea and tick medications are manufactured in a once-monthly topical application or pill. If you miss that monthly dose, your pet is at risk of getting flea or tick bites.
Oral products, like Nexgard (Boehringer Ingelheim) and Bravecto (Merck Animal Health), contain isoxazoline derivatives that negatively affect the tick's nervous system, resulting in death of the tick. Oral products are effective and convenient.
If the itchiness continues despite giving it a few days, that would likely be due to allergies rather than a cause of using Nexgard. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided.
A couple of notable pest control options have emerged as front-runners to keep dogs around the world safe. These include NexGard and Frontline. Both of these products are safe and effective. With that being said, they're also very different in terms of ingredients and use.
Isoxazolines are neurotoxic to more than just insects; they also affect mammals. There is a reason why so many dogs experience seizures, ataxia, and tremors after taking NexGard — the pesticide compromises the dog's central nervous system. Once this happens, there is often no way back.
If you give your dog or cat the flea and tick preventatives Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica, or Credelio, the FDA wants you to be aware that these medications may cause neurological issues like stumbling, seizures, and twitching in your pet.
NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA are both ideal choices for dogs with flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) due to their rapid speed of kill and month-long protection against fleas. For dogs with a flea allergy, monthly treatment with NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA should continue throughout the year without interruption.
Seizures in dogs are common, but it does appear that the risk increases when using Nexgard, Bravecto and Simparica.
Bell says, “NexGard doesn't actually protect your dog from all tick-borne diseases. The tick has to bite the dog before the active ingredients will kill the tick.” Unfortunately, as we all know, some pathogens are transmitted within just a few hours. (I address more about products and how to control ticks below.)
Best Overall: Frontline Plus Topical Treatment
The most frequently recommended is a topical treatment. Frontline Plus is a well-established product: “For more than 20 years, veterinarians and pet owners have been using Frontline Plus for Dogs to effectively prevent, treat, and control fleas,” writes DogProductPicker.
In short, yes, your dog needs flea and tick prevention during the winter months. While it's true that tick and flea species slow down during the winter when outdoor temperatures drop, fleas can easily find their way in your home and onto your pet during the winter.
Best Vet-Recommended Flea Medicine for Dogs
Veterinarians recommend Simparica Trio because of its effective protection against ticks and fleas, as well as heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms—all in one convenient monthly chew. It's a small, liver-flavored chewable tablet available by prescription.
What are the risks associated with Nexgard Spectra? The most common side effects (affecting inbetween 1 to 10 animals in 1,000 animals) were vomiting, diarrhoea, lack of energy, decreased appetite, and itching, which generally were short-lived and resolved spontaneously.