Dogs of all ages and breeds are susceptible to flea and tick infestations. The blood-sucking parasites attack our dogs, triggering immense discomfort and several vector-borne diseases. Therefore, as responsible dog parents, we must take proactive steps to keep the pesky organisms at bay.
Thankfully, there is a wide range of flea and tick preventives available on the market that work effectively to protect dogs from fleas and ticks. In this blog, we’ll compare two popular flea and tick treatments for dogs – NexGard and Frontline Plus, highlighting their key differences to help you decide which one suits your dog best.
Let’s get started!
NexGard vs. Frontline Plus – A Quick Glance
Here’s an overview of NexGard and Frontline Plus.
NexGard
NexGard comes in the form of beef-flavored, soft chews formulated to kill adult fleas and treat and prevent flea infestations. It also treats and controls tick infestations caused by black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, Gulf Coast ticks, brown dog ticks, and longhorned ticks. The treatment further helps prevent Lyme disease by directly killing black-legged ticks. It is designed for monthly administration and is suitable for dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age, weighing at least 4 lbs.
Frontline Plus
Frontline Plus is available as a long-lasting topical formula indicated to kill fleas at all life stages and to treat and prevent flea infestations, thereby preventing flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). It also treats and controls tick infestations caused by brown dog ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, and black-legged ticks. The treatment further kills ticks that spread Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and other tick-borne diseases. Additionally, Frontline Plus eliminates chewing lice infestations and helps in the control of sarcoptic mange infestations. It remains effective for one month and is suitable for dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age, weighing at least 5 lbs.
Similarities & Differences
The following are the similarities and differences between NexGard and Frontline Plus.
Similarities
- Both treatments are indicated for the treatment and prevention of fleas and ticks
- Both NexGard and Frontline Plus protect against black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, and brown dog ticks.
- Both treatments help in the prevention of Lyme disease by killing black-legged ticks.
- Both NexGard and Frontline Plus are formulated for monthly administration.
- Both products are suitable for dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age.
Differences
- While NexGard comes in the form of oral chews, Frontline Plus is available as a topical formula.
- NexGard treats and prevents tick infestations caused by longhorned ticks and Gulf Coast ticks. However, Frontline Plus doesn’t.
- Frontline Plus helps in the prevention of Rocky Mountain spotted fever by killing ticks associated with disease transmission. NexGard has no such claim.
- While Frontline Plus eliminates chewing lice infestations, NexGard does not.
- Frontline Plus helps in the control of sarcoptic mange infestations. But NexGard does not.
- While NexGard is suitable for dogs and puppies weighing at least 4 lbs, Frontline Plus caters to canines weighing at least 5 lbs.
- Frontline Plus can be used in pregnant, breeding, and lactating dogs. But the safe use of NexGard has not been evaluated in pregnant, breeding, and lactating dogs.
- NexGard is composed of afoxolaner as its active ingredient. Frontline Plus, on the other hand, features fipronil and (S)-methoprene.
NexGard vs. Frontline Plus – A Detailed Analysis
The following table features a detailed comparison between NexGard and Frontline Plus.
Concluding Note
NexGard and Frontline Plus are vet-recommended treatments designed to protect dogs from fleas and multiple tick species. However, they differ when it comes to parasite coverage, composition, and weight requirements.
Both NexGard and Frontline Plus are available on BestVetCare at competitive prices. Explore our online store to get your hands on them from the comfort of your home.