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NexGard (afoxolaner) Chewables from Boehringer Ingelheim are a beef-flavored, once-monthly prescription chew that kills adult fleas before they can lay eggs and treats and controls four species of ticks in dogs. It is approved for dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older weighing at least 4 lb, and it is FDA-approved to prevent Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) infections as a direct result of killing black-legged ticks.
Key facts
- Active ingredient: afoxolaner (an isoxazoline) in 11.3 mg, 28.3 mg, 68 mg, and 136 mg strengths
- Species: dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older, weighing 4 lb or more
- Kills: adult fleas before they can lay eggs, plus black-legged (deer) ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, and brown dog ticks
- Lyme disease: FDA-approved to prevent Lyme infections by killing black-legged ticks before they can transmit the bacteria
- Available sizes: four color-coded weight bands — Orange (4–10 lb), Blue (10.1–24 lb), Purple (24.1–60 lb), Red (60.1–121 lb) — in 1, 3, 6, or 12-dose packs
- Form: beef-flavored soft chew given once monthly
How to use
Give one chew by mouth once a month, with or without food, at the strength your veterinarian prescribes for your dog's weight. Make sure the entire chew is consumed. Store at or below 86°F (30°C). Always follow your veterinarian's instructions.
Safety information
Afoxolaner belongs to the isoxazoline class, which has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures — reported even in dogs without a prior seizure history. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. The most frequently reported adverse reactions are vomiting, itching, dry/flaky skin, diarrhea, lethargy, and lack of appetite. Safe use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. For dogs only — do not give to cats.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between NexGard and NexGard PLUS?
NexGard (afoxolaner) covers fleas and ticks only. NexGard PLUS adds moxidectin and pyrantel, so it also prevents heartworm disease and treats roundworms and hookworms in one monthly chew.
Does NexGard kill ticks?
Yes. NexGard treats and controls four tick species — black-legged (deer), American dog, lone star, and brown dog ticks — and killing black-legged ticks is how it helps prevent Lyme disease infections.
Does NexGard prevent heartworm disease?
No. NexGard is a flea and tick medication only. Pair it with a heartworm preventive such as Heartgard Plus, or switch to NexGard PLUS for combined protection.
Is a prescription required for NexGard?
Yes. NexGard is a prescription medication, so your veterinarian must authorize it under a valid vet-client-patient relationship.
Is NexGard safe for dogs with a history of seizures?
Use with caution. Isoxazoline-class drugs have been associated with tremors, ataxia, and seizures, even in dogs without a prior history. Discuss your dog's neurologic history with your veterinarian before starting.
Where can I buy NexGard?
Order it from our Vetcove pharmacy store — it ships from our home pharmacy and Autoship savings are available.
Need flea, tick, heartworm, and intestinal worm protection in one chew? See NexGard PLUS.