Frequently asked questions

NexGard SPECTRA is a once monthly highly palatable beef-flavoured chew that provides the most complete protection against fleas, ticks (brown dog tick, bush tick and the paralysis tick), mites, heartworm and intestinal worms in a single chew. See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

There are two types of chew in the NexGard family - NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA.  Both contain the active ingredient afoxolaner, providing excellent protection against fleas, ticks and mites.  NexGard SPECTRA contains an additional active ingredient, milbemycin oxime, which provides protection against heartworm and intestinal worms. With two active ingredients, NexGard SPECTRA provides the most complete protection against fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm disease and intestinal worms in just one tasty chew. NexGard: See product label for full claim details and directions for use. NexGard SPECTRA: See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

Both NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA chews will protect your dog from fleas and the most problematic tick species infesting dogs in Australia (brown dog tick, bush tick and the deadly paralysis tick) for a full month.

NexGard: See product label for full claim details and directions for use. NexGard SPECTRA: See product label for full claim details and directions for use.

NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA kill fleas by over-stimulating their nervous system, which results in uncontrolled activity of their nervous system and death. This occurs within 6-8 hours of product administration. The rapid speed of action means adult fleas are killed before they can lay eggs, helping to prevent infestation of the environment.  Regular monthly treatment is recommended to keep your pet and home flea free. NexGard: See product label for full claim details and directions for use. NexGard SPECTRA: See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA will kill fleas already present on your dog within 8 hours of initial administration. 
 

As NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA over-stimulate the flea’s nervous system resulting in hyper-excitation, you may see fleas rise to the top of your dog’s coat and appear more visible as they die. NexGard: See product label for full claim details and directions for use. NexGard SPECTRA: See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

Yes, NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA kill fleas rapidly before they lay eggs, thereby preventing further infestation of the environment. If a moderate to heavy environmental infestation exists, fleas can continue to emerge into the surroundings for weeks to months because of the continuing development of flea eggs, larvae and pupae already present at the time of treatment, a phenomenon known as 're-emergence'. It may therefore take more than one monthly treatment to achieve control of moderate to heavy flea infestations. In areas where fleas are common year-round, monthly treatment with either of the NexGard chews should continue throughout the year without interruption. To minimise the likelihood of flea re-infestation, it is important to treat all animals within a household with a registered flea control product. Click here for more information on how to control a flea infestation in your home. NexGard: See product label for full claim details and directions for use.  NexGard SPECTRA: See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

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. To minimise the likelihood of flea re-infestation, it is important to treat all animals within a household with a registered flea control product. Click here for more information on how to control a flea infestation in your home. NexGard: See product label for full claim details and directions for use. NexGard SPECTRA: See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA are highly effective at killing the most problematic tick species infesting dogs in Australia. These are the brown dog tick, bush tick and the deadly paralysis tick. NexGard: See product label for full claim details and directions for use. NexGard SPECTRA: See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA are highly effective at killing the most problematic tick species infesting dogs in Australia. These are the brown dog tick, bush tick and the deadly paralysis tick. A dead tick’s mouthparts may remain anchored in your dog’s skin; however the dead tick can easily be removed using a tick removal device, tweezers, or your fingers. If you’re confident to remove the dead tick yourself, using your fingers or tweezers, grab the tick adjacent to your pet’s skin (at the tick mouthparts), twist the tick and then pluck the tick away from the skin. NexGard: See product label for full claim details and directions for use. NexGard SPECTRA: See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA will protect your dog from ticks (including the deadly Paralysis tick) for a full month. NexGard: See product label for full claim details and directions for use. NexGard SPECTRA: See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

Both NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA protect dogs against mites. Just one monthly chew will treat and control three of the most common mites infesting dogs: Demodex mites (the cause of demodectic mange), Sarcoptes mites (the cause of sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies) and Otodectes, or ear mites (the cause of otedectic mange). NexGard: See product label for full claim details and directions for use. NexGard SPECTRA: See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

Symptoms of ear mite infestations typically include a combination of skin irritation; scratching around the ears, head and neck; head shaking; discharge from the ear that can be dark and waxy (resembling coffee grounds) and an unpleasant odour from the ears. Your vet can confirm if there are ear mites present by looking at a sample of the debris from the ear under a microscope.
 

Mites, especially Sarcoptes mites (also known as scabies mites) can cause intense itching, hair loss, and skin infections. Other symptoms might include red scaly skin, starting in areas of thin hair, such as in the armpits and groin. Your vet can confirm a diagnosis of mites by looking at a skin scrape sample under a microscope.  With both NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA you can protect your dog from mites. Just one chew, once a month treats and controls three of the most common mites infesting dogs: Demodex mites, Sarcoptes mites and Otodectes ear mites. NexGard: See product label for full claim details and directions for use. NexGard SPECTRA: See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

NexGard SPECTRA provides the most complete protection from fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm and intestinal worms, all in one tasty chew.

NexGard rapidly kills adult fleas and is indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations and for the control of newly acquired adult fleas. Following administration, fleas are killed within 6-8 hours. The rapid speed of action means adult fleas are killed before they can lay eggs, helping to prevent infestation of the environment.  Regular monthly treatment is recommended to keep your pet and home flea free.

NexGard SPECTRA treats and controls three of the most common mites infesting dogs: Demodex mites (the cause of demodectic mange), Sarcoptes mites (the cause of sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies) and Otodectes, or ear mites (the cause of otedectic mange).

NexGard kills adult fleas rapidly before they can lay eggs, helping to prevent infestation of the environment.  Regular monthly treatment is recommended to keep your pet and home flea free.

NexGard kills fleas and ticks by over-stimulating their nervous system, which results in death of the parasite.

NexGard SPECTRA kills ticks by over-stimulating their nervous system, which results in death of the parasite.

NexGard provides effective control of pre-existing paralysis tick infestations within 24 hours.

NexGard protects against fleas, ticks and mites and can be included in a treatment program with a heartworm prevention product such as HeartGard³⁰ Plus. Alternatively, NexGard SPECTRA provides the most complete protection from fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm and intestinal worms, all in one tasty chew.

Signs of heartworm disease can be subtle and difficult to detect until its later stages. As the disease progresses, signs may begin to appear. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice coughing, difficulty breathing, sluggishness and less energy for exercise in your dog. Adult heartworm cause serious harm to your dog's heart and lungs, and if left untreated, heartworm disease can result in severe and potentially fatal disease.
 

Although it is possible to treat heartworm disease, it is difficult, expensive and can be risky, particularly in dogs that have begun to exhibit clinical signs. Preventing dogs from acquiring heartworm using a prophylactic medication such as NexGard SPECTRA or HeartGard^30® PLUS is preferable.
 

Your dog’s first dose of NexGard SPECTRA must be administered on, or before, the next due date of the current heartworm preventative. This will avoid any break in heartworm prevention. If your dog’s heartworm prevention has lapsed, speak to your veterinarian. See product label for full claim details and usage instructions.
 

The use of NexGard SPECTRA in heartworm positive dogs has not been evaluated. For further information, speak to your veterinarian.
 

The active ingredient used to kill tapeworms (praziquantel) is bitter and may have compromised palatability of the chew, leading to reduced compliance. Through its rapid control of fleas, NexGard SPECTRA has been shown to be 100% effective at preventing flea tapeworm infestation for a full month however, it will not kill flea tapeworms that may already be present. To control existing tapeworm infestations use ParaGard.
 

Avoid feeding offal and raw meat to dogs and prevent access to dead livestock and wildlife. If hydatid tapeworm is of concern in your area, contact your veterinarian to discuss appropriate tapeworm prevention.  ParaGard provides broad spectrum protection against worms including tapeworms.
 

NexGard SPECTRA protects against fleas,  ticks, mites, heartworm disease and the common intestinal worms, roundworms, hookworms and whipworms. NexGard SPECTRA has been shown to be 100% effective at preventing flea tapeworm infestation for a full month. For active tapeworm infestations, consider using a broad protection allwormer such as ParaGard. NexGard SPECTRA: See product label for full claim details and usage instructions. ParaGard: See product label for full claim details and usage instructions.
 

HeartGard³⁰ PLUS protects your dog from heartworm, roundworm and hookworm.

HeartGard³⁰ PLUS protects your dog from heartworm disease and controls roundworm and hookworm, however it does not treat or control whipworm or tapeworm. If control of whipworm or tapeworm is required then an allwormer such as ParaGard^® can be added to your deworming program.

Heartworm disease has the potential to be fatal in dogs and is found in all mainland states. Heartworm prevention is recommended year-round for all dogs in Australia. 

HeartGard³⁰ PLUS can be given to puppies from six weeks of age.

HeartGard³⁰ PLUS is a non-prescription medication and can be purchased online, at veterinary clinics or at specialty retailers. 

Yes. When used as directed, HeartGard³⁰ PLUS chewables have a wide margin of safety in all breeds of dogs, including stud dogs, breeding bitches and puppies 6 weeks of age and older. 

NexGard is a beef-flavoured chew that is for oral consumption only. For ease of dosing, NexGard can be given with or without food. Remove only one chewable at a time from the foil-backed blister card. NexGard is a highly palatable chew that is readily consumed by dogs when offered as a treat. Alternatively, NexGard can also be fed to your dog in a small amount of dog food. See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

The NexGard SPECTRA chews are mottled red to reddish brown, circular (2–3.5 kg chew) or rectangular shaped (3.6–7.5 kg chew; 7.6–15 kg chew; 15.1–30 kg chew; 30.1–60 kg chew).
 

NexGard SPECTRA is a tasty beef-flavoured chew that dogs love! At the end of a 3 month Australian study, 100% of owners reported that NexGard SPECTRA was well received by their dog*. Reference Boehringer Ingelheim data of file: PR&D 02669001. See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

NexGard is a tasty beef-flavoured chew that’s highly palatable for dogs. Studies have shown dogs prefer NexGard over other popular flea & tick chews*. References: Halos (2015) Open J Vet Med; 5: 25-29; Carithers (2016) Int J Appl Res Vet Med, 14,2.

See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA's simple monthly dosing ensures an easy-to-remember treatment regimen that makes remembering to treat your dog simple.
 

Unlike some treatments, NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA do not need to be given with food. You can choose to give the chew to your dog any time that suits you, with or without food. NexGard: See product label for full claim details and directions for use. NexGard SPECTRA: See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

As with all medications, care should be taken to ensure that your dog consumes the complete chew and treated dogs should be observed for a few minutes after administration to ensure that no part of the chew is lost or rejected. If it is suspected that any of the chew has been lost, treat again with another full chew. NexGard: See product label for full claim details and directions for use. NexGard SPECTRA: See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

As with all medications, care should be taken to ensure that your dog consumes the complete chew and treated dogs should be observed for a few minutes after administration to ensure that no part of the chew is lost or rejected. If it is suspected that any of the chew has been lost, treat again with another full chew.  NexGard: See product label for full claim details and directions for use. NexGard SPECTRA: See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA can be given to your puppy from just 8 weeks of age, providing they weigh at least 2 kg. NexGard: See product label for full claim details and directions for use. NexGard SPECTRA: See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

NexGard chews have been shown to provide effective protection for a complete month: it is not required or recommended to treat more frequently than this. To ensure your dog is always protected, aim to dose your dog on the same day every month. It’s a good idea to set yourself a monthly reminder on your phone. NexGard: See product label for full claim details and directions for use. NexGard SPECTRA: See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

No. You’ve made the right choice in selecting NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA to protect your dog. Don’t risk under-dosing them. In order to ensure your dog receives the correct dose and parasite protection for a full month they must consume the entire chew appropriate for their weight. NexGard: See product label for full claim details and directions for use. NexGard SPECTRA: See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA contain soy proteins. They contain no animal meat protein (including in the beef-flavouring), and are gluten free. Use with caution in dogs with a known hypersensitivity to soy.  Please consult your veterinarian before administering NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA if your dog is undergoing a food trial.
 

No. NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA chews must only be used for dogs. NexGard: See product label for full claim details and directions for use. NexGard SPECTRA: See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

No. The use of NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA in dogs under 2 kg, or less than 8 weeks of age, has not been evaluated. Speak with your vet for parasite control options if your dog is under 2 kg, or less than 8 weeks of age. NexGard: See product label for full claim details and directions for use. NexGard SPECTRA: See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

The use of NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs. Consult your veterinarian for advice on suitable treatment options. NexGard: See product label for full claim details and directions for use. NexGard SPECTRA: See product label for full claim details and directions for use.

For dogs weighing over 60 kg, administer an appropriate combination of chewables, e.g. for a 75 kg dog, administer one 30.1 – 60 kg chew together with one 7.6 – 15 kg chew. See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

There are two active ingredients in NexGard SPECTRA: Afoxolaner and Milbemycin oxime.
 

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health does not recommend the administration of NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA beyond the labelled expiration date.
 

Afoxolaner is part of the isoxazoline family of chemicals. Adverse reactions to this family of chemicals are rarely observed, but may include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, inappetance, itching and very rarely, seizures. Most adverse reactions are self-limiting and of short duration. If you have concerns, please speak to your veterinarian.

ParaGard treats and controls:

●    Tapeworms, including hydatids
●    Hookworms
●    Roundworms
●    Whipworms

ParaGard does not control heartworm in dogs. For heartworm control use HeartGard^30®️ PLUS or for the most complete parasite protection in a single chew use NexGard SPECTRA^®️. 
 

Side effects are rare when ParaGard is administered according to label directions. ParaGard has a wide margin of safety for all sizes and breeds of dogs.  

The active ingredient in NexGard is absorbed within 6 hours, resulting in a rapid protection against fleas. Following administration, fleas are killed within 8 hours.

ParaGard for Dogs may be included in a treatment program with a heartworm prevention product such as HeartGard³⁰ Plus.

You should dose your dog once a month, ideally on the same day of each month. 

Puppies: Treat according to weight at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of age
 - thereafter every 3 months.
Adult Dogs: Treat every 3 months.
Breeding Bitch: Treat during the mating period, during the gestation period one week before birth and 3 to 4 weeks after birth. 
Dogs in hydatid areas should be treated every 6 weeks.
Where whipworm is a problem, treat every 6-8 weeks after 3 months of age
 

Unlike some treatments, NexGard does not need to be given with food. You can choose to give the chew to your dog any time that suits you, with or without food. 

ParaGard is not effective in the treatment or prevention of heartworm. For heartworm prevention, use NexGard SPECTRA or HeartGard³⁰ PLUS. 

NexGard protects against fleas, ticks and mites. For protection against other parasites, such as heartworm or intestinal worms, NexGard may be included in a treatment program with HeartGard³⁰ PLUS or ParaGard for Dogs.

NexGard provides protection from fleas, ticks and mites for a full month. 

The active ingredients in NexGard SPECTRA are absorbed within 4 hours, resulting in rapid protection for your dog. For example, following administration, fleas are killed within 8 hours.

The safe use of NexGard has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs. Consult your veterinarian for advice on suitable treatment options.

If you believe your dog has reacted unexpectedly following ingestion of NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA, please speak to your veterinarian or contact Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Customer Care on 1800 808 691. NexGard: See product label for full claim details and directions for use. NexGard SPECTRA: See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

Safety studies have demonstrated that NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA have a wide safety margin, however, if your dog consumes multiple NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA chewables, please contact your veterinarian.

Afoxolaner is a member of the isoxazoline family of medicines. Adverse reactions to this family may, vary rarely, include seizures. Specific studies with NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA have not been conducted in dogs with epilepsy, and therefore any potential effect of treatment on seizure frequency is unknown.  It is recommended to use isoxazolines with caution in dogs with a history of epilepsy or any other seizure disorder.  Please consult your veterinarian for further information. NexGard: See product label for full claim details and directions for use. NexGard SPECTRA: See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA may cause gastrointestinal disturbances if ingested by humans. In case of accidental ingestion, particularly in the case of children, seek medical advice immediately and provide the product label to the doctor. Alternatively contact the Poisons Information Hotline on 13 11 26. NexGard: See product label for user safety directions.  NexGard SPECTRA: See product label for user safety directions.  To reduce the risk of accidental ingestion, keep out of reach of children, remove only one chewable at a time from the foil-backed blister card and administer to the dog immediately after removal from the packaging. Any suspected human adverse events should be reported to Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Customer Care on 1800 808 691.
 

NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA have been shown to be safe and effective in various breeds of dogs (including Collie breeds) when used as directed and, can be given to puppies from 8 weeks of age, providing they weigh at least 2 kg.  Afoxolaner, the active ingredient in NexGard and NexGard SPECTRA, is part of the isoxazoline family of chemicals. Adverse reactions to this family of chemicals are rarely observed but may include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, inappetence (loss of appetite), itching and very rarely, seizures. Most adverse reactions are self-limiting and of short duration. Use with caution in dogs with a history of epilepsy or any other seizure disorder.

If you have any concerns, please speak to your veterinarian or contact Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health on 1800 808 691. NexGard: See product label for full claim details and directions for use. NexGard SPECTRA: See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
 

NexGard SPECTRA is safe for all breeds of dog when used as directed and can be given to puppies from 8 weeks of age, providing they weigh at least 2 kg.