One of the biggest challenges that dog parents face is keeping their furry babies protected from internal parasites. However, finding the right treatment can be challenging considering the plethora of options available on the market. One such pair of treatments that often confuses dog parents for internal parasitic protection is NexGard Plus and Heartgard Plus.
Through the following blog, we will provide a detailed comparison between both treatments to help you make a suitable selection for your canine companion. Read on to find out more.
NexGard Plus vs. Heartgard Plus – An Overview
NexGard Plus
NexGard Plus is a beef-flavored oral broad-spectrum monthly treatment for dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age, weighing at least 4 lbs. It helps in the prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis and treats and controls adult hookworm and roundworm infections. The treatment kills adult fleas as well as treats and prevents flea infestations. It further treats and controls black-legged ticks, brown dog ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks and longhorned ticks.
Heartgard Plus
Heartgard Plus is a real beef-flavored monthly treatment for puppies and dogs of at least 6 weeks of age. It protects dogs against heartworm disease by eliminating the tissue stage of heartworm larvae (Dirofilaria immitis). It also treats and controls hookworms and roundworms.
[Also Read] 10 Effective Ways to Keep Your Pets Safe from Heartworms
NexGard Plus and Heartgard Plus – Similarities and Differences
Let’s take a quick glance at the key similarities and differences between NexGard Plus and Heartgard Plus:
Similarities
- Both NexGard Plus and Heartgard Plus come in the form of beef-flavored oral chews.
- Both treatments offer dogs protection against heartworm disease.
- Both products treat and control hookworms and roundworms.
Differences
- While NexGard Plus can be used in canines from 8 weeks of age, Heartgard Plus is suitable for dogs and puppies from 6 weeks.
- NexGard Plus is suitable for dogs and puppies from 4 lbs. Heartgard Plus, on the other hand, doesn’t have a minimum weight criterion.
- NexGard Plus is composed of afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel as its active ingredients. Whereas, Heartgard Plus is made of ivermectin and pyrantel.
- While NexGard Plus covers fleas and ticks (black-legged ticks, brown dog ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks and longhorned ticks), Heartgard Plus doesn’t work against these parasites.
- The safe use of NexGard Plus has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant and lactating dogs. However, Heartgard Plus can be safely offered to pregnant and breeding dogs.
A Detailed Comparison
Here’s a detailed comparison of the product features of NexGard Plus and Heartgard Plus:
Which one you should go for, NexGard Plus or Heartgard Plus?
If you want to protect your dog against heartworms, roundworms and hookworms, either of the treatments can be administered. You will just have to ensure that your pet meets the minimum age and weight criteria. However, if you’re looking for protection against fleas and ticks, you should go for NexGard Plus.
[Also Read] Top 4 All in One Treatments for Fleas, Ticks and Heartworms
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the mode of administration the same for both treatments?
Both NexGard Plus and Heartgard Plus are oral treatments and should be administered once a month.
Are there any specific age and weight requirements for using NexGard Plus and Heartgard Plus?
NexGard Plus can be used in canines from 8 weeks of age, weighing at least 4 lbs. Heartgard Plus is suitable for dogs and puppies from 6 weeks of age and doesn’t have a minimum weight criterion.
Are NexGard Plus and Heartgard Plus safe for breeding, pregnant and lactating dogs?
The safe use of NexGard Plus has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant and lactating dogs. Heartgard can be safely offered to pregnant and breeding dogs.
What is the main difference between NexGard Plus and Heartgard Plus?
NexGard Plus and Heartgard Plus differ when it comes to compositions and parasitic coverage. Nexgard Plus contains afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel and Heartgard Plus contains ivermectin and pyrantel. NexGard Plus is effective against fleas, black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, and lone-star ticks; it prevents heartworm disease and treats & controls roundworms and hookworms. Whereas, Heartgard Plus protects against heartworm disease and treats and controls roundworms and hookworms.
Bottom Line
Both NexGard Plus and Heartgard Plus are vet-recommended treatments that protect dogs against heartworm disease, roundworms and hookworms. However, they have unique compositions, parasitic coverage, dosage and age and weight criteria. Therefore, it is crucial that you carefully determine your canine’s requirements and consult your vet before deciding on a suitable treatment.
