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Fleas and ticks are really annoying. As dog parents, we all go through this phase when we notice our dog scratching... again. It makes your dog uncomfortable and leads to infection or serious illness that can affect their overall health. The best solution is to protect your dog from these annoying parasites with flea and tick preventives. In this blog, we have covered the information about two well-known products: NexGard and Simparica chewables for your dogs. To help you know which one actually protects your dog better, we have given here a clear and quick comparison of NexGard vs. Simparica. Let's get started.

What is NexGard for Dogs?

NexGard is a once-a-month, beef-flavored chew that provides protection against fleas and ticks. Manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim, NexGard contains afoxolaner as its active ingredient.

Key specifications:

• Kills adult fleas, treats and prevents flea infestations
• Treats and controls tick infestations caused by black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, lone star ticks, and longhorned ticks
• Helps reduce the risk of Lyme disease infections by killing black-legged ticks (deer ticks)

NexGard Chews are safe for dogs and puppies aged 8 weeks and above, and weighing 4 pounds or more. Many veterinarians recommend NexGard Chews as a reliable and widely used oral flea and tick treatment for early protection of your pup.

What is Simparica for dogs?

Simparica Chewables are a monthly oral treatment designed to provide dogs broad parasite protection in a single dose. Manufactured by Zoetis, Simparica is formulated with sarolaner as its key component and that protects your dog against fleas and ticks. It comes in a flavored chewable tablet form for easy acceptance.

Key specifications:

• Kills adult fleas
• Treats and prevents flea infestations
• Treats and controls tick infestations caused by lone star ticks, Gulf Coast ticks, American dog ticks, black-legged ticks, brown dog ticks, and Asian longhorned ticks)
• Prevents infections that cause Lyme disease by killing black-legged ticks (deer ticks)

As it combines 6 tick species' protection, many veterinarians recommend it as a strong tick-focused option for pet parents. Simparica Chewables are safe for dogs 6 months of age or older and weighing 2.8 pounds or more.

Similarities of NexGard and Simparica Chewables:

• Both are oral parasite treatments for dogs.
• Both come in a delicious chew form that dogs readily accept.
• Both products are administered once a month.
• Both treatments kill adult fleas.
• Both treatments prevent tick infestations caused by black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, lone star ticks, and Asian longhorned ticks.
• Both products help reduce the risk of Lyme disease by killing black-legged ticks.
• In clinical trials by the manufacturers, both products showed improvements in signs of Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD), including erythema, alopecia, papules, scales, etc., as a direct result of eliminating fleas.

Differences Between NexGard and Simparica Chewables for Dogs:

Active ingredients

• NexGard contains afoxolaner.
• Simparica contains sarolaner.

Speed of kill

NexGard starts killing fleas in 4 hours of administration, while Simparica begins killing fleas as fast as 3 hours after initial administration. (As per studies conducted by respective manufacturers.)

Tick coverage:

One of the major differences between the oral treatments is their tick coverage. Both NexGard and Simparica treat and control ticks such as black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, longhorned ticks, and brown dog ticks. Additionally, Simparica offers protection against Gulf Coast ticks.

Effectiveness

Both flea and tick treatments are highly effective. But they differ slightly in how quickly and consistently they act. Here's a clear difference:

NexGard Chewables:

• Starts killing fleas in 4 hours of administration
• Demonstrates over 99% against fleas at 8 hours
• Offers 100% effectiveness against adult fleas within 24 hours for up to 35 days
• Kills fleas before they can lay eggs and prevents future flea infestations
• Effective against common tick species for 28 to 30 days

Simparica Chewables:

• Starts killing fleas in 3 hours
• Reduces the number of live fleas by 96.2% within 8 hours
• Demonstrates 100% effectiveness against adult fleas within 24 hours following treatment
• Kills fleas before they can lay eggs for 35 days
• >99% effective against common ticks within 48 hours post-administration
• Maintains >96% effectiveness against ticks 48 hours post-reinfestation for up to 30 days

Both treatments offer fast-acting flea control within hours, but Simparica shows slightly faster onset results, while NexGard maintains consistent long-term efficacy.

Taste & form:

• NexGard comes in a soft beef-flavored chewable form.
• Simparica comes in a flavored, chewable tablet form.

Suitability:

• NexGard Chewables are suitable for dogs and puppies at least 8 weeks old and with at least 4 pounds of body weight.
• Simparica Chewables are approved for dogs 6 months of age and older and weighing at least 2.8 pounds.

Both treatments come in various strengths for weight-appropriate dosage in dogs of various sizes. Make sure you take advice from your veterinarian and choose suitable pack for appropriate dosing.

Quick Comparison Table

As you can see, their benefits are largely comparable.

• Choose NexGard if you want to start your dog's parasite protection early. (from eight weeks)
• Choose Simparica if you need broader tick coverage.

Both are oral treatments, which are ideal for swimmers and bathers, as they aren't washed off. Both treatments are great options for flea and tick control, and you can pair them with a separate heartworm/intestinal worm treatment for your dog's broad-spectrum protection.

If you are still debating whether NexGard or Simparica is right for your dog, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian, who can review your dog's specific requirements and recommend the suitable option.

Final Thoughts

Even though you tend to think of fleas and ticks as short-term problems, it's important to use flea and tick protection on your dog all year round. Both NexGard and Simparica Chewables are highly effective and veterinarian-approved solutions for protecting your dog from fleas and ticks. With safe dosing and regular veterinary check-ups, you can keep your dog parasite-free and happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions regarding NexGard vs. Simparica dilemma:

1. Which kills fleas faster?

Simparica chews start killing fleas in 3 hours of administration, while the onset of killing with NexGard occurs within 4 hours of administration.

2. Which chewable is suitable for all dogs?

Well, NexGard is safe for dogs and puppies at least 8 weeks of age and 4 pounds of weight, while Simparica is safe for dogs at least 6 months of age and 2.8 pounds of weight. Both treatments are not evaluated for safe use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Always consult your vet before administering any treatment.

3. Can both chews be given with food?

Yes, both NexGard and Simparica can be given with or without food, which makes it easier for most pet parents to administer to picky dogs.

4. What should I do if my dog misses a dose?

You can administer the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then, you can continue with the regular monthly parasite treatment schedule starting from that date. If you are unsure, just talk to your veterinarian.

5. Can I switch between them?

You may start the new treatment when the dose of the previous one is due, to avoid gaps or double-dosing. But it's always best to consult your veterinarian before using any new treatment on your pet.