How Long Does It Take For Nexgard Spectra To Work On Ticks?
Ticks are among the most dangerous parasites that can settle on your pet’s skin, causing significant health problems. Aside from being carriers of Lyme disease, ticks can also cause allergies and impose a real threat on your pet’s well-being. That’s why preventive measures are vital, and Nexgard Spectra is an effective solution.
In this article, we will discuss the details of how Nexgard Spectra works on ticks and answer some of the frequently asked questions about this topic.
How Does Nexgard Spectra Work On Ticks?
Nexgard Spectra is a monthly chewable tablet that is known for its swift-acting and long-lasting effect. It is an oral tick and flea preventive formulated with two active ingredients that work together to provide comprehensive coverage.
The first ingredient is Afoxolaner, which is an insecticide that targets parasites’ neurological system, causing them to become paralyzed and eventually die. Afoxolaner is swift-acting, and it usually works within hours of administration. It is ingested by the flea or tick that is clinging onto your pet, and it will start working immediately, causing paralysis and death.
The second active ingredient is Milbemycin oxime, which is a macrocyclic lactone that is effective against heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms. It is also instrumental in preventing flea infestations, adding to the efficacy of Nexgard Spectra.
The combination of these two active ingredients makes Nexgard Spectra a comprehensive preventive solution against ticks, fleas, and other parasites. It works by killing all the existing fleas and ticks that are present on your pet’s body and preventing future infestations for up to 30 days after administration.
How Long Does It Take For Nexgard Spectra To Work On Ticks?
As previously mentioned, Nexgard Spectra works quickly, and it usually starts working within hours of administration. Studies have shown that it takes up to 4 hours for Afoxolaner to reach its peak efficacy, which means that ticks will start dying within four hours of administration.
However, although Nexgard Spectra works quickly, it can take up to 24 hours for all the ticks to be eliminated from your pet’s body. This is because some ticks take longer to die than others, and the elimination process depends on the size and age of the tick.
In some cases, ticks may still be present on your pet’s body for up to 48 hours after administration, but they will be unable to feed or reproduce, thanks to Nexgard Spectra’s paralyzing action.
FAQs About Nexgard Spectra And Ticks
Here are some frequently asked questions about Nexgard Spectra and its effect on ticks:
Is Nexgard Spectra safe for my pet?
Yes, Nexgard Spectra is safe for your pet, as long as you follow the dosage instructions and seek advice from your veterinarian before administering it.
Can Nexgard Spectra cause side effects on my pet?
In rare cases, Nexgard Spectra can cause side effects, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and decreased appetite. However, most of these side effects are mild and self-limitation, and they usually disappear within a few hours.
How often should I give Nexgard Spectra to my pet?
Nexgard Spectra is a monthly preventive, which means that you should administer it once a month to ensure comprehensive coverage against ticks, fleas, and other parasites.
Is Nexgard Spectra a suitable preventive for all pets?
Nexgard Spectra is suitable for dogs that are six months or older, and it comes in different sizes and dosages to accommodate different breeds and weights.
Can I use Nexgard Spectra for cats?
No, Nexgard Spectra is formulated specifically for dogs and is not suitable for cats. Cats require feline-specific tick and flea preventives, and it’s essential to seek advice from your veterinarian before administering any preventive.
Can Nexgard Spectra kill ticks that are in my house or yard?
No, Nexgard Spectra only works on ticks that are clinging onto your pet’s body and does not have any effect on the ticks present in your environment. It’s essential to keep your environment clean and to use tick and flea preventives that are formulated for yards and homes to prevent infestations.
How long should I wait before giving my pet another preventive after administering Nexgard Spectra?
It’s essential to wait for a full month before administering another tick and flea preventive, to prevent any drug interactions or potential side effects.
In conclusion, Nexgard Spectra is a reliable and efficient preventive against ticks, fleas, and other parasites. It works by paralyzing the parasites’ neurological function, causing them to die, and preventing future infestations for up to 30 days after administration. It usually takes up to 24 hours for all the ticks to be eliminated from your pet’s body, but it can take longer in some cases. It’s essential to follow the dosage instructions and seek advice from your veterinarian before administering any preventive and to maintain a clean environment to prevent infestations.