One of the most essential aspects of dog parenting is keeping dogs safe from internal and external parasites. Thankfully, there is a wide range of treatments available on the market that work effectively to keep the parasites at bay.However, choosing between the available options can be challenging. In this blog, we are happy to provide you with a comparison of two popular choices – Heartgard Plus and NexGard Spectra to help you make a suitable choice for your canine baby.
Read on to find out more!
Heartgard Plus & NexGard Spectra – An Overview
Here is an overview of Heartgard Plus and NexGard Spectra.
Heartgard Plus
Heartgard Plus comes in the form of a beef-flavored chew indicated to protect dogs against heartworm disease by eliminating the tissue stage of heartworm larvae (Dirofilaria immitis). The formula also treats and controls intestinal worms in dogs, including roundworms and hookworms. It protects dogs for one month and is suitable for dogs and puppies from 6 weeks of age.
NexGard Spectra
NexGard Spectra is available as a beef-flavored chew, designed to protect dogs against heartworm disease caused byDirofilaria immitis. The treatment also kills fleas and helps prevent flea infestations, thus aiding in the control of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). It also treats and prevents infestations caused by Asian longhorned ticks and brown dog ticks. Additionally, the treatment treats and controls roundworms, hookworms and whipworms. It further treats and controls mange and mites. Moreover, the product prevents flea tapeworm infestations by directly killing vector fleas. The formula ensures protection for a complete month and is suitable for dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age, weighing at least 4.40 lbs.
Heartgard Plus & NexGard Spectra – Similarities & Differences
The following are the similarities and differences between Heartgard Plus and NexGard Spectra for dogs.
The Similarities
- Both treatments come in the form of beef-flavored oral chews.
- Both Heartgard Plus and NexGard Spectra are indicated for heartworm prevention in dogs.
- Both treatments treat and controls roundworms and hookworms.
- Both are designed for monthly administration.
The Differences
- NexGard Spectra kills adult fleas and treats and prevents flea infestations. Heartgard Plus has no such claims.
- NexGard Spectra controls flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) by directly killing fleas. But Heartgard Plus doesn’t.
- While NexGard Spectra prevents flea tapeworm infestations by directly killing vector fleas, Heartgard Plus doesn’t.
- NexGard Spectra treats and prevents tick infestations. But Heartgard Plus doesn’t.
- While NexGard Spectra treats and controls mange and mites, Heartgard Plus doesn’t.
- NexGard Spectra protects dogs against whipworms. Heartgard Plus has no such claim.
- NexGard Spectra is suitable for dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age. However, Heartgard Plus is designed for dogs and puppies from 6 weeks of age.
- NexGard Spectra is indicated for dogs and puppies from 4.40 lbs. But Heartgard Plus has no minimum weight criterion.
- NexGard Spectra is composed of Afoxolaner and Milbemycin Oxime as its active ingredients. Heartgard Plus, on the other hand, features Ivermectin and Pyrantel as its active ingredients.
A Detailed Analysis
The following table features a detailed comparison between the key features of NexGard Spectra and Heartgard Plus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Heartgard Plus and NexGard Spectra safe for puppies?
Both Heartgard Plus and NexGard Spectra can be used in puppies from 6 weeks and 8 weeks, respectively.
Are there any side effects of using Heartgard Plus and NexGard Spectra?
Both Heartgard Plus and NexGard Spectra are generally well-tolerated by dogs and puppies when used according to the instructions mentioned on the product label.
Do Heartgard Plus and NexGard Spectra protect dogs against all types of intestinal worms?
While Heartgard Plus provides protection against roundworms and hookworms, NexGard Spectra protects against roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.
Parting Words
Both Heartgard Plus for dogs and NexGard Spectra are vet-recommended oral chewables indicated to protect dogs and puppies from several parasite species. However, the formulas differ when it comes to parasitic coverage, composition, and age and weight criteria.
You can purchase both treatments from CanadaVetExpress at the best prices. Visit our online store to explore them from the comfort of your home.
