How Often To Give Nexgard: A Complete Guide

How Often To Give Nexgard

As a pet owner, it’s important to take good care of your furry friend’s health. One of the most important aspects of pet care is protecting them from fleas and ticks. These pesky parasites can cause a range of health issues for your pet, from skin irritation to more serious conditions like Lyme disease. That’s where Nexgard comes in.

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Nexgard is a popular oral flea and tick treatment for dogs. It’s highly effective at killing and preventing fleas and ticks, and many pet owners swear by its efficacy. But how often should you give Nexgard to your furry friend?

The frequency of Nexgard administration depends on various factors, including your pet’s weight, age, and exposure to fleas and ticks. The general recommendation is to give Nexgard once a month for optimal protection. However, in certain cases, your vet may advise a different dosing schedule, particularly if your pet has a heavy flea or tick infestation.

It’s important to follow your vet’s instructions and never exceed the recommended dosage. Giving Nexgard too often can lead to adverse effects on your pet’s health. On the other hand, if you don’t give Nexgard frequently enough, your pet may not be fully protected from fleas and ticks.

Understanding Nexgard Dosage

Nexgard is a popular oral flea and tick medication designed for dogs. In order to effectively protect your furry friend from these pests, it is important to understand the correct dosage instructions.

Administration: Nexgard comes in the form of soft, beef-flavored chewable tablets that dogs typically find palatable. It is important to administer the tablet orally, ensuring that your dog chews and swallows it.

Dosing frequency: The recommended dosing frequency for Nexgard is once a month. It is important to give your dog a new dose of Nexgard every 30 days to maintain continuous protection against fleas and ticks.

Weight-based dosing: Nexgard comes in different strengths to accommodate dogs of various sizes. The dosing is weight-based, so it is important to select the appropriate strength for your dog. Your veterinarian will be able to determine the correct dosage based on your dog’s weight.

Missed dose: If you forget to give your dog a dose of Nexgard, administer it as soon as you remember. However, if the next scheduled dose is due within a week, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule. Do not give your dog a double dose to make up for the missed one.

Overdosing: It is important to give your dog the correct dosage of Nexgard based on their weight. Giving a higher dose than recommended can potentially lead to adverse effects. If you suspect an overdose, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Storage: Nexgard should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the tablets in their original packaging and out of reach of children and pets.

Additional precautions: Always consult with your veterinarian before starting your dog on Nexgard or any other medication. Follow their instructions and recommendations closely to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

By understanding the correct Nexgard dosage and following the recommended guidelines, you can help protect your dog from fleas and ticks and ensure their well-being. Remember to consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice based on your dog’s specific needs.

Factors Affecting Nexgard Frequency

When determining how often to give Nexgard to your pet, there are several factors that you should take into consideration:

Weight: The weight of your pet plays a crucial role in determining the frequency of Nexgard administration. Different dosage strengths are available for different weight ranges, so it is important to select the appropriate dosage based on your pet’s weight.
Age: The age of your pet can also affect the frequency of Nexgard treatment. Puppies and kittens may require more frequent administration of Nexgard to adequately protect them from fleas and ticks.
Environmental Factors: The environment in which your pet lives can impact the frequency of Nexgard treatment. If your pet spends a lot of time outdoors in areas where fleas and ticks are prevalent, they may require more frequent administration of Nexgard.
Health Status: The overall health status of your pet can influence the frequency of Nexgard administration. Pets with certain medical conditions or compromised immune systems may require more frequent treatment to effectively control fleas and ticks.
Previous Infestations: If your pet has had previous infestations of fleas or ticks, it may be necessary to give Nexgard more frequently to prevent future infestations.
Seasonal Variation: Flea and tick activity can vary depending on the season. During peak seasons, such as summer, it may be necessary to give Nexgard more frequently to ensure optimal protection for your pet.
Concurrent Medications: Certain medications may interact with Nexgard, affecting its efficacy. If your pet is taking any concurrent medications, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate frequency of Nexgard administration.

It is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate frequency of Nexgard administration for your pet. Your veterinarian will consider these factors and provide personalized recommendations to ensure your pet receives the optimum protection against fleas and ticks.

Recommended Nexgard Schedule

Nexgard is a monthly oral flea and tick preventative treatment for dogs. It is important to follow a recommended schedule to ensure effective protection for your pet.

Here is a recommended Nexgard schedule:

Start Nexgard when your dog is at least 8 weeks old.
Administer Nexgard once a month, on the same day.
Continue giving Nexgard every month throughout the year, even during winter months.

Remember, consistency is key in maintaining your dog’s protection against fleas and ticks. Missing a dose or giving it irregularly may decrease the effectiveness of Nexgard.

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It is recommended to keep track of your dog’s Nexgard treatments by marking the dates on a calendar or setting reminders on your phone. This will help ensure that you never miss a dose.

If you have any concerns or questions about the Nexgard schedule for your specific dog, consult with your veterinarian. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your dog’s health and lifestyle.

Always read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and your veterinarian when administering Nexgard to your dog.

Summary of the recommended Nexgard schedule:

Age of Dog	Dosage Frequency
8 weeks or older	Once a month

Adjusting Nexgard Frequency

It is important to adjust the frequency of Nexgard administration based on the specific needs of your dog. While the standard recommendation is to administer Nexgard once a month, there are certain factors that may require a different dosing schedule.

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Weight: One of the most important factors in determining the frequency of Nexgard administration is your dog’s weight. Nexgard comes in different dosages for different weight ranges, so it is crucial to make sure you are using the appropriate dosage for your dog’s weight. If your dog is at the higher end of the weight range for a certain Nexgard dosage, you may need to administer it more frequently than once a month.

Exposure to parasites: If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors or in areas where there is a high risk of parasite exposure, such as wooded areas or areas with a high tick population, you may need to adjust the frequency of Nexgard administration. In these cases, it may be necessary to administer Nexgard more frequently than once a month to ensure your dog is adequately protected against parasites.

Parasite control history: If your dog has a history of infestations or has previously had difficulty with parasite control, your veterinarian may recommend adjusting the frequency of Nexgard administration. This could involve administering Nexgard more frequently or for a longer duration than the standard once-a-month dosing.

Veterinarian recommendation: Ultimately, your veterinarian is the best resource for determining the appropriate frequency of Nexgard administration for your dog. They will take into account your dog’s specific needs, health status, and any underlying conditions that may affect parasite control. Be sure to follow their recommendations closely to ensure your dog receives the optimal protection against parasites.

In conclusion, adjusting the frequency of Nexgard administration may be necessary based on your dog’s weight, exposure to parasites, parasite control history, and veterinarian recommendation. It is important to remember that Nexgard is most effective when administered regularly and consistently, so be sure to maintain a schedule that meets your dog’s specific needs.

Common Questions About Nexgard Dosage

When it comes to administering Nexgard to your pet, it’s important to understand the proper dosage and frequency. Here are some common questions pet owners often have about Nexgard dosage:

How often should I give Nexgard to my dog?

The frequency of Nexgard administration depends on the weight of your dog. Generally, Nexgard should be given once a month. However, for dogs weighing between 4-10 pounds, it is recommended to give Nexgard every two months. 2. Should Nexgard be given with food?

Nexgard can be administered with or without food. The efficacy of the product is not affected by food intake. 3. What if I miss a dose of Nexgard?

If you accidentally miss a dose of Nexgard, simply give it to your dog as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule. 4. Can Nexgard be used on puppies?

Nexgard is safe for use on puppies that are at least 8 weeks old and weigh at least 4 pounds. 5. Can I split a Nexgard tablet in half?

No, Nexgard tablets should not be split. Each tablet is specifically formulated for a particular weight range and splitting it may result in an inaccurate dosage. It is important to always give the full tablet to your dog. 6. What should I do if my dog experiences side effects from Nexgard?

If your dog experiences any side effects after being administered Nexgard, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, contact your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action.

Remember, always consult your veterinarian before starting or changing any medication or treatment plan for your pet. They will be able to provide you with the best advice tailored to your pet’s specific needs.

FAQ:

How often should I give Nexgard to my dog?

You should give Nexgard to your dog once a month. It provides long-lasting protection against fleas and ticks for a full 30 days.

Can I give Nexgard more than once a month?

No, you should not give Nexgard more than once a month. It is designed to provide a month’s worth of protection against fleas and ticks, so giving it more frequently may not be safe or effective.

What happens if I forget to give Nexgard to my dog?

If you forget to give Nexgard to your dog, it’s important to give it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s close to the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular monthly schedule. Do not double dose to make up for the missed one.

What should I do if my dog vomits after taking Nexgard?

If your dog vomits after taking Nexgard, monitor it closely. If the vomiting is mild or only occurs once, it may not be a cause for concern. However, if the vomiting persists or is severe, you should contact your veterinarian for further advice.