Fleas, ticks, heartworms and intestinal worms; our canine companions have to deal with so many parasites. If you take these parasites lightly, you’re asking your dog companions to flirt with danger which is not a great idea and is not something that a loving and caring dog parent would do. What you need to do is provide your four-legged friends with an effective antiparasitic treatment that protects them against all of these blood-suckers.
Although there are endless products available in the market that take care of fleas, ticks and other parasites that trouble dogs. But we have shortlisted two of the most efficient treatments, i.e., Nexgard Plus and Simparica Trio.
In this blog, we’ll compare these two vet-recommended brands so that you can choose the most suitable treatment for your pet.
Nexgard Plus & Simparica Trio – Overview
Nexgard Plus is a tasty, beef-flavored broad-spectrum treatment for 8 weeks and older puppies and dogs, weighing 4 lbs or more. A single dose of Nexgard Plus provides protection against fleas, ticks, heartworm disease and intestinal worms including roundworms and hookworms for one month.
Indicated for use in 8 weeks and older puppies and dogs, Simparica Trio is a palatable liver-flavored all-in-one treatment for dogs weighing 2.8 lbs or more. One dose of Simparica Trio every month protects dogs from fleas, ticks, heartworm disease and gastrointestinal worms including roundworms and hookworms.
Nexgard Plus & Simparica Trio – The Similarities
Nexgard Plus and Simparica Trio have a few similarities between them. The following is what they have in common:
1. Minimum Age
Nexgard Plus and Simparica Trio have the exact same age criterion for administration. Both these treatments can be used in puppies from 8 weeks of age.
2. Mode of Administration, Treatment Form & Durability
Both Nexgard Plus and Simparica Trio come in a tasty, flavored chewable form that needs to be administered orally, once every month.
3. Flea & Heartworm Protection
Nexgard Plus and Simparica Trio both prevent heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis. Either of these treatments is equally efficient in killing adult fleas and useful in the treatment and prevention of flea infestations.
4. Common Tick Protection
Black-legged tick, American dog tick, brown dog tick and Lone star tick; both Nexgard Plus and Simparica Trio are equally effective against these four tick species.
5. Protection against Common Roundworm Species
Nexgard Plus and Simparica Trio efficiently treat and control roundworm infections of two species, i.e., Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina.
Nexgard Plus & Simparica Trio – The Differences
Nexgard Plus and Simparica Trio don’t have everything similar to each other. Here’s how they are different:
1. Composition
- Nexgard Plus contains afoxolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel as active ingredients.
- Simparica Trio is composed of sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel.
2. Weight Criterion
Nexgard Plus is indicated for use in puppies and dogs weighing at least 4 lbs (with 8 weeks of age or older); whereas Simparica Trio should be given to puppies and dogs that weigh 2.8 lbs or more (with 8 weeks of age or older).
3. The Flavor
Nexgard Plus comes in a palatable beef flavor, whereas Simparica Trio offers a tasty liver flavor.
4. Protection against Gulf Coast Ticks
Other than Black-legged tick, American dog tick, brown dog and Lone star tick, Simaprica Trio is useful in the treatment and control of Gulf Coast Tick. Nexgard Plus is however effective against the aforementioned four tick species.
5. Hookworm Protection
Nexgard Plus is effective against three hookworm species including Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma braziliense, and Uncinaria stenocephala; whereas Simparica Trio is indicated for the treatment and control of two hookworm species, i.e., Ancylostoma caninum and adult Uncinaria stenocephala.
6. Lyme Disease Prevention
Due to its direct result of killing black-legged ticks, Simparica Trio is indicated for the prevention of Lyme disease in dogs. There has been no indication of the usage of Nexgard Plus against Lyme disease.
Nexgard Plus and Simparica Trio – Comparison Table
The table below displays a detailed comparison of Nexgard Plus and Simparica Trio product features: 
Nexgard Plus & Simparica Trio: Which one is better?
Overall, Nexgard Plus and Simparica Trio both are highly recommended, vet-approved multi-spectrum treatments for dogs. A single dose of either of these treatments will protect dogs against multiple parasites.
As mentioned in the previous section, Nexgard Plus and Simparica Trio are equally effective against fleas, heartworm disease, a few tick species (Black-legged tick, American dog tick, brown dog tick and Lone star tick), two roundworm species and two hookworm species.
Simparica Trio however offers additional protection against Gulf Coast Ticks and Lyme disease. Nexgard Plus on the other hand is effective against one extra hookworm species (Ancylostoma braziliense). So, choose the one for your pet considering all these factors. If you are in a dilemma, talk to your vet.
[Also Read] Simparica Trio vs Nexgard Spectra – Which is Better?
Nexgard Plus & Simparica Trio – Common Questions
Can I use Nexgard Plus and Simparica Trio together?
No. Nexgard Plus and Simparica Trio are equally effective against fleas, ticks, heartworm disease, roundworms and hookworms. Giving both these treatments at the same time may result in overdosing on the parasiticides and cause moderate to severe adverse reactions in your dog.
Which treatment is better, Nexgard Plus or Simparica Trio?
As mentioned in the previous section, both Nexgard Plus and Simparica Trio are composed of different ingredients and produced by different manufacturers hence they have different modes of action. However, either of these treatments has similar effectiveness against fleas, some tick species, heartworms, two roundworm species and two hookworm species. When it comes to lone star ticks, Lyme disease and hookworm species, i.e., Ancylostoma braziliense, they differ from each other. So, it is up to your pet’s specific requirements that decide which works better for your dog.
Nexgard Plus and Simparica Trio are same?
No. Nexgard Plus and Simparica Trio are manufactured by different manufacturers and contain different ingredients. They provide similar protection against a few parasites but their modes of action are different from each other.
Which one is more expensive, Nexgard Plus or Simparica Trio?
The price of any antiparasitic treatment is determined by several factors, including the composition, utilities, freight, dealer and reseller share, etc.
Nexgard Plus for Dogs
Nexgard Plus protects dogs against fleas, ticks, heartworm disease and gastrointestinal worms including roundworms and hookworms.
Simparica Trio for Dogs
Simparica Trio is effective against fleas, ticks, roundworms, hookworms and prevents heartworm disease and Lyme disease.
