Best Parasite Protection: NexGard Plus for Dogs vs Simparica Trio?

NexGard Plus for Dogs vs Simparica Trio: Comparing Fleas, Ticks, Lyme & Heartworm Protection

Dogs need strong protection against fleas, ticks, heartworm disease, and Lyme disease to stay healthy. NexGard Plus for Dogs vs Simparica Trio are two popular chewable tablets that help protect dogs from these harmful parasites. Both medications work well to fight off fleas and ticks while also preventing heartworm and some intestinal parasites.

NexGard Plus for Dogs vs Simparica Trio differ slightly in how fast they work and their approved age and weight for dogs, but both offer liver-flavored tablets that dogs usually enjoy. Deciding between NexGard Plus or Simparica Trio often comes down to specific needs like the type of parasites most common in the area or a dog’s size.

Understanding the main benefits and differences of these treatments helps pet owners choose the right protection for their dogs. This article explains how each medicine works and compares their effectiveness to help make that choice easier.

Key Takeways

• Both NexGard Plus and Simparica Trio protect dogs from fleas, ticks, and heartworm.
• Their chewable tablets are flavored to make giving medicine easier.
• Choosing the right option depends on the dog’s size and parasite risks.

Overview Of Nexgard Plus for Dogs vs Simparica Trio

NexGard Plus and Simparica Trio are popular chewable treatments for dogs that protect against several parasites like fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms. Both come in flavored tablet forms designed to be easy to give to dogs and require a veterinarian’s prescription.

What Is Nexgard Plus?

NexGard Plus is a monthly chewable tablet that protects dogs from fleas, ticks, heartworm disease, roundworms, and hookworms. It contains two active ingredients that work together to kill a wide range of parasites.

This product is beef-flavored, which many dogs find tasty. It’s approved for dogs 8 weeks and older and weighing at least 4 pounds. NexGard Plus offers convenient one-and-done protection with a single chew each month, making it easier for pet owners to manage parasite prevention.

What Is Simparica Trio?

Simparica Trio is also a monthly chewable tablet that fights against fleas, ticks, heartworm disease, roundworms, and hookworms. It contains three active ingredients for broader parasite coverage.

Simparica Trio is liver-flavored and often highly palatable to dogs. It is FDA-approved for dogs as young as 8 weeks and weighing 2.8 pounds or more. The smaller weight minimum makes it suitable for smaller or toy breeds compared to NexGard Plus.

Prescription And FDA Approval

Both NexGard Plus for Dogs vs Simparica Trio require a veterinary prescription before they can be purchased or used. This ensures proper dosing and monitoring by a veterinarian.

They are FDA-approved medications, showing that their safety and effectiveness have been tested and verified. Both products meet strict standards for parasite protection and are commonly recommended by vets for comprehensive parasite control in dogs.

Palatability And Flavors

NexGard Plus uses a beef flavor, which dogs often enjoy. The flavor helps encourage dogs to chew the tablet, avoiding the need to hide or force it.

Simparica Trio comes in a liver flavor, which also appeals to many dogs. Palatability is important because it affects how easily dogs accept the medication, improving consistent monthly treatment.

Both chewables are designed to be soft and easy to eat, making parasite prevention less stressful for pets and their owners.

Active Ingredients And Their Roles

NexGard Plus for Dogs vs Simparica Trio both rely on powerful active ingredients to fight fleas, ticks, and other parasites. These ingredients work differently but share a common goal: keeping dogs healthy by targeting pests quickly and effectively. Some ingredients also protect against worms and heartworm disease.

Afoxolaner In Nexgard Plus

Afoxolaner is the main ingredient in NexGard Plus. It belongs to the isoxazoline class, which targets the nervous system of fleas and ticks. When these pests bite a dog treated with afoxolaner, it overstimulates their nerves, causing paralysis and death.

Afoxolaner starts working fast, killing 100% of fleas in 24 hours. It protects against several tick species, including those that can spread Lyme disease. This active ingredient is chewable and flavored with liver, which dogs usually enjoy.

Sarolaner In Simparica Trio

Sarolaner is the key ingredient in Simparica Trio and is also part of the isoxazoline class like afoxolaner. It works by affecting the nervous system of targeted parasites, leading to quick results against fleas and ticks.

Sarolaner protects against more tick species than afoxolaner, including five common types that carry diseases like Lyme disease. It’s also a liver-flavored chewable tablet, making it easy to give to dogs.

Moxidectin And Pyrantel In Simparica Trio

Simparica Trio includes two other important ingredients beside sarolaner: moxidectin and pyrantel. Moxidectin targets heartworms and some intestinal worms by interfering with their nerve and muscle function. This helps protect dogs from heartworm disease.

Pyrantel works well against roundworms and hookworms. It causes paralysis in these worms, making it easier for the dog to pass them out. These two ingredients add worm protection that NexGard Plus offers too, but Simparica Trio combines all in one chew.

Other Key Ingredients

Both NexGard Plus for Dogs vs Simparica Trio tablets include other inactive ingredients that help keep the meds stable and tasty. These may include binders, fillers, and flavorings.

NexGard Plus’s liver flavor helps dogs accept the chew easily. Simparica Trio also uses liver flavoring to mask the taste of active ingredients. Both products are designed for monthly use and combine several parasite protections in single tablets.

Effectiveness Against Fleas And Ticks

Both NexGard Plus for Dogs vs Simparica Trio work well to protect dogs from fleas and ticks. They help stop adult fleas and prevent new infestations. These treatments also cover many types of ticks, including the Gulf Coast tick, which can be harder to control.

Flea Prevention And Treatment

NexGard Plus and Simparica Trio both kill adult fleas quickly. This stops flea infestations from getting worse. They start working within hours after the dog takes the chewable tablet. Monthly use keeps fleas from coming back and protects dogs from flea bites and irritation.

Both treatments help reduce the chance of flea allergies too. Fleas are the main carriers of tapeworm, so stopping them early helps protect dogs from other health problems.

Tick Control, Including Gulf Coast Ticks

Tick protection is important for dogs, especially in areas with several types of ticks. Simparica Trio covers five tick species, including the Gulf Coast tick, which can spread diseases like Lyme disease.

NexGard Plus also fights many common ticks, such as American dog ticks and Lone Star ticks. Both options reduce the risk of ticks biting and spreading illness. Regular use of these chewables provides steady defense throughout tick season.

Efficacy And Broad-Spectrum Treatment

NexGard Plus for Dogs vs Simparica Trio are broad-spectrum, meaning they protect against multiple parasites. Along with fleas and ticks, both fight heartworm disease, roundworms, and hookworms.

The chewable form with liver flavor makes it easy for dogs to take their medicine every month. This helps keep protection consistent and effective against a wide range of parasites at once.

Comparing Heartworm And Intestinal Parasite Protection

Both NexGard Plus for Dogs vs Simparica Trio offer protection against heartworm disease and several types of intestinal parasites. They use different ingredients but target similar threats like heartworms and various worms inside dogs. Understanding their strengths can help choose the right option for a dog’s parasite needs.

Heartworm Disease Prevention

NexGard Plus for Dogs vs Simparica Trio both prevent heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis. They contain macrocyclic lactones, which kill heartworm larvae before they develop into adults. This helps protect dogs from heartworm infections.

Simparica Trio’s heartworm protection is combined with treatments for other parasites. NexGard Plus also covers heartworms but focuses more on fleas and ticks.

Neither product fully covers macrocyclic lactone-resistant heartworm strains, which are harder to treat. Vets may recommend testing dogs frequently in areas where resistant heartworms are common.

Protection Against Intestinal Worms

Simparica Trio provides treatment for several intestinal worms like roundworms (Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina) and hookworms. It contains an anthelmintic ingredient effective against these parasites.

NexGard Plus does not treat intestinal worms. Its focus is on fleas, ticks, and heartworms only. For dogs needing intestinal worm coverage, a separate dewormer is often needed if NexGard Plus is used.

Dogs exposed to environments with potentially infected feces, like parks or kennels, benefit most from Simparica Trio’s broader coverage.

Coverage For Hookworm Species

Hookworms such as Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma braziliense, and Uncinaria stenocephala can cause anemia and discomfort in dogs. Simparica Trio treats several species of hookworms, offering better protection against these harmful worms.

NexGard Plus does not claim to cover hookworms. Because hookworms are common intestinal parasites, dogs at risk should be protected specifically against them if they are on NexGard Plus.

Overall, Simparica Trio is the stronger choice for treating multiple hookworm species and other intestinal worms, while NexGard Plus focuses more on external pests and heartworm prevention.

Lyme Disease And Tick-Borne Illnesses

Ticks can spread serious illnesses to dogs, making prevention very important. Some products protect against these diseases better than others. Knowing the risks and how to prevent them helps owners keep their pets safe.

Lyme Disease Prevention

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria spread through tick bites, mainly from black-legged ticks. Dogs infected with Lyme disease may show symptoms like fever, joint pain, and tiredness. If untreated, it can lead to more serious health problems.

Some flea and tick treatments, like Simparica Trio, protect against the ticks that carry Lyme disease. NexGard Plus, however, does not cover Lyme disease prevention. For dogs in areas where Lyme is common, a product that prevents Lyme disease is a key choice.

Regular tick checks are also important. Removing ticks quickly reduces the chance of infection. Using tick prevention combined with regular checks helps reduce Lyme disease risk.

Other Tick-Borne Risks

Dogs face other illnesses from ticks, such as ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis. These diseases cause symptoms like fever, weakness, loss of appetite, and bleeding issues. They can be serious and sometimes fatal.

Simparica Trio protects against multiple tick species that carry these diseases. NexGard Plus covers fewer tick types and does not protect against all tick-borne illnesses.

Using a treatment that covers many tick species provides better protection. In addition to medication, avoiding tick-heavy areas and checking your dog often adds extra safety.

Choosing Between Nexgard Plus Or Simparica Trio

Deciding between Nexgard Plus for Dogs vs Simparica Trio means looking at what each protects against, how they work for young dogs, and any risks involved. These details help pet owners pick the best option for their dog’s health needs.

Comparison Of Spectrum And Coverage

Nexgard Plus for Dogs vs Simparica Trio both fight fleas and ticks, but there are some differences. Simparica Trio also protects against heartworm disease, roundworms, and hookworms in one chewable tablet. Nexgard Plus covers fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms but does not protect against heartworm.

Simparica Trio acts faster on fleas, killing them in about 3 hours, and ticks in 8 hours. Nexgard Plus offers strong protection but may take a little longer to start working. Both come in tasty chewable tablets, which many dogs find appealing. Pet owners should weigh which parasites are most common in their area to choose the right treatment.

Considerations For Puppies

Simparica Trio is approved for puppies starting at 8 weeks old and weighing as little as 2.8 pounds. Nexgard Plus is also approved for puppies from 8 weeks but only for those weighing 4 pounds or more.

For very small or young puppies, Simparica Trio may be a better choice due to its lower weight limit. Both products are given monthly and offer protection all year, which is important for growing dogs. Pet owners should check with their vet to decide which treatment fits their puppy’s size and health needs best.

Side Effects And Precautions

Both Nexgard Plus for Dogs vs Simparica Trio are generally safe but can cause side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite in some dogs. More serious reactions are rare but possible.

Pet owners should avoid giving these meds to dogs with known allergies to the ingredients. It’s important to follow dosage instructions closely. If a dog has liver problems, consultation with a vet is needed because these medications can affect liver function. Monitoring after the first dose helps catch any side effects early for a safer experience.

Administration And Palatability Of Chewable Tablets

Both NexGard Plus for Dogs vs Simparica Trio come in chewable tablet form, designed for easy administration. These tablets are flavored to encourage dogs to take them willingly, which helps with consistent parasite protection.

Chewable Tablet Formulation

NexGard Plus and Simparica Trio are made as soft, chewable tablets. This format makes it simple for pet owners to give the medication without needing to hide it in food. The chewable form is convenient and helps dogs accept the dose more easily than pills.

The tablets are dosed by weight, so the amount matches the size of the dog. These treatments are intended to be given once a month, simplifying flea, tick, and heartworm protection. Using chewable tablets reduces stress during administration compared to other forms like topical liquids.

Liver And Beef Flavored Options

Simparica Trio tablets have a liver flavor, which dogs generally like and can make the tablet more appealing. This flavor is often preferred by dogs that tend to enjoy offal-tasting treats.

NexGard Plus tablets come in a beef flavor. This flavor is also popular with dogs and helps make giving the medicine easier. Dogs that enjoy meat-flavored snacks may find beef flavor more attractive.

Both flavors are designed to increase palatability, helping owners give the treatment without struggle. NexGard Plus has been noted for its high acceptance rate among dogs.

Safety, Side Effects, And Prescription Information

Both NexGard Plus for Dogs vs Simparica Trio require a prescription from a veterinarian. This helps make sure the dog gets the right dose based on age, weight, and health. Always follow the vet’s advice when giving these chewable tablets.

Side effects are usually mild but can happen. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, or tiredness. In rare cases, dogs may show itching, seizures, or allergic reactions. If any serious issues appear, the pet owner should contact their vet immediately.

Dogs with a history of seizures should use these treatments with caution. Simparica Trio specifically warns about this because it contains sarolaner, a drug that may affect the nervous system. NexGard Plus also has ingredients that need careful use in sensitive dogs.

Employees at veterinary clinics often advise monitoring new treatments closely during the first use. They remind owners not to combine these products or give more than one dose at the same time, as this can cause overdosing and more severe side effects.

Both products come in tasty liver-flavored chewables, making administration easier. This usually helps dogs take their medicine without trouble, lowering stress for both pets and owners. Always store the tablets safely out of reach of children and other animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nexgard Plus for Dogs vs Simparica Trio are both used to protect dogs from parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworms. They come in chewable tablet form with liver flavor and are approved for dogs of certain weights and ages.

What are the common side effects of Nexgard Plus for Dogs vs Simparica Trio?

Both medications can cause mild side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. Some dogs might also show signs of itching or tiredness after taking the medication. Serious side effects are rare but should be reported to a vet.

How do the costs compare between Nexgard Plus for Dogs vs Simparica Trio for canine flea and tick prevention?

Nexgard Plus is usually less expensive than Simparica Trio. Both work well for their purpose, but Nexgard Plus is often seen as a more budget-friendly option.

Which provides better protection against fleas and ticks for dogs, Nexgard Plus or Simparica Trio?

Both Nexgard Plus for Dogs vs Simparica Trio effectively kill fleas and ticks. Simparica Trio tends to act faster, killing fleas in about 3 hours and ticks within 8 hours.

Can Nexgard Plus or Simparica Trio help in preventing Lyme disease in dogs?

Yes, both medications protect against the ticks that carry Lyme disease. Preventing tick bites lowers the risk of dogs getting Lyme disease.

Is the liver flavor in Nexgard Plus for Dogs vs Simparica Trio chewable tablets appealing to dogs?

Yes, both chewables have a liver flavor that most dogs find tasty. This makes it easier to give the medication without a struggle.

Which chewable tablet is more effective in preventing heartworm disease in dogs, Nexgard Plus for Dogs vs Simparica Trio?

Both Nexgard Plus for Dogs vs Simparica Trio protect dogs against heartworm disease. They are FDA-approved for this use and work well when given as directed.